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Shukra Dhatu is one of the 7 body tissues as per Ayurveda. It is the 7th dhatu in [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira]] according to Ayurveda. Since it is developed last i.e. at the end of dhatu development and nourishment pathway, it is called as 7th or the last dhatu. Shukra literally means semen, sperm, clear, lucid, white or spotless. Since Shukra dhatu develops at the end of rigorous metabolic transformations occurring during development of all 7 dhatus it is more clear or spotless.   

Shukra Dhatu is one of the 7 body tissues as per Ayurveda. It is the 7th dhatu in [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Sharira]] according to Ayurveda. Since it is developed last i.e. at the end of dhatu development and nourishment pathway, it is called as 7th or the last dhatu. Shukra literally means semen, sperm, clear, lucid, white or spotless. Since Shukra dhatu develops at the end of rigorous metabolic transformations occurring during development of all 7 dhatus it is more clear or spotless.   

== Etymology and definition ==

== Etymology ==

The term shukra originates from the root word "शुच क्लेदे + “ऋज्रे न्द्राग्रवज्रेति ।”  

The term shukra originates from the root word "शुच क्लेदे + “ऋज्रे न्द्राग्रवज्रेति ।”  

In Ayurveda literature, 2 types of shukra dhatu can be found to be mentioned. One Shukra dhatu is that which is ejaculated at the end of mating and which is responsible for conception. The other form of shukra dhatu is also mentioned in treatises, which refers to the body tissue that is present in every part of shariram (physical body) and controls the rebuilding of body tissues, new cell/tissue generation and overall development. Thus the dhatu which controls the function of reproduction in the body is called as shukra dhatu.  

In Ayurveda literature, 2 types of shukra dhatu can be found to be mentioned. One Shukra dhatu is that which is ejaculated at the end of mating and which is responsible for conception. The other form of shukra dhatu is also mentioned in treatises, which refers to the body tissue that is present in every part of shariram (physical body) and controls the rebuilding of body tissues, new cell/tissue generation and overall development.<ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutram 26)</ref> Thus the dhatu which controls the function of reproduction in the body is called as shukra dhatu.  

== Formation of shukra dhatu ==

== Location of Shukra Dhatu ==

During metabolism, the unctuous part of predecessor majja dhatu is transformed into shukra dhatu. The marrow is present in bones. Minute pores are created by the action of vayu and akasha mahabhuta on bones. The shukra dhatu oozes out from these minute pores after action of factors responsible for the metabolism of shukra dhatu (shukra dhatu agni). This process is like water oozing out of new mud pot, shukra also oozes out of these pores. It is then circulated all over the body through channels of transportation of shukra dhatu(shukravahasrotas).[Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/32-33] Thus, shukra dhatu is present all over body.

Shukra dhatu is present all over the body as stated by Acharya Charaka.  

The second form is present in testicles (vrushana). After maturation, at the time of sexual excitation or urge of ejaculation (vega), the semen (shukra) is discharged through urethra. This process happens just like ghee is melted by heat. [Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/34-35].

सर्वदेहगतं शुक्रं प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः| (Char. Samh. 15.26)<ref name=":0" />

== Location of Shukra Dhatu ==

There are some other body parts which are specifically mentioned to be the related to Shukra dhatu. Those are Vrishana (testicles), Medhra (Penis),<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 5 Sutram 8)</ref> Stana (Breasts)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 9 Sutram 12)</ref>. Also, vessels carrying shukra dhatu have also been mentioned to be associated with transportation of shukra.  

The Channels of transportation and transformation of shukra dhatu (shukravahasrotas) has its roots in testicles and penis. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 5/8] Sushruta opines that they originate from breast and testicles. There are two vessels to carry Shukra dhatu. [Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 9/12] There are various other anatomical structures related to shukra dhatu. These can be included in the transport and transformation system of shukra dhatu (shukravaha srotas).

