Khagendra Mani Darpana is an ancient book on Ayurveda medicine by MangalarajaI, who lived in the 14th century CE. He was in the court of Harihara I as a court physician. This work on medicine has 16 chapters, comprising cures for all diseases of the head, body, mind, and intellect. In addition to prescription of medicines for common ailments, the work deals with specific reference to peculiar diseases in detail. There are preventive as well as curative prescriptions with specific do’s and don’ts.
The author has a philosophical view regarding the final emancipation of individual beings through the application of medicine. He goes to the extent of using this science for moksha, the final emancipation expected by every Hindu to be out of the bondage of birth and death. The objective behind this thinking and suggestion is laudable and is considered to be utkrishta (superlative).
The work is in poetic form and the language is lucid, communicative, and easy to understand. We can find examples for yamaka, anuprasa and other prosodies. His style is captivating. The book is used by Ayurvedic physicians as a guideline for prescribing medicines. The prayers are normally made to Garuda (celestial Vahana of Bhagavan Vishnu) for warding off inauspicious effects and to confirm boons. A similar appeal has been mad and the text is also named after Khagendra (the Garuda for curing diseases and conferring emancipation). The medicines prescribed are like a mirror which can be used for all cures, hence the title Khagendra Mani Darpana.