Snakebite remains a significant public health challenge in India, affecting over a million people annually. Early Tantric Medicine explores the historical Garuda Tantras, a medical system that flourished over a millennium ago to treat snakebite through a unique synthesis of religious faith, complex visualizations, and secret mantras. Michael Slouber uncovers these nearly lost practices from fragile Sanskrit palm-leaf manuscripts, revealing a sophisticated tradition that integrated herbal medicine with astrology and lore. This volume provides a critical edition and translation of the Kriyakalagunottara, offering a rare glimpse into ancient healing practices.

Why You Should Read?

• Discover the history of the Garuda Tantras, a long-lost medical tradition dedicated to snakebite treatment.
• Examine a unique blend of religious ritual, secret mantras, and practical herbal medicine.
• Access a critical edition and readable translation of the significant Kriyakalagunottara text.
• Gain insight into the intersection of ancient Indian medicine, astrology, and spiritual practice.

About the Author

Michael Slouber is a scholar specializing in the history of medicine and religion in South Asia. His research focuses on the intersection of Tantric traditions and traditional healing systems, particularly those documented in ancient Sanskrit manuscripts. Through his meticulous work in recovering and translating forgotten texts, he provides essential contributions to our understanding of the historical development of medical knowledge in India.