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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.([[Sutra Sthana]] 26/10).Therefore, panchamahabhuta are the five fundamental elements responsible for creation of the universe, including humans. Each individual has a unique panchbhautik constitution. This constitution remains in state of equilibrium in health and any imbalance results in disease. It is crucial for healthcare provider to identify panchbhautik imbalance and should have the capability to restore equilibrium.

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.([[Sutra Sthana]] 26/10).Therefore, panchamahabhuta are the five fundamental elements responsible for creation of the universe, including humans. Each individual has a unique panchbhautik constitution. This constitution remains in state of equilibrium in health and any imbalance results in disease. It is crucial for healthcare provider to identify panchbhautik imbalance and should have the capability to restore equilibrium.

==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 ==

# [[Jala]]

# [[Jala]]

# [[Prithvi]]  

# [[Prithvi]]  

Each of these elements possesses inherent physical properties.  

Each of these elements possesses inherent physical properties.

==Importance of panchamahabhuta==

==Importance of panchamahabhuta ==

 

*Panchamahabhuta are important factors in the creation of the universe. They evolve from the union of tejas (sattva dominant) and bhutadi (tamas dominant) ahamkara. The following diagram shows the evolution and development of the universe.

*Panchamahabhuta are important factors in the creation of the universe. They evolve from the union of tejas (sattva dominant) and bhutadi (tamas dominant) ahamkara. The following diagram shows the evolution and development of the universe.

  [[file:Evolution of panchamahbhuta2.jpg|thumb]] '''Image 1:''' '''Evolution process'''

  [[file:Evolution of panchamahbhuta2.jpg|thumb]] '''Image 1:''' '''Evolution process'''

===Evolution of panchamahabhuta===

===Evolution of panchamahabhuta===

The mahabhuta are evolved from dominance of these specific fundamental constituents of universe as below.  

The mahabhuta are evolved from dominance of these specific fundamental constituents of universe as below.  

*[[Akasha]]: Sattva dominant  

*[[Akasha]]: Sattva dominant  

*[[Aap]]: Sattva and Tamas dominant  

*[[Aap]]: Sattva and Tamas dominant  

*[[Prithvi]]: Tamas dominant

*[[Prithvi]]: Tamas dominant

===Relation with human being===

===Relation with human being===

The [[purusha]] holistic human being is formed by unification of panchamahabhuta and chetana (consciousness). ([[Sharira Sthana]].01/16)

 

The [[purusha]] holistic human being is formed by unification of panchamahabhuta and chetana (consciousness). ([[Sharira Sthana]] 01/16)

 

===Properties of panchamahabhuta===

===Properties of panchamahabhuta===

Each mahabhuta has dominant inherent functions related to the sense organs. The mahabhuta can perceive enhanced other senses due to addition of subtle elements of other mahabhuta as given below.  ([[Sharira Sthana]]. 01/26-28)

 

Each mahabhuta has dominant inherent functions related to the sense organs. The mahabhuta can perceive enhanced other senses due to addition of subtle elements of other mahabhuta as given below.  ([[Sharira Sthana]] 01/26-28)

 

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===Characteristics of panchamahabhuta===

===Characteristics of panchamahabhuta===

Each mahabhuta can be assessed by following characteristic feature

Each mahabhuta can be assessed by following characteristic feature

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Above mentioned criteria are applied to assess fundamental composition of any element. The signs of increase or decrease of these features in body is observed and applied in diagnosis and therapeutics. For example, if the roughness is increased, then increase in [[prithvi]] mahabhuta is known.  

Above mentioned criteria are applied to assess fundamental composition of any element. The signs of increase or decrease of these features in body is observed and applied in diagnosis and therapeutics. For example, if the roughness is increased, then increase in [[prithvi]] mahabhuta is known.  

===Influence of panchamahabhuta in embryogenesis===

===Influence of panchamahabhuta in embryogenesis===

Mahabhuta play basic functions during embryogenesis. After formation of garbha(foetus),  vayu performs function of vibhajana (cell division/multiplication); agni carries function of pachana(metabolism); jala carries function of kledana(moisture or fluid);prithvi carries function of samhanana(compactness or formation of mass); and akasha carries function of vivardhana(enlargement of size). If these functions are carried out in normal proportion, the normal structure of shareera (body) is formed.<ref>Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’ruta sam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,graha Commentry. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2008. sharirasthana 05/03; p.363.</ref>

Mahabhuta play basic functions during embryogenesis. After formation of garbha(foetus),  vayu performs function of vibhajana (cell division/multiplication); agni carries function of pachana(metabolism); jala carries function of kledana(moisture or fluid);prithvi carries function of samhanana(compactness or formation of mass); and akasha carries function of vivardhana(enlargement of size). If these functions are carried out in normal proportion, the normal structure of shareera (body) is formed.<ref>Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’ruta sam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,graha Commentry. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2008. sharirasthana 05/03; p.363.</ref>

