To truly grasp the essence and legacy of Everest Aroma, one must journey back to the profound Ayurvedic lineage from which it emerged. This lineage began with Maharishi Charak, the sage who elucidated the wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine in his seminal work, the Charak Samhita. His protege, Maharshi Vag Bhatt, devoted his remarkable 135-year lifespan—enriched by the discipline of Brahmacharya—to the study, application, and dissemination of Ayurveda. He distilled this ancient knowledge into a more accessible form in his own treatise, ensuring its understanding by the masses.
Among Maharshi Vag Bhatt’s many disciples, the Atreya clan’s luminary, Acharya Madhavraj, and the successive three generations—spanning his sons Jivanandan and Kedarnath, to his grandsons Kripanandan, Dinnath, and Devarath—imbued their lives with unwavering devotion to their guru’s teachings. They carried forth the sacred practice rooted in the “Asthang Hridaya,” a monumental work penned by Maharishi Vag Bhatt.
Throughout history, this esteemed lineage has not just preserved its vast repository of medical wisdom but has also acted as society’s beacon during its darkest hours. For instance, in the 16th century, when society was besieged by a plague reminiscent of smallpox, Acharya Giridhar of the Atreya clan, along with his brothers and nephews, used their profound Ayurvedic knowledge to breathe life back into thousands. Their monumental efforts, based on traditional practices, became tales of inspiration, echoed and revered for generations. Fast forward to the 18th century, and we find another luminary, Pandit Yadunath, who harnessed the power of Vedic medicine to combat a rampant dysentery outbreak. This achievement became widely acclaimed, further cementing the Atreya clan’s pivotal role in societal well-being.
This venerable lineage, blessed by Maharishi Vagbhata’s guidance, has perpetually championed societal welfare and holistic health care, viewing them as both a primary religious duty and an inherent social responsibility.
In the annals of the Atreya lineage, the name of Guru Yadunath shone with particular luminance. A master of all four Vedas, his reputation reached great heights, leading the masses to revere him as the esteemed Chaturvedi Kaviraj. The aura of respect and admiration that surrounded Guru Yadunath found its echo in his grandson, Gurudatta. A direct beneficiary of the wisdom of Chaturvedi Maha Pandit, his grandfather, and the teachings of Guru Narahari, his father, Gurudatta emerged as an exemplary scholar in his own right. His influence was not confined to a singular locale; it resonated from the eastern territories of Assam and Meghalaya to the western realms of Anmora and Dehradun.
A staunch advocate for the transformative power of education, Gurudatta believed that societal progress hinged on the enlightenment of its members. To
this end, he established educational institutions in various regions, becoming a torchbearer of knowledge. His curriculum wasn’t restricted to academic disciplines; he shared the holistic teachings of Ayurveda, Astrology, and Astronomy with individuals across diverse castes and communities.
Gurudatta’s selfless commitment to societal upliftment extended beyond mere academic education. He tirelessly worked to proliferate the holistic principles of Ayurveda, a medical philosophy uniquely poised to inspire well-being and preventive care. In an age with a burgeoning reliance on reactive medicinal practices, Gurudatta boldly championed Ayurveda’s virtues. He emphasized that while homeopathy, allopathy, Chinese medicine, and Greek methodologies predominantly cater to the diagnosed ailments, Ayurveda stands apart, advocating a lifestyle that fortifies the human body against potential diseases. This belief aligns with the core Ayurvedic mantra, “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinawa,” a principle Gurudatta didn’t merely preach but personified. In a world gradually inclining towards allopathic treatments, he stood as a beacon, a testament to his forebears, ardently espousing that the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda should permeate every corner, illuminating the path to true well-being.
Gurudatta’s vision was pivotal in aligning Ayurveda with the evolving times. Recognizing the need for broader understanding, he endeavored to structure Ayurveda as a formal educational discipline, ensuring it was both comprehensible and accessible to the masses. His efforts bore significance especially in an era that was gradually inclining towards allopathic methodologies. With his sons still too young to shoulder the responsibility, Gurudatta saw wisdom in entrusting his cherished Ayurvedic legacy to his son- in-law, Pandit Pushparaj. Guided by the profound teachings and values of his esteemed Guru, Pandit Pushparaj took up the mantle seamlessly. More than just a healer, this soft-spoken healer carved a unique niche in the societal fabric. His adept Ayurvedic treatments resonated positively within the community, establishing a bond of trust and admiration. In an epoch where allopathic methods gained prominence, Pandit Pushparaj remained vigilant, ensuring that his practice remained unsullied and true to its roots.
The rapid pace of development and modernization had an intoxicating allure, blinding many to the spiritual and cultural treasures of the past. The once- vibrant tapestry of traditions, woven over millennia, faced an unprecedented threat of unraveling. The relentless march of modernity, with its emphasis on innovation and progress, touched all facets of life — from art to apparel, from education to eating habits. As society became increasingly enamored with the new and the novel, a deep chasm grew, distancing many from their ancestral roots and values. In the midst of such vast societal metamorphosis, one might naturally ponder: How could such sweeping transformations not affect a family as steeped in tradition as Pandit Pushparaj’s lineage? Even amidst their deep- rooted reverence for the past, they, too, faced the pressures of an evolving world, struggling to maintain their legacy in an age that often looked forward more than it looked back.
In a time when society heavily leaned towards materialism, pushing aside deep- rooted values and ideals, Pandit Pushparaj faced a daunting challenge. How could he pass on his treasured Ayurvedic heritage to the next generation? Allopathic medicine had gained significant ground, making the survival of traditional Ayurvedic practices difficult. With the rise of advertisements and easy accessibility, allopathy cemented its place in the community, further overshadowing the age-old practices of Ayurveda.
