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Purusha (Samskrit पुरुषः) is a complex concept whose meaning evolved in Vedic and Upanishadic times. Depending on source and historical timeline, it means the cosmic man or Self, Consciousness, and Universal principle.

{{NeedCitation}}Purusha (Samskrit पुरुषः) is a complex concept whose meaning evolved in Vedic and Upanishadic times. Depending on source and historical timeline, it means the cosmic man or Self, Consciousness, and Universal principle.

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचय || Introduction ==

During the Vedic period, Purusha concept was one of several theories offered for the

During the Vedic period, Purusha concept was one of several theories offered for the creation of universe. Purusha, in Rigveda, was described as a being, who becomes a sacrificial victim of gods, and whose yajna creates all life forms including human beings.

creation of universe. Purusha, in Rigveda, was described as a being, who becomes a sacrificial victim of gods, and whose sacrifice creates all life forms including human beings.

In the Upanishads, the Purusa concept no longer meant a being or cosmic man. The meaning evolved to an abstract essence of Self, Spirit and the Universal Principle that is eternal, indestructible, without form and all pervasive'''.'''The Purusa concept is explained with the concept of Prakrti in the Upanishads. The universe is envisioned, in these ancient Sanskrit texts, as a combination of perceivable material reality and non-perceivable, non-material laws and principles of nature. Material reality, or Prakrti, is everything that has changed, can change and is subject to cause and effect. Purusa is the Universal principle that is unchanging, uncaused but is present everywhere and the reason why Prakrti changes, evolves all the time and why there is cause and effect'''.''' Purusa is what connects everything and everyone, according to various schools of Hinduism.

In the Upanishads, the Purusa concept no longer meant a being or cosmic man. The meaning evolved to an abstract essence of Self, Spirit and the Universal Principle that is eternal, indestructible, without form and all pervasive'''.'''The Purusa concept is explained with the concept of [[Prakrti (प्रकृति)|Prakrti]] in the Upanishads. The universe is envisioned, in these ancient Sanskrit texts, as a combination of perceivable material reality and non-perceivable, non-material laws and principles of nature. Material reality, or Prakrti, is everything that has changed, can change and is subject to cause and effect. Purusa is the Universal principle that is unchanging, uncaused but is present everywhere and the reason why Prakrti changes, evolves all the time and why there is cause and effect'''.''' Purusa is what connects everything and everyone, according to various schools of Hinduism.

There is a diversity of views within various schools of Hinduism about the definition, scope and nature of Purusa.

There is a diversity of views within various schools of Hinduism about the definition, scope and nature of Purusa.

== Definition ==

== Definition ==

According to

According to the expository Brahmana books or lexicons, ‘Purusha’ has several meanings such

the expository Brahmana books or lexicons, ‘Purusha’ has several meanings such

as:<blockquote>1. पुरति अग्रे गच्छति || purati agre gachchati (He who goes ahead)</blockquote><blockquote>2. पिपर्ति पूरयति बलम् यः || piparti puurayati balam yah (That which fills all with his strength)</blockquote><blockquote>3. पूर्षु शेते यः || purshu shete yah (He who lies inside a township).</blockquote><blockquote>4. Pur-usha, the dawn in the city; He who is filled with light;</blockquote><blockquote>5. Puru-sha – filled with wisdom and eternal happiness; citizen of Heaven</blockquote>Purusha with its three kaleidoscopic syllables, pu-ru-sha, keeps unfolding in a never-ending play, the image of the creation like a musical theme developed by a skillful musician.

as:<blockquote>1. पुरति अग्रे गच्छति || purati agre gachchati (He who goes ahead)</blockquote><blockquote>2. पिपर्ति पूरयति बलम् यः || piparti puurayati balam yah (That which fills all with his strength)</blockquote><blockquote>3. पूर्षु शेते यः || purshu shete yah (He who lies inside a township).</blockquote><blockquote>4. Pur-usha, the dawn in the city; He who is filled with light;</blockquote><blockquote>5. Puru-sha – filled with wisdom and eternal happiness; citizen of Heaven</blockquote>Purusha with

its three kaleidoscopic syllables, pu-ru-sha, keeps unfolding in a never-ending

play, the image of the creation like a musical theme developed by a skillful musician.

