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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 passes through rigorous metabolic transformations occurring at every stage during development of all 7 dhatus and develops at the end of this pathway, it is more clear or spotless. Thus it is also called as purest dhatu from which [[Ojas (ओजः)|ojas]] also develops. 

== Etymology ==

== 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.<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.  

In Ayurveda literature, 2 dimensions of shukra dhatu are be found to be mentioned. One form of it is Shukra dhatu which is ejaculated at the end of mating and is responsible for conception. The other form of shukra dhatu 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 of any form in the body is called as shukra dhatu.  

== Location of Shukra Dhatu ==

== Location of Shukra Dhatu ==

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

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

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.  

In spite of that, there are some 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.  

== Formation of shukra dhatu ==

== Formation of shukra dhatu ==

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>

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 known as shukra. After puberty, at the time of sexual excitation or urge of ejaculation (vega), the shukra reaches to basti from all over the body and then it is discharged through urethra. This process happens just like ghee is melted by heat.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutram 33-35)</ref>

== Upadhatu of Shukra dhatu ==

== 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.

Shukra dhatu when subjected to the process of micro-transformation (सूक्ष्मपचनम्), it generates 1 entity which is known as Upadhatus (उपधातु | metabolic by-products which function as body tissues) of Shukra dhatu. As per Acharya Sharangadhara [[Ojas (ओजः)|Ojas]] is the metabolic byproduct (upadhatu) of shukra.<ref>Sharangadhara Samhita (Purvakhanda Adhyaya 5)</ref> However, all acharyas do not agree to this. Some are of the opinion that since Shukra develops as essence of all dhatus there is no metabolic byproduct of it.  

== Mala of Shukra dhatu ==

== 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.

Ayurveda acharyas have opined that Shukra being the purest form of dhatu generated at the end of dhatu nourishment and development pathway, there is no metabolic byproduct or waste formed during its formation. Thus Shukra is devoid of mala.  

== Qualities of best shukra ==

== Qualities of best shukra ==

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>

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) in texture, sweet (madhura) in nature (soothing, cool, contains fructose) and looks like white crystal quartz is considered to be a good quality shukra.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 30 Sutram 40)</ref>

== Panchabhoutiktwa of Shukra dhatu ==

== Panchabhoutiktwa of Shukra dhatu ==

== 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]

 

 

 

Meaning: The persons endowed with the essence of shukra dhatu are gentle (saumya), having charming yet decent 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.<ref>Available from Charakasamhitaonline.com</ref>

== Function of shukra dhatu ==

== Function of shukra dhatu ==

Shukra bestows courage, ejaculation, lust, strength of the body, pleasure, love, and affection. The main function of shukra is reproduction and embryogenesis. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]

Reproduction is the prime function of Shukra dhatu. <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutra 4)</ref> In Ayurveda this function is called as Garbhotpadanam (Garbha- Embryo; Utpadanam-generation). Thus, irrespective of the gender, Shukra dhatu present in the body is responsible for the function of reproduction. Apart from that, it also impacts the various psycho-somatic attributes like courage, lust, strength, pleasure, love and affection.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutram 5)</ref> It is closely related with human emotions and [[Manas (मनः)|manas (mind)]].  

== Causes of vitiation ==

== Causes of vitiation ==

== Importance of Shukra dhatu in preservation of health and wellness ==

== Importance of Shukra dhatu in preservation of health and wellness ==

Aphrodisiac therapies (vajikarana) produces lineage of progeny, quick sexual stimulation, enables one to perform sexual act with the women uninterruptedly and promote corpulence and infallible and indestructible semen. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/9-10] This is one of the most important measures to promote sexual health and prevent diseases.

Aphrodisiac therapies (vajikarana) produces lineage of progeny, quick sexual stimulation, enables one to perform sexual act with the women uninterruptedly and promote corpulence and infallible and indestructible semen. [Cha. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/9-10] This is one of the most important measures to promote sexual health and prevent diseases.