What is the purpose of Vaidya?
Explanation: This line has been taken from the poem by the same title 'किं वैद्येन प्रयोजनम्'. In this line, the human being is advised to maintain health which includes the care and protection of the body, from diseases. It is rightly said that, "Health is Wealth."
Health is the first happiness of life. The knowledge of the principles of Ayurveda is essential to maintain health. The first shloka indicates what food item should be taken at the end of the meal, at the end of the day and at the end of the night. The shloka says that buttermilk should be drunk at the end of the lunch as it is good for digestion. That is why it is said that, 'तकं शक्रस्य दुर्लभम्' means it is available even to gods with great difficulty. Milk should be drunk at the end of the day as milk is considered as wholesome food. It is nutritive also. At the end of the night means in the morning, water should be drunk. Drinking water in the morning removes constipation. Those who follow the instructions mentioned in this shloka do not need any treatment from Vaidya or doctor. They remain fit and healthy.