SB 2.10.31 · Srimad-Bhagavatam

Devanagari

त्वक्‍चर्ममांसरुधिरमेदोमज्जास्थिधातव: । भूम्यप्तेजोमया: सप्त प्राणो व्योमाम्बुवायुभि: ॥ ३१ ॥

Verse text

tvak-carma-māṁsa-rudhira- medo-majjāsthi-dhātavaḥ bhūmy-ap-tejomayāḥ sapta prāṇo vyomāmbu-vāyubhiḥ

Synonyms

tvak — the thin layer on the skin ; carma — skin ; māṁsa — flesh ; rudhira — blood ; medaḥ — fat ; majjā — marrow ; asthi — bone ; dhātavaḥ — elements ; bhūmi — earth ; ap — water ; tejaḥ — fire ; mayāḥ — predominating ; sapta — seven ; prāṇaḥ — breathing air ; vyoma — sky ; ambu — water ; vāyubhiḥ — by the air .

Translation

The seven elements of the body, namely the thin layer on the skin, the skin itself, the flesh, blood, fat, marrow and bone, are all made of earth, water and fire, whereas the life breath is produced by the sky, water and air.

Translation (Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura)

The seven dhātus known as skin, its upper layer, muscle, blood, fat, marrow and bone,are composed of predominantly of earth, water and fire. The life airs are nourished by ether and water.

Purport

The construction of the whole material world is prominently made by three elements, namely earth, water and fire. But the living force is produced by sky, air and water. So water is the common element in both the gross and subtle forms of all material creation, and it should be noted herewith that due to necessity, water, being most prominent in the material creation, is the principal element of all the five. This material body is thus an embodiment of the five elements, and the gross manifestation is perceived because of three, namely earth, water, and fire. Sensations of touch are perceived due to the thin layer on the skin, and bone is as good as hard stone. The breathing air of life is produced of sky, air and water, and therefore open air, regular bath and ample space in which to live are favorable for healthy vitality. Fresh produce from the earth like grains and vegetables, as well as fresh water and heat, is good for the upkeep of the gross body.

Commentary (Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura)

Having described the sense organs (adhyātma), gross locations, sense objects (adhibhūta) and sense devatās (adhidaiva), Śukadeva describes the nature of the dhātus and other items which arise as portions of the elements in two verses. Tvak and carma are the gross and subtle aspects of skin. The seven dhātus starting with skin and ending with bone are composed of earth, water and fire elements. Though those items have all five elements as components, because air and ether do not nourish the body through food and other items (whereas water, earth and fire do), only three elements are mentioned. The prāṇa composed of airs is nourished by ether and water. Putting all three items in plural instrumental case is poetic license.