Well Water
कूपजलम्
Well water (Kupa Jala) or subterranean water emerges from underground sources. Its properties depend on the soil type through which it percolates. Well water is generally heavier than river water or rainwater. Water from wells in sandy soil is lighter, while that from clay or rocky soil is heavier. The depth of the well and the minerals in the surrounding earth affect its taste and medicinal properties. Well water filtered through sand and gravel is considered superior.
What is Well Water (Kupa Jala / कूपजल)?
Well water (Kupa Jala) or subterranean water emerges from underground sources. Its properties depend on the soil type through which it percolates. Well water is generally heavier than river water or rainwater. Water from wells in sandy soil is lighter, while that from clay or rocky soil is heavier. The depth of the well and the minerals in the surrounding earth affect its taste and medicinal properties. Well water filtered through sand and gravel is considered superior.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 12
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Guru (heavy to digest)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 12
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Karkotaka (Momordica dioica), bamboo shoots, Kathillaka, Pattura, rock salt (Saindhava), oil, and well water are also recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 56: Diet for Parasitic Disorders (Shukadosha Pathyapathyam)
Drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Karkotaka (Momordica dioica), bamboo shoots, Kathillaka, Pattura, rock salt (Saindhava), oil, and well water are also recommended.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 45: Diet for Parasitic Disorders (Shukadosha Pathyapathyam)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 56: Diet for Parasitic Disorders (Shukadosha Pathyapathyam); Parishishtam, Chapter 45: Diet for Parasitic Disorders (Shukadosha Pathyapathyam)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Water is of seven types: well water (kaupa), river water (nadeya), lake water (sarasa), pond water (tadaga), spring water (prasravana), underground water (audbhida), and rainwater (chauratya) (verse 7).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Well water (with minerals) is Pitta-promoting, Kapha-destroying, digestive-stimulating, and light.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Step-well water removes Vata and Kapha (verse 33).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Rainwater, Seasonal Collection, and Water Quality (Verses 7-17) Water is of seven types: well water (kaupa), river water (nadeya), lake water (sarasa), pond water (tadaga), spring water (prasravana), underground water (audbhida), and rainwater (chauratya) (verse 7).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Well water (with minerals) is Pitta-promoting, Kapha-destroying, digestive-stimulating, and light.
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances; Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.