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ISSN : 2693 6356 

          2018 | Vol 1 | Issue 6 
 

 

Examining the Many Varieties of Gold-Containing Mercury Concoctions, 

or Makaradhwaja 
G . Manish1 , M.Manoj 2, K.Mohan Kumar3 

Anuradha  pharmacy collge 

 

ABSTRACT 

BACKGROUND: Makaradhwaja is a mercurial concoction that contains gold. Most Ayurvedic doctors 
recommend this drug for its stimulating and revitalizing effects. Kupipakwa is the preferred method of 
preparation (the medicine is prepared in a special glass made container called Kupi layered seven times 
over with Fuller's earth, by administering high temperature), while Kharaliya is the second most common 
method (the medicine is prepared by triturating all the compounds using a mortar and pestle). Different 
sources provide varying references for the preparation, which in turn produces variations in its chemical 
makeup, most notably the ppm of gold, and hence its effectiveness. The purpose of this research is to examine 
these variations in treatment and their clinical relevance. CONTENT & APPROACH: The study was finished 
by reviewing data from a number of research publications, Ayurvedic literature, and postgraduate theses. 
Because of the inclusion of heavy metals like mercury and gold, several questions have been raised about the 
safety and toxicity of Makaradhwaja. Since then, several toxicity studies have shown the drug is generally 
safe for consumption within recommended dosage ranges. Ayurvedic doctors continue to choose this 
treatment above all others because of how well it works. When taken correctly, the research indicates that 
Makaradhwaja prepared in any of the many ways is generally safe to use. Many people now self-medicate 
since the pharmaceutical is so widely available, even at drugstores that don't need a doctor's prescription. 
Because of this, the drug is now being used irrationally, diminishing its usefulness. 

Keywords: The Three M's: Makaradhwaja, Preparation, and Security 
 

Introduction 
The preparation of medicine from Parad (Mercury), in 

Rasashatra has been described by many methods. These 

different dosage forms thus made are Kharaliya Rasayana, 

Parpati Rasayana (Medicine prepared by direct heat method 

in the form of flakes), Kupipakwa Rasayana. Makaradhwaja can 

be prepared by two of these methods – Kharaliya (Chandroday 
Rasa) and Kupipakwa (Makaradhwaja). Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja 
is made using elements like Swarna (gold) and 

Gandhak( sulphur). It also contains heavy metals like Parad. 
The three elements i.e. Swarna, Gandhak and Parad are taken 

in different ratios for eg: 1:8:16, 1:8:24 or 1:2:4 in 

Valukayantra (sand bath) [1,2] and subjected to heat for 

obtaining the Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja. While in Kharaliya 
method, trituration of the following compounds is done to 

obtain Kharaliya Makaradhwaja - Powder of Jatiphala (Myristica 
fragrans), Lavang (Syzygium aromaticum), Karpur (Camphor), 
Marich (Piper nigrum), Kasturi (Abelmoschus moschatus), 
Swarnabhasma (Gold ash) and Rasasindoor (A kupipakwa 

preparation consisting of mercury and sulphur). 
 

Many formulations have been mentioned under the name 

of Makaradhwaja and Chandroday Rasa, though named 

differently in different texts (Table.no.1) the preparation of 

Makaradhwaja remains the same. The first reference for the 

preparation of Makaradhwaja by Kupipakwa method is 

mentioned in Rasendra Chintamani. 

 
 

The word Makaradhwaja was first coined by 

Rasratnakar. In some texts Chandroday Rasa has been 

prepared, having the same therapeutic action as 

Makaradhwaja by Kharaliya method. Makaradhwaja is 

used as a Rasayana (rejuvenator), Vrishya (aphrodisiac) 

and Shukral (Spermatogenic) drug. It is the drug of 

choice in various diseases like Sannipatajjwara (fever 

originating from the aggravation of Tridoshas), 

Twakroga (Skin diseases), Raktadosha (blood related 

disorders), Vranastrava (oozing from wounds), Aruchi 
(anorexia), Atisara (diarrhoea), Pravahika(dysentery), 

Spotha (boils) etc. [3] 

 

In the Kupipakwa method the the Makaradhwaja is 

obtained at the neck of the Kupi while the particles of 

Swarna are found at the bottom, whereas in Kharaliya 
method Swarnabhasma is triturated along with all other 

contents. This apparent separation of Swarna particles 

in the former method and blending in the latter 

creates difference in the chemical composition of the 

final product obtained. There is need to evaluate the 

therapeutic action as well as the safety of 

Makaradhwaja prepared by both methods. Hence an 

attempt has been made to review it's properties as per 

the available literature. 



 

 

 

Materials and method 
All available textual references of Makaradhwaja were 

reviewed.  Scientific  s tudies  conducted on 

Makaradhwaja and digitalised information available 

from various reliable sources were collected and 

analysed. 

