Pancha Janah means five people and the concept is mentioned
the Aitareya Brahmana – a holy text associated with Hinduism. The Pancha Janah
mentioned in it are Gods, Gandharvas (Apsaras), human beings, serpents and
departed souls (dead ancestors).
Sayana, philosopher and commentator of Vedas, is of the
opinion that the Pancha Janah are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vyshias, Shudras and
Nishadas.
Yaska, a grammarian who preceded Panini, is of the view that
Pancha Janah are gods, men, gandharvas, asuras and rakshasas.
Some modern scholars equate Pancha Janah with Pancha Deva.
Some scholars equate it with five breaths – Prana
(inhaling), Apna (exhaling), Vyna (body pervading), Samana (wind at navel) and
udana (vital wind rising upwards).