Sankhya philosophy teaches us that the universe was born from the union of Prakriti and Purusha. Prakriti here refers to the basic cosmic material that is the root of all beings, and Purusha to the spirit or conscious energy that governs life and reality. The cosmic entity, Purusha, exists beyond the realms of time and space and combines with Prakriti to form this world of creation. Both these eternal indestructible realities join to form the matter we perceive.

 

Prakriti evolves in response to Purusha, and its internal elements change further, leading to the formation of the Pancha Maha Bhutas, or the Five Great Elements. The physical universe we are familiar with comprises primarily the Pancha Maha Bhutas, namely, Akasha (Ether or Space), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jala (Water) and Prithvi (Earth).