The Divine Within: Understanding the Human Body as a Dwelling Place of Devas

At first glance, our bodies might seem like ordinary things, made of the five elements as clay. But Vedic sages saw them differently. They described the human body not just as a basic physical form but as an incredibly complex and divine creation.

They sidy that the body is-

पञ्चात्मकं पञ्चसु वर्तमानं पडाश्रयं षगुणयोगयुक्तम् । तत् सप्तधातुं त्रिमलं द्वियोनिं चतुर्विधाहारमयं शरीरम् ॥

pañcātmakam pañcasu vartamānaṃ paḍāśrayaṃ ṣaguṇayogayuktam । tat saptadhātuṃ trimalaṃ dviyoniṃ caturvidhāhāramayaṃ śarīram ॥

पञ्चात्मकं पञ्चसु वर्तमानं:

• पञ्चात्मकं (pañcātmakam): Made up of five elements.
• पञ्चसु वर्तमानं (pañcasu vartamānam): Existing within the five great elements (Ākāśa - space, Vāyu - air, Agni - fire, Jala - water, Pṛthvī - earth).

पडाश्रयं षगुणयोगयुक्तम्:

• पडाश्रयं (paḍāśrayaṃ): Substrate of five types of gross and subtle substances.
• षगुणयोगयुक्तम् (ṣaguṇayogayuktam): Associated with six qualities (form, taste, smell, touch, sound, and number).

तत् सप्तधातुं त्रिमलं द्वियोनिं:

• सप्तधातुं (saptadhātuṃ): Comprising seven essential components (Rasa - plasma, Rakta - blood, Māṃsa - muscle, Meda - fat, Asthi - bone, Majjā - marrow, Śukra - reproductive tissue).
• त्रिमलं (trimalaṃ): Three types of waste products (Urine, Sweat, Feces).
• द्वियोनिं (dviyoniṃ): Two types of gender (male and female).

चतुर्विधाहारमयं शरीरम्:

• चतुर्विधाहारमयं (caturvidhāhāramayaṃ): Consisting of four types of food (solid, liquid, chewable, and lickable).
• शरीरम् (śarīram): This body.

But the sages didn't stop there. They saw the body as filled with mysteries and divine light in every part. According to the Atharva Veda, a sage would look at the body from heel to head, amazed by its intricate design, and wonder, 'Who created this part? Which god made this?'

केन पार्ष्णी आभृते पूरुषस्य केन मांसं संभृतं केन गुल्फौ । केनाङ्गुलीः पेशनीः केन खानि केनोच्छ्लङ्खौ मध्यतः कः प्रतिष्ठाम् ॥ Atharva Veda. 10.2.1॥

kena pārṣṇī ābhṛte pūruṣasya kena māṃsaṃ saṃbhṛtaṃ kena gulphau । kenāṅgulīḥ peśanīḥ kena khāni kenocchlaṅkhau madhyataḥ kaḥ pratiṣṭhām ॥

They identified eight key points in the body and examined the seven openings in the head (ears, nostrils, eyes, mouth) and two in the middle (openings for excretion). 

They thought about about the divine powers residing all over the body.

Ayodhya - The City of Gods

The human body is often compared to a divine city. Just as Ayodhya, the legendary city of Lord Rama. It  is revered and sanctified, the human body is seen as a sacred vessel, a microcosm reflecting the universe (macrocosm).

Eight Chakras and Nine Gates

The body is perceived as 'Ayodhya, the city of gods,' which is equipped with eight major chakras (energy centers) and nine gates (openings). These chakras are:

1. Muladhara (Root Chakra) - located at the base of the spine
2. Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra) - situated in the pelvic area
3. Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra) - located in the stomach area
4. Anahata (Heart Chakra) - positioned in the heart region
5. Vishuddha (Throat Chakra) - found in the throat
6. Ajna (Third Eye Chakra) - located between the eyebrows
7. Sahasrara (Crown Chakra) - situated at the top of the head
8. Bindu Visarga (a minor chakra, often included in advanced practices)

The nine gates are the body's nine primary openings:

1. Two eyes
2. Two nostrils
3. Two ears
4. The mouth
5. The genitals
6. The anus

Eleven Gates

When we include the navel (which is considered an energy center and a point of connectivity in the body) and the top of the head (crown), the body is then referred to as 'the city with eleven gates.'

Deva Kosha - The Divine Sheath.

