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The word panchamahabhuta is made up of three words: ‘pancha’, ‘maha’ and ‘bhuta’. ‘Pancha’ means five, ‘maha’ means great and ‘bhuta’ means that which exists. All the living and non-living objects in the universe are made up of panchamahabhuta.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/10].Therefore, panchamahabhuta are the five fundamental elements responsible for creation of the universe, including humans. Each individual has a unique panchabhautik constitution. This constitution remains in state of equilibrium in health and any imbalance results in disease. It is crucial for healthcare provider to identify panchabhautik imbalance and should have the capability to restore equilibrium.

<p style="text-align:justify;">The word panchamahabhuta is made up of three words: ‘pancha’, ‘maha’ and ‘bhuta’. ‘Pancha’ means five, ‘maha’ means great and ‘bhuta’ means that which exists. All the living and non-living objects in the universe are made up of panchamahabhuta.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/10].Therefore, panchamahabhuta are the five fundamental elements responsible for creation of the universe, including humans. Each individual has a unique panchabhautik constitution. This constitution remains in state of equilibrium in health and any imbalance results in disease. It is crucial for healthcare provider to identify panchabhautik imbalance and should have the capability to restore equilibrium. </p>

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|label5 = Correspondence email:

|label5 = Correspondence email:

|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com

|data5 = dryogeshdeole@gmail.com, carakasamhita@gmail.com

 

|label6 = Date of first publication:

|label7 = Date of first publication:

|data6 = March 25, 2020

|data7 = March 25, 2020

 

}}

}}

==Etymology and derivation==

==Etymology and derivation==

 

The word ‘bhuta’ is derived from “Bhu” dhatu(Sanskrit root) and  “Kta”pratyaya(suffix). It means existence in the universe.<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 12,Pancha mahabhuta;page 66</ref> That which can be perceived through the external sense organs is called Bhuta.<ref>BK Dwivedi.Padarthavijnana. Varanasi: Chowkhambakrishnadas academy;2003.Chapter 2,Dravya vigyana;page49</ref>  

The word ‘bhuta’ is derived from “Bhu” dhatu(Sanskrit root) and  “Kta”pratyaya(suffix). It means existence in the universe.<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter 12,Pancha mahabhuta;page 66</ref> That which can be perceived through the external sense organs is called Bhuta.<ref>BK Dwivedi.Padarthavijnana. Varanasi: Chowkhambakrishnadas academy;2003.Chapter 2,Dravya vigyana;page49</ref>  

==Five fundamental elements ==

==Five fundamental elements ==

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The mahabhuta provide abode for corresponding sense organs to perform their sensory functions.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].8/14]. These sense organs are tools to know panchabhautik matter in the universe. <ref>Gokhale B.V. Ayrvedache Shastra Ayurveda Bhaskar.Marathi book.Mama Gokhale Janma mahotsava samilti. 2003. Pg.128-9.</ref>

The mahabhuta provide abode for corresponding sense organs to perform their sensory functions.[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]].8/14]. These sense organs are tools to know panchabhautik matter in the universe. <ref>Gokhale B.V. Ayurvedache Shastra Ayurveda Bhaskar.Marathi book.Mama Gokhale Janma mahotsava samilti. 2003. Pg.128-9.</ref>

===Characteristics of panchamahabhuta===

===Characteristics of panchamahabhuta===

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===Role of bhutagni in digestion and metabolism===

===Role of [[bhutagni]] in digestion and metabolism===

In the process of digestion and metabolism, the food passes through three levels of action of agni. At first it is acted upon by jatharagni for gross digestion. Then it is acted upon by bhutagni. At this level the agni component of each mahabhuta carries out selective digestion process of their respective component of food. The parthiva agni digests and metabolizes the [[prithvi]] component of ingested food. Further the body constituents are formed by selective process of dhatvagni. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/12-14]

In the process of digestion and metabolism, the food passes through three levels of action of [[agni]]. At first it is acted upon by [[jatharagni]] for gross digestion. Then it is acted upon by bhutagni. At this level the [[agni]] component of each [[mahabhuta]] carries out selective digestion process of their respective component of food. The parthiva agni digests and metabolizes the [[prithvi]] component of ingested food. Further the body constituents are formed by selective process of [[dhatvagni]]. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/12-14]

Body is formed of panchamahabhuta and so is food. When food is ingested, the relevant mahabhuta and body component is increased [Su.Sa.Su.46/526].