 

Observations 
Makaradhwaja is prepared by two different methods as 

follows: 

Kupipakwa method: Amalgam of Swarna and Shuddha 
Parad is taken in a Khalvayantra (mortar and pestle) and 

triturated for 4 - 6 hrs, subsequently Shuddha Gandhak 
is added to it in the following ratio of 1:8:16. Mardan 
(trituration) is continued for 24 hrs until a fine 

Nischandra Kajjali - A stage attained during trituration 

of Kajjali (a dry powder like preparation of mercury 

and usually sulphur) wherein the preparation 

becomes completely black and lustre free is obtained. 

Then it is subjected to Bhavana with Ghrutkumari Swaras 
(the juice of Aloe Vera), this is done by adding sufficient 

quantity of the Ghrutkumari Swaras to Kajjali and 

trituration is done for 3 hrs followed by drying it in 

the sun. 

 

This Bhavit Kajjali (the mercurial preparation which 

has undergone Bhavana) is then filled in a Kachkupi (a 

glass bottle specifically prepared to endure long 

duration of heat). This Kupi is then placed in a 

Valukayantra (sand bath) and heat is supplied was in 

Kramagni pattern i.e. 3 hrs of Mandagni (120 -250 C), 6 

hrs of Madhayamagni (250 -450 C) and 3 hrs of 

Tivragni (450 - 650 C). During the course of heating, a 

hot Shalaka (thin rod) is repeatedly inserted in the 

mouth of the Kupi to disperse the accumulation of 

sulphur fumes, which may create blockage. After 

which the mouth of the Kupi is corked and it is 

subjected to heat for another 2 hours. After this, the 

Kupi is kept aside for cooling. A fine thread is tied over 

the Kupi, 1 inch below the collected final product, and 

water is sprinkled over it to break it. Makaradhwaja is 

then collected from the neck of the Kupi.[4] 

 

While in an another reference 6 hours (Dviyama) of 

Mandagni, followed by 6 hours of Madhyamangni and 6 

hours of Tivragni is said to be administered for the 

preparation of Makaradhwaja.[5] 

 

Kharaliya method: In this method first the following 

contents are mixed and subjected to trituration - 

Rasasindoor, Jatiphala Churna, Lavang Churna, Karpur 
Churna and Marich Churna. Then Swarna Bhasm and 

Kasturi are added to this mixture, trituration is 

continued for 3 hrs further. Tablets of Dvigunja size 

(250 mg) are prepared. [6] 

Presently the Bahirdhoom Vidhi (heat applied in open 

medium) mentioned by Rasatarangini is the one 

being followed, with changes in the procedure of 

heating and use of gold in three different forms – 

Varkha (sheets of gold), foils and Bhasmas. In which the 

maximum particles of gold was found to be in the 

Makaradhwaja prepared using gold Varkha[7]. The 

procedure of Gandhak Jarana (the Addition and 

engulfing of Sulphur by Prad or mercury) for Triguna, 
Shadguna Balijarit Makaradhwaja (three times, six times 

mercury infused Kajjali respectively) has shown to 

increase the efficacy of the preparation and also the 

ppm of gold. The increasing level of Gandhak is linked 

with proportional rise in the level of gold in the final 

product obtained.[8] Additionally, the efficacy of 

Makaradhwaja made from Ashtasanskarit Parad (mercury 

which has undergone the eight stepwise procedures of 

purification) is shown to be better than only Shodhit 
Parad (purified mercury) when used in preparation of 

the medicine. [9] 

Discussion 

There are many references found in different Rasa 
texts by the name of Makaradhwaja and Chandroday 
Rasa based on the method of preparation. Few are as 

follows as mentioned in table 1: 
Table no.1: Formulation and its references 

 
 

Sr.No Formulation Classical Text 

Reference 

1 Chandroday Rasa Rasa Chandashu 
Rasendra Sar Sangrah 
Yog Chintamani 
Yog Ratnakar 
Bhaishajya Ratnavali 

2 Makaradhwaja Rasa Ratnakar 
Rasendra Sar Sangrah 
Bhaishajya Ratnavali 
Rasamritam 
Rasratnamanimala 
Rasatarangini 

 
The therapeutic activity of Makaradhwaja & Chandroday 
Ras are compiled in table 2. 

Table no.2: Therapeutic Considerations 

Sr.no Formulation Therapeutic Activity 

1 Makaradhwaja Removes signs of ageing 
like wrinkles and greying of 
hair, Brain booster, 
Improves skin glow, 
Rejuvenation medicine, 
Aphrodisiac, Improves 
Longevity and abates 
oldage [4] 

2 Chandroday Ras Aprodisiac and Improves 
Strength, agility and metabolism. 
[6] 

 



 

 

 

Kupipakwa Makaradhwaja is found at the neck of the Kupi, 
while Swarna or gold particles are found at the bottom of 

the same. The data of research studies of Sanjay 

Khedkar et al in the article - Standard manufacturing 

process of Makaradhwaja prepared by Swarna Patra, Varkh 
and Bhasma wherein gold content was found to be 