The gods within this body, symbolic representations of various divine energies and faculties, have specific areas where they reside:

1. Brahma (Creator) - often associated with the Muladhara Chakra
2. Vishnu (Preserver) - linked to the Anahata Chakra (Heart)
3. Shiva (Destroyer) - connected with the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye)
4. Surya (Sun) - related to the Manipura Chakra (Solar Plexus)
5. Chandra (Moon) - associated with the Svadhisthana Chakra (Sacral)
6. Agni (Fire) - linked to the Manipura Chakra
7. Varuna (Water) - associated with the Svadhisthana Chakra
8. Vayu (Air) - connected with the Anahata Chakra
9. Indra (King of Gods) - sometimes linked to the Crown Chakra

The term 'Deva-Kosha' can be understood as the divine layer or sheath that envelops and permeates the entire body. It signifies the presence of divine energy or consciousness within every cell and tissue of the body.

This sheath is responsible for the body's ability to perceive, process, and respond to different stimuli, essentially making it a living, breathing entity of divine consciousness.

The concept of the Deva-Kosha suggests that this network of perception and knowledge is infused with divine energy. This divine energy ensures the harmonious functioning of the body, maintaining balance and promoting healing.

In spiritual traditions, it is believed that That's why Yoga and meditative practices can enhance the flow of divine energy within the Dev-Kosha, leading to greater awareness and holistic well-being.

The concept of Dev-Kosha encourages us to engage in practices that nurture and enhance their inner divine energy. Practices like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and yoga can help in aligning the body and mind with higher states of consciousness.

This alignment not only improves physical health but also aids in spiritual growth, leading to a deeper understanding of one's true nature and connection with the universe.

Influence of Higher Wisdom:

• According to the Atharva Veda, the Deva-Kosha (divine sheath) is profoundly influenced by higher wisdom emanating from the brain. This suggests that the divine consciousness within the body is guided and enhanced by the mind's intellectual and spiritual capabilities.
• The brain, being the center of cognitive functions, plays a crucial role in processing and integrating higher wisdom, which then permeates the Dev-Kosha, enhancing its divine nature.

Divine Inspiration:

• The Deva-Kosha is not only influenced by the brain but is also inspired by the divine. This inspiration is seen as a flow of divine energy or consciousness that infuses the entire body, making it a sacred vessel.
• This divine inspiration ensures that the Deva-Kosha remains vibrant, healthy, and aligned with higher spiritual truths.

Precious and Vital:

• The Atharva Veda emphasizes that the Dev-Kosha is precious and vital. It is an essential part of the human being, embodying the essence of life and divinity.
• Its precious nature means that it must be guarded and maintained with utmost care, as it holds the key to both physical health and spiritual well-being.

Layers of Protection:

1. Mind:
• The mind is the first line of defense for the Dev-Kosha. It protects this divine sheath by maintaining mental balance, clarity, and focus. A disciplined and calm mind ensures that the higher wisdom and divine inspiration can flow smoothly within the Dev-Kosha.
• Practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and positive thinking are essential to strengthen the mind and, consequently, protect the Dev-Kosha.
2. Vital Forces (Prana):
• The second layer of protection is the vital force, known as prana. Prana is the life energy that flows through the body, sustaining all physiological functions.
• Proper breathing techniques, pranayama (breathing exercises), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle ensure that prana flows unobstructed, thus safeguarding the Dev-Kosha from within.
3. Physical Structure (Bones, Marrow, Flesh):
• The final layer of protection is the physical structure of the body, including bones, marrow, and flesh. These provide a robust and resilient framework that shields the more subtle aspects of the Dev-Kosha.
• Maintaining physical health through proper nutrition, exercise, and regular health check-ups ensures that this outermost layer remains strong and supportive.

Importance of the Dev-Kosha

Holistic Protection:

• The protection of the Dev-Kosha is holistic, involving mental, vital, and physical aspects. Each layer plays a crucial role in ensuring that the divine sheath remains intact and functional.
• Neglecting any one of these layers can lead to an imbalance, affecting the overall well-being of an individual.

Path to Spiritual Growth:

• By understanding and nurturing the Dev-Kosha, individuals can enhance their spiritual growth. Aligning the mind, prana, and body with higher wisdom and divine inspiration creates a harmonious existence.
• This harmony facilitates a deeper connection with the self and the universe, leading to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.