Body is formed of panchamahabhuta and so is food. When food is ingested, the relevant [[mahabhuta]] and body component is increased [Su.Sa.Su.46/526].

===Fundamental composition of [[dosha]]===

===Fundamental composition of [[dosha]]===

Doshas are constituted by specific mahabhuta [AS.Su.20/2] as below:  

Doshas are constituted by specific [[mahabhuta]] [AS.Su.20/2] as below:  

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Based on this composition, mahabhuta play vital role in determining basic constitution (prakriti) of human being. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]].8/95] This principle is applied in therapeutics. In case of decrease in vatadosha in body, the regimen which increases [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] mahahuta is prescribed. Accordingly the regimens which increase corresponding doshas are prescribed.  

Based on this composition, mahabhuta play vital role in determining basic constitution ([[prakriti]]) of human being. [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8/95] This principle is applied in therapeutics. In case of decrease in [[vata dosha]] in body, the regimen which increases [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] [[mahabhuta]] is prescribed. Accordingly the regimens which increase corresponding [[dosha]] are prescribed.  

===Classification of marma (vital points) based on panchamahabhuta predominance===

===Classification of [[marma]] (vital points) based on panchamahabhuta predominance===

The marma or vital points/organs in body are classified in five categories on the basis of their harmful effect on body. The harmful effect depends upon their fundamental composition of mahabhuta [Su.Sa.Sha. 6/16] as below.

The [[marma]] or vital points/organs in body are classified in five categories on the basis of their harmful effect on body. The harmful effect depends upon their fundamental composition of [[mahabhuta]] [Su.Sa.Sha. 6/16] as below.

{| class="wikitable"

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Thus,mahabhuta have impact on vital force.  

Thus, mahabhuta have impact on vital force.  

===Taste (rasa) and its panchamahabhuta predominance===

===Taste (rasa) and its panchamahabhuta predominance===

==Application of panchamahabhuta in therapeutics==  

==Application of panchamahabhuta in therapeutics==  

Apart from the therapeutic uses mentioned above, the medicines having dominance of specific mahabhuta are administered in therapeutic procedures. This corresponds to relevant properties and effect of mahabhuta [Su.Sa.Su.41/6-9].

Apart from the therapeutic uses mentioned above, the medicines having dominance of specific [[mahabhuta]] are administered in therapeutic procedures. This corresponds to relevant properties and effect of [[mahabhuta]] [Su.Sa.Su.41/6-9].

===In Purification therapy(shodhana chikitsa)===

===In Purification therapy([[shodhana]] [[chikitsa]])===

{| class="wikitable"

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!Treatment !! Bhuta predominance

!Treatment !! Bhuta predominance

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| |Emesis (Vamana)drug || [[Agni]] and [[vayu]]

| |Emesis ([[Vamana]])drug || [[Agni]] and [[vayu]]

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| |Purgation (Virechana)drug || [[Prithvi]] and [[jala]]

| |Purgation ([[Virechana]])drug || [[Prithvi]] and [[jala]]

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===In pacification therapy (shamana chikitsa)===

===In pacification therapy ([[shamana]] [[chikitsa]])===

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

| |Scarifiying (Lekhana) drug || [[Vayu]] and [[agni]]

| |Scarifiying (Lekhana) drug || [[Vayu]] and [[agni]]

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| |Nurishing (Brihmana) drug || [[Prithvi]] and [[jala]]

| |Nourishing (Brihmana) drug || [[Prithvi]] and [[jala]]

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Panchamahabhuta theory is applied in the management of diseases. The panchabhautik constitution of basic causative factors and pathogenesis of disease is observed. Then the medicines having opposite panchabhautik constitutions are administered to restore equilibrium in the body.  

Panchamahabhuta theory is applied in the management of diseases. The panchabhautik constitution of basic causative factors and pathogenesis of disease is observed. Then the medicines having opposite panchabhautik constitutions are administered to restore equilibrium in the body.  

