• Dr. Buranoddin Kudachi

Introduction: Dead body preservation is essential for maintaining cadaveric integrity for anatomical education, medico-legal, cultural, and research purposes. Ayurveda describes traditional methods of preserving the dead body, particularly in relation to Mṛtaśarīra examination and Śarīra Vicaya. These methods reflect an early understanding of environmental factors influencing decomposition. Modern medicine employs systematic preservation through refrigeration, embalming, and chemical fixation. Materials and Methods: A conceptual review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic literature concerning Mṛtaśarīra and Śarīra Vicaya, and these descriptions were compared with modern cadaver preservation techniques. Traditional practices involving body selection, wrapping, immersion, and controlled environmental exposure were reviewed alongside refrigeration, embalming, and formalin-based preservation. Results: Ayurvedic descriptions indicate that the body was maintained under controlled environmental conditions to allow gradual decomposition and facilitate anatomical examination. Preservation primarily depended on environmental control and appropriate handling rather than chemical preservatives. Modern methods use refrigeration and chemical embalming agents, particularly formaldehyde-based solutions, to inhibit microbial growth, delay autolysis and putrefaction, and preserve tissues for longer periods. Both approaches aim to delay decomposition and facilitate subsequent examination, although their mechanisms and duration differ. Discussion: The Ayurvedic approach represents an early systematic method of cadaver preservation and anatomical learning. Modern embalming provides more predictable and prolonged preservation through chemical fixation and temperature control. Their comparison demonstrates the evolution from traditional observational practices to scientifically standardized techniques. Conclusion: Ayurvedic dead body preservation provides valuable historical insight into the development of anatomical education and preservation practices. Comparative study of classical Ayurvedic concepts and modern preservation science may further illuminate the historical evolution of cadaver preservation.

Ayurveda, Mṛtaśarīra, Śarīra Vicaya, Dead body preservation, Cadaver preservation, Embalming, Formalin, Anatomy

"EVOLUTION OF DEAD BODY PRESERVATION: FROM ANCIENT AYURVEDIC PRACTICES TO MODERN TECHNIQUES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.a155-a161, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609016.pdf

"EVOLUTION OF DEAD BODY PRESERVATION: FROM ANCIENT AYURVEDIC PRACTICES TO MODERN TECHNIQUES", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppa155-a161, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609016.pdf