Conclusion

The Atharva Veda's explanation of the Dev-Kosha as a divine sheath influenced by higher wisdom and divine inspiration underscores its significance in the human body. It is a precious and vital component that must be protected by the mind, vital forces like prana, and the physical structure of the body. Understanding and nurturing these layers of protection ensure the well-being of the Dev-Kosha, fostering both physical health and spiritual growth. By maintaining this divine sheath, individuals can achieve a harmonious and enlightened state of being, recognizing their inherent divinity and connection to the cosmos.

• What is the profound shift in perspective that the Vedic sages offer regarding the human body compared to a purely materialistic view?
  A purely materialistic view sees the body as a basic physical structure made of ordinary elements, much like clay. In contrast, the Vedic sages viewed the body as a deeply complex, divine creation. They saw it as a living microcosm that reflects the entire universe, infused with divine light, sacred architecture, and cosmic energies in every cell and tissue.
• According to the verse from the Atharva Veda, what are the seven essential components, or Saptadhatu, that make up the physical framework of the body?
  The seven essential components that comprise the body are Rasa which is plasma, Rakta which is blood, Mansa which is muscle, Meda which is fat, Asthi which is bone, Majja which is marrow, and Shukra which is reproductive tissue.
• Why do the Vedic traditions compare the human body to the legendary city of Ayodhya?
  The body is compared to Ayodhya, the city of gods, because it is perceived as a sacred and revered vessel. Just as Ayodhya was a fortified, sanctified city, the human body is designed as a divine fortress equipped with eight major energy centers or chakras and nine primary gates or openings, making it a sacred space where divine energies reside.
• What is the difference between the body being described as having nine gates versus eleven gates?
  The nine gates refer to the body's primary physical openings, which are the two eyes, two nostrils, two ears, the mouth, the genitals, and the anus. The body is referred to as a city with eleven gates when we include two additional highly significant spiritual and energy connectivity points: the navel and the crown at the top of the head.
• What is the Deva Kosha, and what hidden reality does it reveal about our bodily functions?
  The Deva Kosha translates to the divine sheath or layer that envelops and permeates the entire body. It reveals the hidden reality that our body is not just a biological machine, but a network of perception and knowledge infused with divine energy. This sheath is responsible for our ability to perceive, process, and respond to stimuli, making every tissue a living entity of divine consciousness.
• How do specific cosmic deities manifest within the architecture of the human body according to this system?
  The text links various divine energies to specific areas of the body. For instance, Brahma the creator is associated with the Muladhara Chakra, Vishnu the preserver is linked to the Anahata Chakra at the heart, and Shiva the destroyer is connected with the Ajna Chakra at the third eye. Other cosmic forces like Surya the sun and Agni the fire reside in the Manipura Chakra, while Chandra the moon and Varuna the water govern the Svadhisthana Chakra.
• What is the overlooked connection between the brain, higher wisdom, and the Deva Kosha?
  An often overlooked aspect is that the Deva Kosha is profoundly influenced by higher wisdom emanating from the brain. The brain acts as the center of cognitive functions, processing and integrating intellectual and spiritual wisdom. This wisdom then flows throughout the Deva Kosha, enhancing its divine nature and ensuring it remains vibrant and healthy.
• What are the three distinct layers of protection that guard the vital Deva Kosha?
  The Deva Kosha is protected by a holistic three layer defense system. The first layer is the mind, which maintains mental balance, clarity, and focus. The second layer consists of the vital forces, known as prana, which is the life energy flowing through the body. The final, outermost layer is the physical structure itself, made of bones, marrow, and flesh, providing a resilient framework.
• How do practical disciplines like Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation interact with the invisible aspects of the body?
  These practices are not just physical exercises; they actively nurture the inner divine energy within the Deva Kosha. Meditation calms the mind to allow higher wisdom to flow, Pranayama ensures that the vital force or prana flows unobstructed, and Yoga aligns the physical structure. Together, they align the body and mind with higher states of consciousness.
• What is the ultimate spiritual goal of understanding the body through the principles of the Atharva Veda?
  The ultimate goal is to foster both physical health and spiritual growth by achieving a harmonious and enlightened state of being. By recognizing and protecting the layers of the Deva Kosha, an individual can realize their inherent divinity, move past the illusion of being just an ordinary physical form, and understand their deep, unbreakable connection to the cosmos.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi