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|title=Akasha mahabhuta
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|keywords=Akasha mahabhuta, Evolution of Akasha mahabhuta, Akasha mahabhuta Contextual meanings, Numerology of Akasha, characteristics of Akasha, Importance of Akasha, Akasha mahabhuta in ayurved, charak samhita, caraka samhita, ayurveda, deole yogesh, basisht gopal, 
|description=The word Akasha literally means ‘a free or open space’ or ‘the ether’, ‘sky’ or ‘atmosphere’
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<p style='text-align:justify;'>The word Akasha literally means ‘a free or open space’ or ‘the ether’, ‘sky’ or ‘atmosphere’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, akasa, Page 126-27</ref> It is one of the [[panchamahabhuta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1/27]. In human biology, the empty space in the body or cavity corresponds to akasha mahabhuta. Akasha is one of the five basic constituents or fundamental elements of the universe. </p>

{{Infobox

|title =  Contributors

|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Pachamahabhuta]] / Akasha

|label2 = Authors
|data2 = Aneesh E.G., [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]

|label3 = Reviewed by 
|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]

|label4 = Affiliations
|data4 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar 

|label5 = Correspondence email:
|data5 = dryogeshdeole@gmail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com

|label6 = Publisher 
|data6 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

|label7 = Date of first publication:
|data7 = April 10, 2020
|label8 = DOI
|data8 = [https://doi.org/10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.007 10.47468/CSNE.2020.e01.s09.007]
}}

==Etymology and derivation==
<div style='text-align:justify;'>
The word akasha is derived from Kashru-deptau dhatu, meaning  ‘that spreads all over’.<ref name=Dingari2012>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 11,Akasha nirupana;page 64-65</ref>

==Synonyms== 

Nabha, gagana, vyoma, nakshatra loka, divyaloka, viyat, antariksha and kha<ref name=Dingari2012 />

==Contextual meanings==

The term Akasha denotes mainly the following meanings 
# Akasha mahabhuta
# Sky
# Space/ether

==Evolution of Akasha mahabhuta==

In the sequence of the evolution process of [[panchamahabhuta]], Akasha is the first mahabhuta. It evolves from subtle form of sound, ‘shabdatanmatra.’<ref>BK Dwivedi.Padarthavijnana. Varanasi: Chowkhambakrishnadasacademy;2003.Chapter 2,Dravya vigyana;page 70</ref>

==Numerology of Akasha==

Akasha is unique(eka) [Tarkasangraha].<ref name=Dingari2012 /> It is eternal and spreads all over. [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/50]. 

==General characteristics==

A material with the predominance of Akasha mahabhuta possesses the following characteristics. 
*Soft (mrudu) 
*Light( laghu) 
*Subtle (sukshma)
*Smooth (shlakshna)[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].26/11]
*The abundance of sound (shabdaguna). This property is unique for akasha mahabhuta only [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]].1/27].

==Specific characteristics==

Free flow/unobstructability (apratighatatva) is the characteristic feature of akasha mahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 01/29]. Free flow or transport of nutrients in transportation systems (srotasa) indicates this feature of akasha. The empty space or hollow cavities in biological systems are denoted. 

==Importance== 

Akasha mahabhuta is one of the basic six constituents of [[purusha]] or holistic human being. [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 05/04]

===In the constitution of garbha (fetus) and embryogenesis===

Sound (shabda), audition (shrotra), lightness (laghava), fineness(saukshmya ) and disintegration (viveka) in the fetus are attributed to akasha mahabhuta[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]04/12]. Akasha mahabhuta is a factor responsible for determining constitution ([[prakriti]]) of human being formed in embryonic life. It is categorized under mahabhutavikara [[prakriti]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]].08/95] 
After the formation of fetus(garbha), akasha is responsible for enlargement (vivardhana) [Su.Sa.Sha 5/3]. It provides space for enlargement of the size of the fetus. 

===Organs and constituents in the body=== 

*Sound, auditory organ, all orifices and distinctness (bones, blood vessels, ligaments etc) in the body are attributed to akasha mahabhuta [Su.Sa.Sha 1/19].
*In the person, akasha is represented in the form of embodiment, space [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 5/5].

===Inherent properties=== 

*Akasha mahabhuta in its subtle form is one among eightfold nature of all beings (ashta [[prakriti]]) [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira sthana]] 1/64] 
*It is most subtle in nature and as a result, it is the lightest among [[mahabhuta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 4/12] 
*Akasha possesses dominance of sattva guna. Hence it shows the purest form. [Su.Sa.Sha 1/20]

==Importance in clinical practice==

*The [[vata]][[dosha]] is constituted from [[vayu]] and akasha mahabhuta [AS.Su.20/2]. In [[vata]] [[prakriti]] individual, the dominance of properties of akasha mahabhuta are observed. 
*Similarly, in conditions of [[vata]][[dosha]] aggravation, akasha mahabuta predominance is observed. The treatment of such conditions is done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with akasha predominance.  
*On the other side, the akasha mahabhuta dominant regimen is indicated in conditions of [[kapha]] [[dosha]] aggravation. 
*The action of drugs having more akasha mahabhuta is pacification of [[dosha]] (shamana) [Su.Sa.Su.41/6-9]. Akasha predominant drugs are selected for pacifying (shamana) treatment.
*The drugs which are bitter in taste (tikta) have panchamahabhuta constitution as [[vayu]] and akasha[Su.Sa.Su.42/3]. This can produce softness (mardava), porousness (saushirya) and lightness(laghava) in the body [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].26/11]. Therefore these are part of reducing([[langhana]]) treatment prescribed in diseases due to over-nutrition.

==Current views and researches==

The tanmatra form of all mahabhuta is considered as eternal. During the evolution the ‘indistinct’ ([[Avyakta|avyakta]]) acts as a seat for mass and energy. Due to the potential difference in the energy, elementary forces come into action to produce vibrations. These vibrations produce the sound potential first or shabdha tanmatra. <ref>Nalage D H. A study of Samskara and its role in alteration of Pancha-Bhautika composition of Dravya [MD Dissertation]. Jamnagar: Gujarat Ayurved University; 2004</ref> 
In view of quantum mechanics, the akasha mahabhuta corroborates to spin 2 (graviton) and superfield gravity.  In the body, it corresponds with the body channels and spaces.<ref>Sharma Hari,Christopher Clark. Contemporary Ayurveda: Medicine and Research in Maharishi Ayur-Veda.Churchill Livingstone; 1 edition;1997,36-37</ref>

==More information==

* [[Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya]]  
* [[Katidhapurusha Sharira]]  
* [[Indriyopakramaniya Adhyaya]] 

=== Related articles ===

*[[Vayu mahabhuta]] 
*[[Agni mahabhuta]] 
*[[Jala mahabhuta]] 
*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]
*[[Pancha mahabhuta]]

The list of references for Akasha in Charak Samhita can be seen [[Media:Table_of_references_for_Akasha.pdf|here]]

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==References==

[[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]]

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