Indira, the esteemed daughter of the late Pandit Pushparaj, bore a silent weight within her heart. How could she not feel a profound sense of sorrow, a yearning, and an emptiness, knowing that the revered knowledge of her grandfather might fade away without being passed on to the world? The once fluid transfer of this divine wisdom had slowed to a mere trickle. Yet, amidst this melancholic reality, she harbored a flicker of hope that perhaps her children might find their way back to this ancient path. But the dilemma she faced was heart-wrenching: how could she possibly place such a heavy responsibility on their young shoulders? Despite her deepest desires, she realized the limitations of her mortal existence, understanding that she couldn’t steer the inexorable march of time. The circumstances evolved in such a manner that she found herself bereft of opportunities to sow the seeds of her aspirations, leaving her with a poignant longing.
Sandeep felt the pain in his mother’s heart deeply. Who wouldn’t want to continue such a rich legacy and the family’s well-regarded reputation? He had many thoughts about these things, but time seemed to be moving in another direction. Sandeep struggled to find the right moment or way to change the situation they found themselves in.
Vivid memories of his grandfather often danced in Sandeep’s mind. He fondly remembered watching him tend to an expansive garden, collecting various plants and herbs. The rhythmic sound of Okhal, the traditional wooden tool used to grind these herbs, became a melody of his childhood. His grandfather would meticulously beat different herbs for days, crafting potent mixtures and powders. The distinctive extracts like Satya Jiwan, Pushpamrit, and other fragrant oils were akin to liquid gold in Sandeep’s memories. These cherished flashbacks always lingered with him.
As Sandeep grew older, the clarity that comes with maturity began to shape his thinking. Divine guidance paired with a newfound determination steered him towards a harmonious path. He noticed a societal shift: awakened groups and conscious individuals were distancing themselves from the adverse effects of allopathic treatments and synthetic chemicals, gravitating instead towards organic and natural remedies. This trend presented Sandeep with a golden opportunity to revive and honor his family’s legacy.
Sandeep felt a strong calling to adapt Ayurveda to the contemporary world. Observing the societal drift towards a more natural way of life, he realized that
Ayurveda held the answers many were seeking. As the years passed, any earlier uncertainties or self-doubts he harbored about being a potential break in the lineage faded away. The vast troves of ancestral knowledge could not remain hidden; it was imperative that society benefit from its wisdom. Inspired by the guiding principle of his great-grandfather – “Sarve bhawantu sukhinawa, sarve shantu niramaya, sarve bhadranni paschayantu, maa kashchit dukhabhag bhawyet” – Sandeep resolved to rekindle and uphold the Ayurvedic traditions of his forebears.
Sandeep saw the potential of modernizing the age-old traditions that Shradaya Guru Gurudatta had instilled in his family. The notion that fragrant oils could be the perfect conduit for delivering the unparalleled medicinal properties of the Himalayas to both local and global audiences began to crystallize in his mind. Serendipity played its part when, during a search for ancient Ayurvedic texts in the family home, Sandeep stumbled upon cryptic manuscripts penned by Guru Gurudatta himself. These precious documents held a wealth of knowledge about aromatic oils, encompassing ingredients like jatamansi, sandalwood, tulsi, deodar, and many more. Further revelations included details about the enigmatic Pushpamrit and the profound “Sutras of True Life”. This discovery wasn’t just enlightening—it was transformative, adding a profound depth to Sandeep’s mission.
Essential oils have held a prominent place not just in Ayurveda, but also in spiritual ceremonies such as Puja and Homan, a religious act of devotion, since time immemorial. Sandeep’s lineage, tracing back to the esteemed Guru Gurudatta, had been deeply involved in crafting extracts from diverse flowers and crucial herbs. This traditional knowledge wasn’t limited to medicinal applications; the family also engaged in trading herbs and attars, with their influence stretching from Lucknow to Kanpur in the expanse of Bharatbarsha (Presently a part of which is India).
Sandeep’s discovery of ancient documents, outlining the formulations of versatile concoctions like Sathya Jeevan and Pushpamrit, further enriched his understanding. Learning about oils from Jatamansi, Deodar, Parijat, Sandalwood, Tulsi, and Agar, and recognizing their cultural and sacred significance, added layers of depth and aroma to his journey in the world of essential oils.
Support from local herb sellers and farmers, who have upheld ancient harvesting traditions, played a pivotal role in enhancing Sandeep’s endeavors. Over time, the establishment of small assembly units and dedicated processing centers became instrumental in crafting premium essential oils which permeated from the eastern markets of India to several European nations, including France. Witnessing global audiences recognize and value the purity of these oils bolstered Sandeep’s confidence. For someone hailing from a modest nation like Nepal, this international acclaim was not just validation but a promise of greater achievements ahead.
As Sandeep delved deeper into the world of aromatic oils, an innovative dimension emerged. He recognized that beyond just harnessing the natural bounty of herbs, cultivating a diverse range of aromatic oil plants could significantly boost production. Setting his sights on the fertile Terai plains of Nepal, he envisioned a three-fold advantage:
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● Augmenting production would simplifyc ommercialization, enhancing profitability.
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● The initiative would uplift the economic stature and living standards of local farmers.
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● Personally, it would afford Sandeep an invaluable opportunity to intricately study farming, herbs, and soil at a microscopic level – an exploration that later manifested as one of his crowning achievements.