Athu Thalore

Metaphor

“Paarum irundiruchu nooru kazhugu / Vaan muzhukka koodi kaathirukkum kaalammeta kalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalamkaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam kaalam. Kaalam (i.e. Time) is the cause for creation, preservation and destrucion of universe. It is directly or indirectly responsible for all the events happening in this world. It moves constantly and can never be stopped. It looks always same to everyone without any partiality (Samas.1. 11/12). Age is the measure of time, that passed since birth (A.Hr.Su. 1/8)^[1]. Time when divided into distinct units gives clear knowledge about standard of physical and mental status, DOSA status, features of healthy person, disease progression, diagnosis and prognosis, seasonal variations and line of treatment (A.Hr.Su. 12/24)^[2]. Time according to day & night, age, and seasons have significant impact on the body and can lead to variations in the visual and functional characteristics of the body (A.Hr.Su. 1/8, 12/24)^[3]. Overall, health status of the body is closely tied to the cycle of time. Every phase of life, from childhood to old age, brings about various physical and mental changes that need to be understood for maintaining good health and treating illnesses. Among the stages of life, vayas (age) is the measure of time from birth until death, divided into three stages: Bala, Madhya, and Vriddha, with each stage characterized by different dominant doshas, mental states, and physical characteristics (A.Hr.Sh. 3/105)^[4]. Childhood, characterized by growth, nourishment, and a focus on physical development, is dominated by Kapha, whereas adulthood is marked by strength, vitality, and Pitta dominance. In old age, Vata becomes dominant, leading to a decline in physical and mental functions, increased vulnerability to diseases, and overall degeneration (A.Hr.Su. 1/8). Modern medicine categorizes aging into distinct biological, psychological, and social phases, marked by progressive declines in physiological function and cellular repair, similar to the concept of jaravastha in Ayurveda, which emphasizes the dominance of Vata in later years and the resulting bodily wear and tear (Shailaja et al., 2017). Through this article, we try to understand the concept of Vayas and Vayovibhhaga according to Ayurvedic and modern medical science and its role in diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, we analyze the age-related physiological and psychological changes as well as the path-ology of diseases. We can optimize health, lengthen lifespan, and increase overall well-being by applying these principles through customized diets, lifestyle adjustments, and targeted therapies like Rasayana. Key words: Kaala, Vayas, Vayovibhhaga, Ageing, Age, Rasayana. 1. Introduction: Kaalam (Time) plays a major role in health and disease. It is an indispensable factor (Mahat), infinite and all-pervading (Nithyam) and holds the status of cause for all effects (Karana Dravya). In Ayurveda, Kaalam plays a vital role in every aspect from dark and light to seasonal changes, life span, disease progression, diagnosis, and treatment (A.Hr.Su. 1/8) [1,2,3]. One of the most significant applications of time in human life is Vayas (age), which represents the duration of time that has passed since birth (A.Hr.Sh. 3/105) [4]. As time progresses, the human body undergoes continuous transformation, which is categorized into different stages of age (Vayovibhaga). Understanding these age stages is essential for maintaining health, preventing disease, and planning treatments. Each stage has its own unique physiological features, dominant Doshas, and psychological characteristics, which influence both normal function and disease development. In this article, we examine the concept of Vayas and Vayovibhaga from both Ayurvedic and modern perspectives, exploring their importance in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Method of Study This paper is based on a narrative literature review. Classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, were reviewed to gather information on the concepts of Kaala, Vayas, and Vayovibhaga. Modern medical literature, gerontology studies, and peer-reviewed articles were also consulted to compare these traditional concepts with current scientific understanding. The collected information was analyzed and synthesized to present an integrated view of age, its divisions, and its clinical relevance.”