In the Upanishads and later texts of Hindu philosophy, the Purusa concept moved away from the Vedic definition of Purusa and was no longer a person, cosmic man or entity. Instead, the concept flowered into a more complex abstraction'''.'''

In the Upanishads and later texts of Hindu philosophy, the Purusa concept moved away from the Vedic definition of Purusa and was no longer a person, cosmic man or entity. Instead, the concept flowered into a more complex abstraction'''.'''

Rig veda

Rig veda

clearly talks about the Origin of Creation in the 10th mandala, which is popularly known as the Nasadiya suktam.

clearly talks about the Origin of Creation in the 10th mandala, which is popularly known as the [[Nasadiya Sukta (नासदीयसूक्तम्)|Nasadiya suktam]].<blockquote>"न मृ॒त्यु: आसीत् अमृतं॒ न तर्हि॒ || " (10.129.2)</blockquote>death existed, nor the immortal" "<blockquote>आनी॑त् अवा॒तं स्व॒धया॒ तत् एकम्तस्माद्धान्यन्न परः किञ्चनास || (10.129.2)</blockquote>'''That One'''

 

"न मृ॒त्यु: आसीत् अमृतं॒ न तर्हि॒ || " (10.129.2)

 

death existed, nor the immortal" "

 

आनी॑त् अवा॒तं स्व॒धया॒ तत् एकम्तस्माद्धान्यन्न परः किञ्चनास

 

“'''That One'''

was breathing without breath, of its own nature (by its own inherent impulse,

was breathing without breath, of its own nature (by its own inherent impulse,

self-sustaining), There was '''That One''' then, and there was no

self-sustaining), There was '''That One''' then, and there was no

other" (10.129.2).

other"   

The implication

The implication

here is '''“That One''' was alive and waiting to happen, despite the

here is '''That One''' was alive and waiting to happen, despite the

complete absence of the means to exist.

complete absence of the means to exist.<blockquote>तपस॒: तत्महि॒नअजाय॒तएकम् || (10.129.3)</blockquote>Meaning : "That One, enclosed in nothing (void), was born from heat (tapas)".  

So, prior to creation, the Creation Sukta does not describe a state of "nothingness" but rather '''"तद् एकम् || tad ekam (That One)"''' which is, "Spaceless, timeless, yet in its own way dynamic and the Sole Force, this

 

So, prior to

creation, the Creation Sukta does not describe a state of

"nothingness" but rather '''"तद् एकम् || tad ekam (That One)"''' which is,

"Spaceless, timeless, yet in its own way dynamic and the Sole Force, this

Absolute.  

Absolute.  

This Creation unfolded & evolved from '''Ekam, That One''', which is,The Ultimate Supreme Reality, the Source of Supreme

Creation unfolded & evolved from “'''Ekam, That One''', which

Consciousness. '''This Ekam, That One is the very same PURUSHA'''  

is,The Ultimate Supreme Reality, the Source of Supreme

Consciousness. '''This “Ekam, That One is the very same “PURUSHA'''  

== Purusha - As in मुण्डक उपनिषद् || Mundaka upanishad ==

== Purusha - As in मुण्डक उपनिषद् || Mundaka upanishad ==

Mundaka

Mundaka Upanishad is the vedanga of the Atharvana Veda. Verses 2-5 describe the attributes of the Purusha.<blockquote>"दिव्यो ह्यमूर्तः पुरुषः सबाह्याभ्यन्तरो ह्यजः | अप्रणो ह्यमनाः शुभ्रो ह्यक्षरात्परतः परः || " (Mund. Upan. 2.1.2)</blockquote>Meaning : Replete without a form, this Purusha, all pervading and internal, unborn, without life (breath) or intellect, from Him arises life, breath and mind.   

Upanishad is the vedanga of the Atharvana Veda. Verses 2-5 describe the

attributes of the Purusha. <blockquote>दिव्यो ह्यमूर्तः पुरुषः सबाह्याभ्यन्तरो ह्यजः |</blockquote><blockquote>अप्रणो ह्यमनाः शुभ्रो ह्यक्षरात्परतः परः  || (Mund. Upan. 2.1.2)</blockquote>Meaning : Replete without a form, this Purusha, all pervading and internal, unborn, without life (breath) or intellect, from Him arise life, breath and mind.   

