Marma of pancha "bhuta and indriya" of Ayurveda

Ayurveda “Loka Samya Purusha” Principle

- Dr. Prashanth D

When we look at this world made of Pancha Mahabhutas, we definitely notice the presence of space (Akasha), air (Vayu), fire (Agni), water (Jala), and earth (Prithvi). Similarly, our five sense organs ear, skin, eyes, tongue, and nose are each connected with one of these Mahabhutas.

For example:

• The ear has Akasha element, hence can perceive sound.

• The skin has Vayu element, hence can perceive touch.

• The eyes have Agni element, hence to perceive light and form, Agni is required.

• The tongue requires Jala element to perceive taste.

• The nose perceives smell only through Prithvi element, generally from solid substances.

Thus,

“Except Prithvi element, the other four Mahabhutas (Akasha, Vayu, Agni, Jala) cannot be perceived through smell.”

Is Smell Only From Earth (Prithvi)?

For the nose to perceive smell, Prithvi element must be present. But here arises an interesting question:

“Can smell come from air, water, fire, or space?”

In truth, without Prithvi element, smell cannot be perceived from the other four Mahabhutas. Hence, in every object from which we get smell, Prithvi element is present in some form.

Examples:

• Akasha - if there is no solid object placed in that 'empty space', there will be no smell.

• Air - smell of soil in the air after rain.

• Water – smell near river or seashore, due to plants, soil, or organic/ inorganic substances.

• Fire - smell of smoke, caused by burning solid substances.

But space, pure air, pure fire, and pure water have no smell of their own. Therefore, Ayurveda clearly establishes that the nose is connected to Prithvi element among the five sense organs.