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Sanjivani or Sanjeevani is a (mythical) magical herb which has the power to cure any malady. It is believed that medicines prepared from this herb can even revive a dead person. This herb is mentioned in the Ramayana when, during the battle with Ravana, Lakshmana was wounded and was nearly killed by Ravana's son Indrajit. Hanuman was called upon to fetch this herb from the mount Meru in the Himalayas. Upon reaching mount Meru, Hanuman was unable to identify the herb and decided to lift the entire mountain contaning sanjeevini herb.
Indian scientists are today studying the potential of the mythical ´herb of immortality´− The invincible Sanjeevani booti − to understand its survival quality that enables it to live without water. In the absence of water, the herb dries up like any other plant but with a difference − it does not die. (http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Sanjivani/id/561125,http://www.indianpad.com/general_science/51541)
image at: santabanta.com
At IIT Delhi, drawing inspiration from the mythology, we christened our active site directed lead molecule methodology as Sanjeevini after the magical herb.
