Published Paper Details:

Shalya Tantra is a vital branch of Ayurveda that deals with the management of surgical and para-surgical conditions through Shalya (foreign body or pathological entity removal) and Shastra Karma (operative procedures). While Sushrut Samhita is widely acknowledged as the principal surgical treatise, the concepts of Shalya and Shastra Karma are also systematically addressed in Charak Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya. A comprehensive understanding of these concepts across the Brihattrayi is essential for appreciating the integrated surgical philosophy of Ayurveda. Methods: All the available relevant data were collected from Ayurveda classics: Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Ashtang Hrudaya, commentaries, modern literature, and research journals available from the Database PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: The review revealed that the concept of Shalya in the Brihattrayi extends beyond physical foreign bodies to include internal pathological factors such as vitiated Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. Shastra Karma is uniformly described as a systematic procedure involving Poorva, Pradhana, and Paschat Karma. Sushrut Samhita provides detailed and practical surgical descriptions, whereas Charak Samhita emphasizes surgical decision-making, prognosis, and conservative approaches. Ashtang Hridaya presents a concise and clinically applicable synthesis of surgical principles. Common emphasis on surgical ethics, physician competence, patient care, and post-operative management was observed across all three texts. Conclusion: The Brihattrayi collectively presents a well-structured and holistic framework of Shalya and Shastra Karma, demonstrating that Ayurvedic surgery is a comprehensive discipline integrating preventive, operative, and rehabilitative principles. This critical Samhita review highlights the relevance of classical surgical concepts in strengthening contemporary Shalya Tantra education and clinical practice.