It was said

It was said that from that Imperishable Being, everything proceeds; the world is created by That. That Supreme Imperishable is the divine, formless Purusha. Here Purusha is to be understood in the sense of essential Consciousness. The origin

that from that Imperishable Being, everything proceeds; the world is created by

That. That Supreme Imperishable is the divine, formless Purusha. Here

Purusha is to be understood in the sense of essential Consciousness. The origin

of all things is Consciousness.

of all things is Consciousness.

Verse 2.1.3

Verse 2.1.3 wonderfully describes that from this great Purusha (एतस्माज्जायते || etasmaajjayate), everything comes.  

wonderfully describes that from this great Purusha (एतस्माज्जायते || etasmaajjayate), everything comes.  

* The cosmic प्राणो || prana, [[Hiranyagarbha (हिरण्यगर्भ)|Hiranyagarbha]], emanates from this Supreme Brahman.     

* The cosmic प्राणो || prana, Hiranyagarbha, emanates from this Supreme Brahman.     

* The Virat, which is called here the मनः || manas, also emanates from that Brahman.     

* The Virat, which is called here the मनः || manas, also emanates from that Brahman.     

* The सर्वेन्द्रियाणि || sarvendriyaani or indriyas , or all the sense organs, also emanate from That Purusha. They are actually the feeders, the tentacles of consciousness.   

* The सर्वेन्द्रियाणि || sarvendriyaani or indriyas , or all the sense organs, also emanate from That Purusha. They are actually the feeders, the tentacles of consciousness.   

== Purusha - As in अत्मनोपनिषद् || Atmanopanishad ==

== Purusha - As in अत्मनोपनिषद् || Atmanopanishad ==

The abstract

The abstract idea Purusa is extensively discussed in various Upanishads, and referred interchangeably as महा-आत्मन || maha-atman and ब्रह्मन् || brahman (not to be confused with a person).

idea Purusa is extensively discussed in various Upanishads, and referred

interchangeably as महा-आत्मन || maha-atman and ब्रह्मन् || brahman (not to be confused with Brahmin).[2]

Rishi Angiras

Rishi [[Angirasa (अङ्गिरसः)|Angirasa]] of the Atmopanishad belonging to the Atharvaveda explains that Purusha, the dweller in the body, is three-fold:  

of the Atmopanishad belonging to the Atharvaveda explains that Purusha, the

dweller in the body, is three-fold:  

* the बाह्यत्मन् || Bahyatman (the Outer-Atman) which is born and dies  

* the बाह्यत्मन् || Bahyatman (the Outer-Atman) which is born and dies  

* the अन्तरात्मन् || Antaratman (the Inner-Atman) which comprehends the whole range of material phenomena, gross and subtle, with which the Jiva concerns himself  

* the अन्तरात्मन् || Antaratman (the Inner-Atman) which comprehends the whole range of material phenomena, gross and subtle, with which the Jiva concerns himself  

* the परमात्मन् || Paramatman which is all-pervading, unthinkable, indescribable, is without action and has no संस्कार || Samskaras

* the परमात्मन् || Paramatman which is all-pervading, unthinkable, indescribable, is without action and has no संस्कार || Samskaras

== Purusha - As in साङ्ख्य || Saamkhya ==

== Purusha - As in साङ्ख्य || Saamkhya ==

Samkhya school

Samkhya school of darshanas states that there are two ultimate realities whose interaction accounts for all experiences and universe - Prakriti (प्रकृति | Matter) and पुरुष || Purusha (पुरुषः | Atman). Sankhya analyzes the cosmos into a dualistic, and atheistic

of Hinduism states that there are two ultimate realities whose interaction

accounts for all experiences and universe - प्रकृति || Prakriti (matter) and पुरुष || Purusha

(spirit). Sankhya analyzes the cosmos into a dualistic, and atheistic

scheme.  

scheme.  

== Purusha - As in पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Suktam ==

== Purusha - As in पुरुष सूक्तं || Purusha Suktam ==

The Purusha Suktam is the most popular Sukta among all the Suktas in the four Veda Mantra

The Purusha Suktam is the most popular Sukta among all the Suktas in the four Veda Mantra Samhitas. It is found with some variations in all of them.

Samhitas. It is found with some variations in all of them.

# In the Rig Veda Mantra Samhita it is the 90^th Sukta in the 10^th Mandala.  

# In the Rig Veda Mantra Samhita it is the 90^th Sukta in the 10^th Mandala.  

# In the Shukla Yajur Veda Vajasaneya Samhita it is Adhyaya 31.  

# In the Shukla Yajur Veda Vajasaneya Samhita it is Adhyaya 31.  

# In Taittiriya Aranyaka, it is the 12^th anuvaka in the 3^rd Kanda.  

# In Taittiriya Aranyaka, it is the 12^th anuvaka in the 3^rd Kanda.  

# It is also found in Sama Veda & Atharva Veda with some variations.  

# It is also found in Sama Veda & Atharva Veda with some variations.  

It gives a

It gives a description of the adhyatmik unity of the universe. It presents the nature of Purusha or the cosmic being as both immanent in the manifested world and

description of the spiritual unity of the universe. It presents the nature

of Purusha or the cosmic being as both immanent in the manifested world and

yet transcendent to it. 

yet transcendent to it. 

The Supreme

The Supreme infinite Reality when expressing through Its own creativeness identifies with

infinite Reality when expressing through Its own “creativeness identifies with

the Total-Causal-Body and becomes the ईश्वर || Eswara (God); and God, when He

the Total-Causal-Body and becomes the ईश्वर || Eswara (God); and God, when He

expresses with the Total-Subtle-Body, identifying with this “Urge-to-create

expresses with the Total-Subtle-Body, identifying with this Urge-to-create

becomes the Creator (later identified with Brahma, हिरण्यगर्भ || Hiranya-garbha

becomes the Creator (later identified with Brahma, [[Hiranyagarbha (हिरण्यगर्भ)|हिरण्यगर्भ || Hiranya-garbha]] or प्रजापति || Prajapati) ; and when the Creator projects forth through the Total-Gross-Body, He comes to play as this universe in space and time (Virat). Cosmic Form of the Lord is विराट पुरुष || Virat Purusha. When the

or प्रजापति || Prajapati) ; and when the Creator projects forth through the

Creator comes to identify with what He had projected in His Creation, He becomes, the जीव || Jiva (individualized entity).

Total-Gross-Body, He comes to play as this universe in space and time (Virat). Cosmic Form of the Lord is विराट पुरुष || Virat Purusha. When the

Creator comes to identify with what He had projected in His Creation, He

becomes, the जीव || Jiva (individualized entity).

What are the

What are the

processes and stages through which the Universe had emerged out in this act of Divine यज्ञ || '''Yagna''' (the great sacrifice)?

processes and stages through which the Universe had emerged out in this act of Divine यज्ञ || Yagna (the great sacrifice)?

These are most

These are most poetically visualized and sung in the Vedas. The PURUSHA SUKTAM is a Sukta of

poetically visualized and sung in the Vedas. The PURUSHA SUKTAM is a Sukta of

Praise adoring the Mighty Spirit Divine.

Praise adoring the Mighty Spirit Divine.

The Purusha is

The Purusha is

defined and described as a being who pervades everything conscious and

defined and described as a being who pervades everything conscious and

unconscious universally. He is poetically depicted as सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात् || sahasrashirsha purushah sahasrapat (a being with thousand

unconscious universally. He is poetically depicted as<blockquote>सहस्रशीर्षा पुरुषः सहस्राक्षः सहस्रपात् || sahasrashirsha purushah sahasrapat </blockquote>(a being with thousand heads, eyes and legs),<blockquote>"स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वात्यतिष्ठद्दशाङुलम् || "</blockquote><blockquote>"sa bhumim vishvato vruttvatyatishthdvshnshdulam || "</blockquote>(enveloping the earth from all sides) and transcending it. He is the Life, the Consciousness, by which everything

heads, eyes and legs),  <blockquote>"स भूमिं विश्वतो वृत्वात्यतिष्ठद्दशाङुलम् || "</blockquote><blockquote>"sa bhumim vishvato vruttvatyatishthdvshnshdulam || "</blockquote>(enveloping the earth from all sides) and

functions.<blockquote>पुरुष एवेदं सर्वं यद्भूतं यच्च भव्यम् || purusha evedam sarvam yadvabhatam yachcha bhavyam </blockquote>(All manifestation, in past present and future, is held to be the Purusha alone).  <blockquote>एतावानस्य महिमातो ज्यायाँश्च पूरुषः ||</blockquote><blockquote>etavansya mahimaato jyayaanscha purushah</blockquote>(The Total-Universe is the Single Body of the One Self, He alone expresses through all). 

