ABSTRACT
According to Ayurveda, human being is a microcosm (miniature of the universe). It is evident then, whatever is present in the universe should also be present in the human composition. As Earth is composed of 71% of water and about same percentage of water is also found in the physique of babies, indicating that the human creation is truly a mixture of clay and water. Panchmahabhuta is one of the fundamental principles of Ayurvedic science having resemblance with the components of the earth. Panch = five; Maha = larger and Bhuta = elements, thus Ayurveda believes in five major elements in human beings like five major elements of the Earth such as atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, mantle and core. It is noticeable that Akash (sky) and Vayu (air) are components of atmosphere; Jala (water) corresponds to hydrosphere; Pruthvi (Earth) relates with lithosphere and Agni (fire) resembles mantle and core. Out of 118 elements discovered so far, about 22% is identified in human beings (Panchbhuta of the body), which governs the physical, chemical and biological processes of the body. These elements are responsible for maintaining tridosha called as Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Malfunctioning in any of these tridosha creates an imbalance in the human system leading to ailment and diseases. This paper endeavors to understand this Mystery of human creation and its coherence with Ayurvedic treatments and its ability to fight disease by interacting with corresponding natural elements of the universe.
Key words: Ayurveda, Panchmahabhuta, elements, soul, body.
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