The structures are as described below:

Shukra dhatu is formed from 'Majja dhatu'(धातु). When Majja dhatu is subjected to the process of micro-transformation (सूक्ष्मपचनम्), one processed part of it is specifically utilized to provide nourishment to the next dhatu in order i.e. Shukra Dhatu (रक्त धातु). This part is responsible for development and nourishment of Shukra dhatu in body. Transformation of unctuous part of predecessor majja into Shukra happens through a specific process. It is stated that, the asthi dhatu develops porosity due to action of vayu and akasha mahabhutas. The unctuous part of majja dhatu present inside this porous asthi dhatu oozes out of these pores and reaches all parts of the body through channels of transportation of shukra dhatu (shukravahasrotas). This unctuous part is called as shukra. After puberty, at the time of sexual excitation or urge of ejaculation (vega), the semen (shukra) reaches to basti from all over the body and then is discharged through urethra. This process happens just like ghee is melted by heat.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutram 33-35)</ref>

Layer of shukra (shukradhara kala):

== Upadhatu of Shukra dhatu ==

Ojas is considered as the metabolic byproduct (upadhatu) of shukra.[Sha. Sa. Purva khanda chapter 5] Other scholars opine that as shukra is the essence of all dhatu, there is no metabolic byproduct or waste formed during its formation.

Kala is the layer in outer coverings of the body observed in sagittal section. The layer of shukra is the innermost layer that is present in the entire body. Shukra dhatu is distributed all over the body in the same manner that the fat in the milk and juice in the sugar cane plant are distributed. [Cha Sa Chikitsa Sthana 2/46],[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/20]

== Mala of Shukra dhatu ==

scholars opine that as shukra is the essence of all dhatu, there is no metabolic byproduct or waste formed during its formation.

== Panchabhoutiktwa, of Shukra dhatu ==

== Qualities of best shukra ==

Shukra is constituted by four elements-vayu, agni, prithvi and jala(four mahabhuta) in equal proportion. It is originated from six basic tastes. [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 2/4]

The best qualities of Shukra dhatu which is ejaculated out during the process of mating plays the key role in reproduction. Certain qualities of shukra which are helpful in reproduction are known to be best qualities of shukra. The Shukra which is unctuous (snigdha), viscous (ghana), slimy (picchila), sweet (madhura) and looks like white crystal quartz is considered to be a good quality shukra. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 30 Sutram 40)</ref>

== Qualities of best shukra ==

== Panchabhoutiktwa of Shukra dhatu ==

The pure virile semen (shukra)is unctuous (snigdha), viscous (ghana), slimy (picchila), sweet (madhura). It does not cause a burning sensation in genital tract (avidahi). It looks like white crystal quartz (shukla).[Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/146]

Among 5 mahabhutas, Shukra is believed to have dominance of 4 mahabhutas viz Vayu, Agni, Jalam and Prthvi.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sharirasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 4)</ref>

== Shukra sarata lakshanas ==

== Shukra sarata lakshanas ==

The persons endowed with the essence of shukra dhatu are gentle (saumya), having charming appearance (saumyaprekshina), beautiful eyes as if filled with milk (kshirapurnalochana) and immensely exhilarated (praharshabahula). Their teeth are unctuous, rounded, firm, even and compact. They have prominent buttocks (large pelvic girdle). They have pleasant, unctuous complexion and voice. They are brilliant. They are liked by women for enjoyment, are strong and endowed with happiness, leisure, health, wealth, honor, and progeny. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/109]

The persons endowed with the essence of shukra dhatu are gentle (saumya), having charming appearance (saumyaprekshina), beautiful eyes as if filled with milk (kshirapurnalochana) and immensely exhilarated (praharshabahula). Their teeth are unctuous, rounded, firm, even and compact. They have prominent buttocks (large pelvic girdle). They have pleasant, unctuous complexion and voice. They are brilliant. They are liked by women for enjoyment, are strong and endowed with happiness, leisure, health, wealth, honor, and progeny. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/109]

== Function of shukra dhatu ==

== Function of shukra dhatu ==