transcending it. He is the Life, the Consciousness, by which everything

functions.   

manifestation, in past present and future, is held to be the Purusha alone).  

described to have started with the origination Virat or the cosmic body from

the Purusha. In Virat, omnipresent intelligence manifests itself which causes

एतावानस्य महिमातो ज्यायाँश्च पूरुषः || 

== Purusha - As in  आयुर्वेदः || Ayurveda ==

etavansya mahimaato jyayaanscha purushah (The Total-Universe is the Single Body of the One Self, He alone expresses through all ). 

Purusha refers to a person or a human being in general. Ayurvedic classics specify that the term ‘Purusha’ denotes Chetana dhatu (‘consciousness, soul or life element’).  The knowledge of life offered by Ayurveda is for longevity, health and well-being of ‘Tridandatmaka Purusha’ which is called as Adhikaran (Object) of Ayurveda.  

Creation is

described to have started with the origination Virat or the cosmic body from

The term purusha is composed of 2 words.

the Purusha. In Virat, omnipresent intelligence manifests itself which causes

 

the appearance of diversity.

 

 

 

 

Purusha is one and single entity. However after reviewing other shastras, Ayurveda acharyas have mentioned various components of Purusha described elsewhere and specified the meaning of term 'Purusha' when used in context of Ayurveda shastra. Ayurveda acharyas have described Purusha from different perspectives as follows,

 

This is also known as षड्धात्वात्मकः पुरुषः|| ‘Shad dhatwatmaka purusha’ or चिकित्साधिकृतः पुरुषः || ‘Chikitsadhikruta Purusha’. This purusha is the one which is commonly referred as human being and it is for him, the knowledge of life in Ayurveda has been described. This purusha is composed of ‘Panchamahabhootas’ (5 basic elements) and the 6^th element ‘Jivatma’ (the life element or consciousness of human being). (sushruta sutra 1) (sushruta sharir 1) Since Chikitsa (Treatments and procedures) can be prescribed and conducted on the living physical body only, this type of purusha is called as ‘Chikitsadhikruta purusha’ (the purusha indicated for treatments offered in Ayurveda) or ‘Karmapurusha’.

 

 

Acharya Charaka has clearly mentioned that, knowledge about life offered in Ayurveda is related to the Ayu of त्रिदन्डात्मकपुरुषः । Tridandatmaka [[Purusha (पुरुषः)|Purusha]].  सत्वम्। [[Manas (मनः)|Satva]] (Mind), आत्मा। [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]] (Life energy) and शरीरम् । [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|Shariram]] (Body) are the three basic components. The union of these three components form the tripod of life. The entire life depends and sustains on this union. It must be understood that any one of these is not sufficient to uphold the life individually. When each one of these factors supports other and form a union, they develop the ability to sustain the life. When any one of these factors is absent and their union breaks, the life discontinues. Hence each of these 3 factors and their union hold equal importance. This union is also called as  पुमान् । Puman or चेतनम् । Chetan and Tridandatmaka Purusha

 

Also known as ‘Rashi purusha’. This form of Purusha refers to the union of 24 basic principles of evolution and existence of life in this world. These 24 Tatvas (principles) are 8 Prakruti (Primary substances) and 16 Vikaras (secondary substances). 8 Prakrutis are Avyakta, Mahat, Ahankara and 5 Tanmatras (subtle forms of 5 basic elements) while 16 Vikaras are 11 Indriyas (5 sense organs, 5 motor organs and 1 Manas commonly referred as mind), Pancha mahabhutas (5 basic elements of nature).  

तस्माद्विराळजायत विराजो अधि पूरुषःस जातो अत्यरिच्यत पश्चाद्भूमिमथो पुरः || tasmadviraljaayat virajo adhi purushas jato atyarichyat paschadvbhamimatho purah

==== पंचविंशतिकः पुरुषः || Panchavinshatika purusha ====

== References ==

== References ==

# Rig veda

# Rig veda