131pp, 268 ppm and 19 ppm respectively. This variation 

found in the gold content may be due to the difference in 

particle size. [12] 

 

In another article, the metallographic study of gold 

containing herbo-mineral preparation Makaradhwaja the 

nature of growth of columnar crystal Mercuric sulphide 

was shown to be devoid of gold while in ICP 

spectrophotometry, gold content found was 130 ppm. [8] 

Another study by Prasanta Kumar et al in their study 

“Chemistry of Kupipakwa Rasayana” have mentioned the 

presence of very minute quantity of gold in combination 

with mercuric sulphide at the neck of the Kupi.[13] 

The present market scenario offers Kupipakwa 
Makaradhwaja in two different forms – Makaradhwaja and 

Siddha Makaradhwaja. There are five different pharmacies 

offering the product in various format namely 

Dhootpapeshwar, Zandu, Dabur, Baidyanath, Uma 

Ayurvedic Pvt. Ltd. The product is sold as Makardhwaja, 
Siddha Makardhwaja, Swarna Makardhwajha etc. The 

Kupipakwa method is preferred by almost all 

manufacturers. Kharaliya Vidhi and Antardhoom Vidhi 
(Administering heat to the medicinal preparation, 

keeping it in a closed environment) mentioned in 

Rasatarangini remains to be explored for its full 

potential. The safety evaluation of the preparation 

reveals that it is safe for usage and does not produce 

untoward effect on the body when given in the correct 

dosage. The easy availability of the product teamed with 

its popularity in enhancing vigour and vitality has caused 

it to be used indiscriminately by the masses. 

 

Conclusion 
There has been no analytical study conducted on 

Makaradhwaja by Kharaliya Method & the benefits or 

harm of mixing Swarna found at the bottom of the Kupi 
with the product at the neck to produce Makaradhwaja. 

Further studies must be conducted to evaluate the 

therapeutic and safety concerns of Makaradhwaja made 

from both the methods. 

 

References 
1. Pt. Hariprapanna Sharma, Rasa Yoga Sagar, 

Varanasi, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2010, 
Volume I, p.433 

2. Pt. Hariprapanna Sharma, Rasa Yoga Sagar, 
Varanasi, Chaukhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2010, 
Volume II, p.4137-38 

3. Pal MN. Role of mercury in Ayurvedic drug. 
Proceedings of First International Conference 
Elements in Health and Diseases. New Delhi: 
WHO and Institute of History of Medicine and 
medical Research. 1984, p. 249 

4. Shri Govinda Dasji, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Prof. 
Siddhinandan Mishra, 16th Edition, Varanasi, 
Chaukhamba Prakashan, 2015, p. 194 

5. Shri Sadanand Sharma, Rasatarangini, Shasta 
Tarang, Pt. Kashinath Shastri, 8th re-edition, New 
Delhi, Motilal Banarasidas, 2014, 6/ 149-152 

6. Shri Govinda Dasji, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Prof. 
Siddhinandan Mishra, 16th Edition, Varanasi, 
Chaukhamba Prakashan, 2015, p.1135 

7. Sanjay Khedekar, B.J.Patgiri et al. Standard 
manufacturing process of Makaradhwaja 
prepared by Swarna Patra- Varkha and Bhasma,. 
Ayu. 2011;32(1):109-115 

8. Sanjay Khedekar, B.J.Patgiri et al. A scientific 
review of gold containing herbo-mineral 
preparation: Makaradhwaja. Intl. Journal of 
Green Pharmacy, Oct-Dec 2015 (Suppl);9(4): 7-11 

9. Shraddha Nanasaheb Dhundi, Pradeep Kumar 
Prajatpati. Review on Various Experimental and 
Clinical Studies Conducted on Makaradhwaja. 
Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine. 2013;2(3) 

10. Gajendra Kumar, Amita Srivastava et al. Safety 
Evaluation of mercury based Ayurvedic 
formulation(Sidh Makardhwaja) on brain 
cerebrum, liver & kidney in rats. The Indian 
Journal of Medicinal Research. 2014;139(4): 610-
618 

11. Ibidem Bhaishajya Ratnavali (6), p.1136 
12. Prajapati PK, Dubey GP, Prakash B, Pandey VB, 

Kumar M, Joshi D. Pharmaceutical and 
experimental studies on Makaradhwaja. MD 
Dissertation, BHU, Varanasi; 1993 

13. Prasanta Kumar Sarkar, Neky J. Mehta, P. K. 
Prajapati. Chemistry of Kupipakwa Rasayanas – A 
Review. Ancient science of life. 2008; 27(4): 56-63 

 

How to Cite the article: 
Mangala Jadhav, Swati S Chirane, Anjali Menon. Review 
of Various types of Makaradhwaja. J. Res. Tradit. Med 2017; 
3(2): 51-54 

 
Source of Support: NIL 

Conflict of Interest: NIL 

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