For example, in Jwara, undigested food (ama) leads to vitiation of nutrient fluids (rasa dhatu). The digestion and metabolism are slowed down. Thus, [[prithvi]] and [[jala]] mahabhuta are increased and cause the disease state. The treatment of jwara includes langhana, swedana, pachana and medicines with bitter taste (tikta). The treatment has [[agni]], [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] dominancy. The herbs like Cyperus rotundus(musta), Zingiber officinale(shunthi) having dominancy of the same mahabhuta are administered in the management. This can be applied in various other diseases too.<ref>Bhardwaj Vikas, Sharma Pankaj, and C. Sahana.  Panchamahabhuta Siddhanta and Chikitsa-A Bird’s Eye View. Ejbps, 2016; 3(11), 154-159.</ref> Thus panchamahabhuta theory is important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

For example, in [[Jwara]], undigested food ([[ama]]) leads to vitiation of nutrient fluids (rasa dhatu). The digestion and metabolism are slowed down. Thus, [[prithvi]] and [[jala]] mahabhuta are increased and cause the disease state. The treatment of jwara includes langhana, swedana, pachana and medicines with bitter taste (tikta). The treatment has [[agni]], [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] dominancy. The herbs like Cyperus rotundus(musta), Zingiber officinale(shunthi) having dominancy of the same mahabhuta are administered in the management. This can be applied in various other diseases too.<ref>Bhardwaj Vikas, Sharma Pankaj, and C. Sahana.  Panchamahabhuta Siddhanta and Chikitsa-A Bird’s Eye View. Ejbps, 2016; 3(11), 154-159.</ref> Thus panchamahabhuta theory is important in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

==Current researches==

==Current researches==

===Role of panchamahabhuta in creation of universe===

===Role of panchamahabhuta in creation of universe===

In addition to the correlation with five spins in quantum mechanics as mentioned above, the panchamahabhuta are important links in creation of universe. As per the science, the universe is evolved  from unmanifest(avyakta) through cosmic inltelligence(mahat) and  ego(ahamkara). Then the panchatanmatra (subtle forms of panchamahabhuta) are evolved from rajas dominant taijas and tamas dominant bhutadi ahamkara. The panchatanmatras are important links for knowledge that allows scientists a more detailed and quantifiable understanding of how consciousness gives rise to matter.<ref>Wallace Kieth, The Structure of Matter. Available from https://doshaguru.com/the-fundamental-structure-of-matter/ accessed on March 24, 2020.</ref>  

In addition to the correlation with five spins in quantum mechanics as mentioned above, the panchamahabhuta are important links in creation of universe. As per the science, the universe is evolved  from [[Avyakta|unmanifest(avyakta)]] through cosmic intelligence ([[mahat]]) and  ego([[ahamkara]]). Then the [[panchatanmatra]] (subtle forms of panchamahabhuta) are evolved from rajas dominant taijas and tamas dominant bhutadi ahamkara. The [[panchatanmatras]] are important links for knowledge that allows scientists a more detailed and quantifiable understanding of how consciousness gives rise to matter.<ref>Wallace Kieth, The Structure of Matter. Available from https://doshaguru.com/the-fundamental-structure-of-matter/ accessed on March 24, 2020.</ref>  

In this regard, the transformation process in the universe becomes a flow of energy.

In this regard, the transformation process in the universe becomes a flow of energy.

'''Government Ayurved college Nagpur:'''

'''Government Ayurved college Nagpur:'''

#Bawisakar Geeta (1989). SharirmeinPanchmahabhutonkivyapakata.

#Bawisakar Geeta (1989). Sharir mein Panchmahabhuton ki vyapakata.

#Mana S. (2000) Vibhinna Panchmahabhuta sanghatanatmaka dravyon ka pranishreeravriddhi par tulanatmaka adhyayana

#Mana S. (2000) Vibhinna Panchmahabhuta sanghatanatmaka dravyon ka prani shareera vriddhi par tulanatmaka adhyayana

== More information ==

== More information ==

*[[Jala mahabhuta]]  

*[[Jala mahabhuta]]  

*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]

*[[Prithvi mahabhuta]]

=== List of references ===

=== List of references ===

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

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

 

==References==

==References==

  [[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]]

[[Category:Pancha mahabhuta]]