THE FIVE ELEMENTS of nature – panchmahabhutus

Being Indians, we all know that the five elements of nature namely fire (agni), earth (prithvi), air (vayu), water (jal) and space (akash), also known as `panchmahabhutus‘, form the very basis of everything that exists on earth. Let us try and understand how these elements relate to architecture, especially interior spaces, which is going to be the focus of this blog. Spaces that intentionally embody or emphasize these elements as part of their design vocabulary somehow always appeal to each one of us. At elementary level human body is also composed of these five elements- fire, earth, air, water, space. We need a constant connection to these basic units of our existence to feel at ease, rooted and peaceful.

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“Smudara vasane devi; parvata stana mandale,Vishnupatni namastubhyam;paada sparsha kshamasvame”.

O! Mother Earth, who has the oceans as clothes and forests and mountains on her body, who is the wife of Lord Vishnu, I bow to you. Please forgive me for touching you with my feet.’

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Think of a vast expansive beach and how the emptiness invokes a sense of calm and peace. Or something as simple as a morning walk in a nearby park with sunlight filtering down the trees. How the feel of earth under our feet just relaxes and grounds us. Balancing these elements in any space adds soul and makes a space wholesome.

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“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” John Muir

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Our spaces need to be rooted in these elements at some level or the other. Human body resonates and craves for them and finds peace when we are in such an environment. Sometimes   we forgo these very simple and obvious units of our existence. The moment we are connected we feel rejuvenated and calm.

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Earth is something that has stabilizing effect on our senses. Something that’s more tangible and that we can hold in our hands. Personally, I love materials like undressed stone, natural textured wood, natural fibers like linen, sisal , jute. Don’t you feel drawn to the earthen color palettes and textures. They are so comforting and at ease with themselves. So unassuming and not intimidating. Earthen elements ground the spaces so well. Such spaces are not seeking attention. They are livable and rooted and warm.

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Water imparts flow to any space. For me, its something that is so pure and clear that it helps rest our eyes . Water always relaxes our senses. Water has that reflective and refreshing quality. Clear glass bowls with floating elements, fountains, coastal color palette, mirrors- all enhance the presence of this vital and nourishing element in any space design isn’t it ?

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Fire element is the spark of an interior space. It imparts the energy and uplifts our mood . It could be as simple as a bright red accent, candles, light fittings, and of course sunlight. Sun the ultimate source of fire on this planet. I always appreciate the sun filled corners in any space.

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Air element symbolizes the airy, breezy and light feeling of any space. Who doesn’t like a well ventilated , airy space. This element imparts a sense of flow, lightness and freedom. I love the very sight of sheer curtains blowing in fresh air. Light and minimal, all white approach gives us a very airy feel. Even something as simple as incense candles can freshen up the air around us.

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Space or ether is said to be the most mysterious of all elements. It basically signifies the endless space. The medium of transmission. Now the way I relate it to space design is very simple. For me its having enough breathing or open space in our designs in order to appreciate other elements. After all, its the element which hosts or binds all the other elements. Like `brahamsthana‘ – the empty space in center of a house. Or maybe a meditation corner in a house which connects us to our inner space and to the divine.

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Whenever our spaces are in sync with these elements they exude a sense of calm and peace. There is an inherent purity and authenticity which is very convincing. Such spaces feel less need to rely on cosmetics as they possess inherent inner beauty. I hope this blog helps you to create such soulful spaces. Let our spaces echo these natural resources and make maximum out of them.