In the third month of pregnancy, following body constituents are formed and relative functions begin from mahabhuta.([[Sharira Sthana]].04/12)

In the third month of pregnancy, following body constituents are formed and relative functions begin from mahabhuta.([[Sharira Sthana]].04/12)

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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. ([[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. ([[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.<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. Sutra Sthana 46/526; p.253.</ref>

Body is formed of panchamahabhuta and so is food. When food is ingested, the relevant mahabhuta and body component is increased.<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. Sutra Sthana 46/526; p.253.</ref>

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Based on this composition, mahabhuta play vital role in determining prakriti (basic constitution) of human being. ([[Vimana Sthana]].08/95) 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 prakriti (basic constitution) of human being. ([[Vimana Sthana]].08/95) 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.  

===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<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. sharirasthana06/16; p.371.</ref> 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<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. sharirasthana06/16; p.371.</ref> as below.

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Thus,mahabhuta have impact on vital force.  

Thus,mahabhuta have impact on vital force.  

===Rasa (taste) and its panchamahabhuta predominance===

===Rasa (taste) and its panchamahabhuta predominance===

Panchamahabhuta composition determine specific taste of a substance.  Accordingly the rasa or tastes perform relevant biological activities and effects.<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. sutrasthana 42/03; p.183.</ref> ([[Sutra Sthana]] 26/40)  These are applied for therapeutic purpose.  

 

Panchamahabhuta composition determine specific taste of a substance.  Accordingly the rasa or tastes perform relevant biological activities and effects.<ref>Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacharya, editors. Sushruta smhita of Sushruta with the Nibandhasan,graha Commentry. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy, 2008. sutra sthana 42/03; p.183.</ref> ([[Sutra Sthana]] 26/40)  These are applied for therapeutic purpose.  

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==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.<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. sutrasthana 41/6-9; p.182-83.</ref>

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.<ref>Vaidya YadavjiTrikamji Acharya, Narayan Ram Aacaarya, editors. Sus’rutasam’hita of Sus’ruta with the Nibandhasan,grahaCommentry. Varanasi: ChowkhambaKrishnadas Academy, 2008. sutrasthana 41/6-9; p.182-83.</ref>

===In shodhana chikitsa(purification therapy)===

===In shodhana chikitsa(purification therapy)===

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

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

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===Application of panchamahabhuta in diagnostic views===

===Application of panchamahabhuta in diagnostic views===

The characteristics of panchamahabhuta are applied in diagnosis as below:

The characteristics of panchamahabhuta are applied in diagnosis as below:

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The abnormalities in physiological functions are observed to assess proportion of mahabhuta.  

The abnormalities in physiological functions are observed to assess proportion of mahabhuta.  

===Application of panchmahabhuta in disease management===

===Application of panchmahabhuta in disease management===

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, Ama (undigested food) leads to vitiation of rasa dhatu (nutrient fluids). 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 tikta (bitter taste). The treatment has [[agni]], [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] dominancy. The herbs like musta (cyperus rotundus), shunthi (Zingiber officinale) 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, Ama (undigested food) leads to vitiation of rasa dhatu (nutrient fluids). 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 tikta (bitter taste). The treatment has [[agni]], [[vayu]] and [[akasha]] dominancy. The herbs like musta (cyperus rotundus), shunthi (Zingiber officinale) 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==

The current understanding of panchamahabhuta can be categorized under two parts:

The current understanding of panchamahabhuta can be categorized under two parts:

#Panchamahabhuta as important factors for biological processes

#Panchamahabhuta as important factors for biological processes

===Panchamahabhuta, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics quantum mechanics] and biological processes===  

===Panchamahabhuta, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics quantum mechanics] and biological processes===  

Modern physicist, Dr.John Hagelin pointed out that quantum physics derives everything in creation from basic ‘force’ and matter fields. These fields belong to one of five fundamental spin types-most basic concept in particle physics. He correlated the panchamahabhuta with five spin types of modern physics. Extending further, the corroboration of possibility of relation of dosha with corresponding superfield is as shown in table below:

Modern physicist, Dr.John Hagelin pointed out that quantum physics derives everything in creation from basic ‘force’ and matter fields. These fields belong to one of five fundamental spin types-most basic concept in particle physics. He correlated the panchamahabhuta with five spin types of modern physics. Extending further, the corroboration of possibility of relation of dosha with corresponding superfield is as shown in table below:

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===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 avyakta(unmanifest) through mahat(cosmic inltelligence) and  ahamkara(ego). 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) through mahat(cosmic inltelligence) and  ahamkara(ego). 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.

==List of thesis works done==

== List of theses ==

'''I.P.G.T. &R.A. Jamnagar:'''

'''I.P.G.T. &R.A. Jamnagar:'''