EAP810/1/1/18

Titles in original script:

நூல் 1: அகத்தியர் பூரண சூத்திரம்- 216நூல் 2: குரு நாடி சாஸ்திரம்

The manuscript comprises two texts written in verses. The condition of the manuscript is average; the first fifteen leaves are damaged by rodents.

Text 1- The text is entitled Akattiyar Pūraṇa Cūttiram- 216. It consists of 216 verses written on palm leaves numbered from 1 to 48. The leaves 3, 29, 32 and 39 are missing.

This text concerns alchemy and esotericism, including yoga and magic and reference to Civa-Cakti cult; all these subjects are extremely intertwined.

Regarding yoga, it describes three of the chakra-s or ātāraṅkaḷ; cūriya maṇṭalam (solar plexus), cantira maṇṭalam (lunar plexus), cuḻumuṇai tiṟaka (regulation of respiration) and various methods of meditation (vairava tiyāṉam, cuppiramaṇṇiyar tiyāṉam, akattīcar tiyāṉam). The text presents some dietary prescription (pattiyam) as well as therapy for rejuvenation (kāya kaṟpam) by mentioning the appropriate time to consume these products. It gives information for purifying the mind (mūla cutti) and attaining quietude (otuku talam), and explains the nature of sub-conscious mind (tuyil tēkam). It reveals the secret of birth (piṟappu piṟamāṇam), the methods to achieve wisdom and to attain salvation and state of camāti (body disappearance). It describes some mutrākkaḷ of cittarkkaḷ.

Concerning alchemy, the text explains the way to be initiated to the cult of Civa-Cakti, the methods to realise alchemical processes (vētaikkumuṟai) and the means to get skills in alchemy (vatam cittikkum vakai). It describes the types of fuller’s earth (muppu), the sites to collect it and the process to purify it, as well as preparation of racamaṇi (‘mercury pearl’; process of solidification of mercury). Methods to prepare camphor and mercuric chloride and to purify mica are indicated. In addition, it informs on inorganic poisons (paṇam pācānam/ pāṣānam).

Regarding magic, the text explains the places where to apply centūram (calcined oxide products) to send a curse, the methods to get rid of curse, notably the use of the coti viruṭcam (a tree) mentioned by the cittarkkaḷ for achieving this goal. It evokes also the magical art of attract people (vaciyam).

The medical preparations which are specified: Māruti tailam; Karunelli, Mūtaṇṭa kacāyam; Paṭukāya kaṟpam; Kantaka kiṇṇam; Veṉcārai; Makāmūli and Poṉ nimiḷai.

The text offers also a set of songs for praising Lord Civa (Civa mālai kuṉtalam) and mentions Ōmkāra mantiram (ekāṭcāram),.

Text 2- The text, entitled Kuru Nāṭi Cāstiram, consists in 6 leaves numbered from 22 to 31 (end of the text); only leaves 22, 23, 25; 28, 30, 31 are present. The text comprises 44 verses.

The text deals with kuru nāṭi cāstiram. It explains state of the humours vāta, pitta and cilēṟpana (nāṭi nilai) and state of kuru nāṭi. It explains how to identify the three pulses using the three fingers and diagnose the health condition of the patient. It explains the state of pulse of a patient affected by tuberculosis (kācam).

Size of the manuscript 30,5cm x 3,5cm. The 1st text is numbered in Tamil and Arabic from 1 to 48. The leaves 3, 29, 32 and 39 are missing. The 2nd text possesses only 6 leaves numbered in Tamil and Arabic 22, 23, 25, 28, 30 and 31. The manuscript is in average state; the 15 first leaves are damaged.