The greatest Ayurveda master during the 5th and 6th century B.C, Jivika, a contemporary of Buddha, helped popularize the Ayurveda system of medicine.

His name was frequently mentioned in Buddhist inscriptions and scriptures. He was a great follower of Buddha and Buddha himself made it known to his followers that Jivika was the chief among them. The list of his patients included apart from the common people, the great Buddha himself and the emperor. It was believed that Buddha’s instructions to his followers to exercise regularly to stay healthy were a result of Jivika’s advice.