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Five Elements And Color In Hinduism

Five Elements is known as Pancha Bhuta and each of the five element has a color associated with as per Hinduism. As per Hindu teachings, life is made up of pancha bhoota and depends on them for the sustenance.

The five elements in Hindu religion are prithvi, apu, agni, vayu and akasha. The colors associated with them are yellow, white or silver, red, blue and black.

The earth, according to Tarkashastra, has seven colors in it, for a grain of sand alone can be held in the hand, while the other elements cannot be contained in the palm. The seven colors associated with earth are white (shukla), blue (nila), yellow (pita), red (rakta), green (harita), grey (kapisa) and multicolor (citra).

Five Elements And Color In Hinduism

Earth (Prithvi) is yellow in color. The yellow color suggests stability on earth and its riches. Gold, Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu are associated with yellow color. Yellow powder of turmeric is an important offering in many temples. The shape associated with this element is square as it is perfectly balanced.

Water (apu) – It is white or silver in color and is represented by the shape of a crescent. Sometimes water appears blue when the sky is reflected on it.

Fire (agni) – It is red in color and takes the shape of a triangle. The movement of the a flame is generally upwards and the shape of a triangle is unsteady.

Air (vayu) – It is blue and the all pervading element is represented in a circle. It is a symbol of completion.

Space (akasha) – It is black in color and is symbolized by a point or bindu – the beginning and end of all manifestation. It is the infinite and endless into which all things lose their distinction.