The Seven Dhātus and Their Planetary Correlations

  

The Seven Dhātus and Their Planetary Correlations

1) Rasa Dhātu (Plasma / Nutrient Fluid)

• Planet: Moon (Chandra)
• Explanation:
  Rasa is the very first product of digestion, derived from properly processed food (Āhāra rasa). It circulates throughout the body, carrying nourishment and moisture to all tissues. The Moon, being the karaka (significator) of fluids, nourishment, growth, and mental calmness, governs this dhātu.
• Just as the Moon controls tides and watery processes, it also symbolizes the sustaining and moisturizing principle in the body.
• A weak Moon may cause dryness, improper assimilation, or disorders of fluid circulation.

 

2) Rakta Dhātu (Blood)

• Planet: Moon (Chandra)
• Explanation:
  Rakta is formed from Rasa, carrying prāṇa (vital force) and giving energy, vitality, and complexion. In the classical scheme, Rakta is sometimes associated with Mars (for its fiery, red, vitalizing nature), but here the linkage continues with the Moon because blood is still a nourishing, life-sustaining medium derived directly from Rasa.
• The Moon governs the transformation of plasma into life-blood, keeping the tissues alive and glowing.
• A disturbed Moon can lead to anemia, pallor, or disturbed circulation.

 

3) Māṁsa Dhātu (Muscles, Flesh, Ligaments, Tendons)

• Planet: Saturn (Śani)
• Explanation:
  Māṁsa provides form, support, and covering to the skeletal framework. It also aids in movement and physical strength. Saturn, being the planet of structure, endurance, and slow accumulation, governs this tissue.
• Saturn rules over heaviness, stability, and the sustaining aspect of the body, which matches the role of muscles and ligaments.
• Weak Saturn may result in muscular weakness, wasting, rigidity, or disorders of ligaments.

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4) Meda Dhātu (Fat, Adipose Tissue, Lubrication)

• Planet: Jupiter (Guru / Bṛhaspati)
• Explanation:
  Meda provides lubrication to joints, reserves of energy, and softness to the body. Jupiter, the planet of abundance, nourishment, and expansion, governs fat and oils.
• Just as Jupiter signifies growth, prosperity, and accumulation, Meda provides cushioning and resource storage for the body.
• Weak Jupiter can result in poor lubrication, dryness, joint cracking, or excessive leanness. Over-strong Jupiter may cause obesity or excess fat.

 

5) Asthi Dhātu (Bones, Teeth, Nails, Hair roots)

• Planet: Sun (Sūrya)
• Explanation:
  Asthi gives structure, strength, and firmness to the body. The Sun, being the central pillar of vitality and structure in the solar system, represents the skeletal system in the body.
• The Sun’s fiery energy hardens and solidifies, which corresponds to bone formation.
• Weak Sun can manifest as fragile bones, dental issues, poor posture, or skeletal deformities.

 

6) Majjā Dhātu (Bone Marrow, Nerve Tissue, Spinal Cord)

• Planet: Mars (Maṅgala)
• Explanation:
  Majjā fills the cavities of bones and supports nerve tissue. It is the source of strength, immunity, and vigor. Mars, being the planet of energy, vitality, and blood formation, governs Majjā.
• Mars energizes and enlivens, corresponding to marrow’s function in producing blood cells and supporting immunity.
• Weak Mars may cause low vitality, weak immunity, or neurological weakness.

 

7) Śukra Dhātu (Reproductive Tissue / Semen, Ova, Reproductive Fluids)

• Planet: Venus (Śukra)
• Explanation:
  Śukra represents the essence of all other dhātus and supports reproduction, regeneration, creativity, and vitality. Venus, as the planet of fertility, creativity, and regeneration, naturally rules over Śukra dhātu.
• Venus governs beauty, vitality, charm, and reproductive ability, all connected to Śukra.
• Weak Venus may cause infertility, loss of vitality, or reproductive system issues.

 

Additional Note on Skin (Tvacā)

• Planet: Mercury (Budha)
• Explanation:
  Tvacā (skin) is often treated as a separate entity outside the seven dhātus. It is the protective covering, sensory organ, and a reflection of internal health. Mercury, being the planet of sensitivity, perception, and communication, represents the skin.
• Just as Mercury governs intellect and exchange, the skin is the interface between inner and outer worlds.
• Weak Mercury may show as skin disorders, hypersensitivity, or poor tactile communication.

 

Summary Table

Dhātu	Tissue / Function	Nourishment Source	Planet	Role of Planet
Rasa	Plasma / Nutrient fluid	Food digestion	Moon	Fluids, nourishment
Rakta	Blood	Rasa	Moon	Vital circulation
Māṁsa	Muscle, flesh, ligaments	Rakta	Saturn	Structure, endurance
Meda	Fat, lubrication	Māṁsa	Jupiter	Growth, cushioning
Asthi	Bones, teeth, nails	Meda	Sun	Structure, vitality
Majjā	Marrow, nerves, spinal tissue	Asthi	Mars	Energy, immunity
Śukra	Reproductive fluids	Majjā	Venus	Fertility, vitality
Tvacā	Skin	—	Mercury	Sensory interface

 

This mapping integrates Ayurvedic physiology (dhātu formation and nourishment sequence) with Jyotiṣa planetary symbolism, showing how the cosmic forces are mirrored in the body.

Would you like me to also expand this further into how imbalance of each planet affects its dhātu (i.e., disease correlations in astrology + Ayurveda)?