Shukra Dhatu

Shukra dhatu is the male reproductive tissue, the seventh and final dhatu in the sequence of tissue formation. The word shukra means white. The function of shukra dhatu, termed prajanana, is producing, generating, bringing forth, and procreating. Its vital purpose is the continuation of the human species. The rishis described shukra as liquid, unctuous, jelly-like, cool, with the smell of honey, and a sweet taste — similar to ghee, which enhances semen production.

According to Ayurveda, shukra dhatu is present throughout the body. The deepest layer of the skin is connected to shukra dhara kala, the membranous structure from which sperm are created. This kala is also present in the eyes, which explains why touch, sight, and even smell can stimulate sexual desire. Every cell carries sexual polarity — sex is love, creativity, and a dynamic life force present throughout the body.

A sperm contains all 20 attributes, five elements, three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha), and in microform has all seven dhatus. Prana (life force), apana vayu, and vyana vayu are present in each sperm. There is also a mind, the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas), ojas, tejas, prana, and a presence of soul as pure consciousness. The sperm is described as the atomic cell of life — alive and vital, not a dead thing.

The testicles contain seminiferous tubules, the epididymis, and the spermatic cord. Before descending in the ninth month of fetal life, the testicles hang near the kidneys. Apana vayu pulls them down through the inguinal canal into the scrotum, where a temperature approximately 0.5 degrees lower than visceral temperature is required for sperm production. Sperm production requires optimal temperature — even tight underwear can raise testicular temperature enough to cause sterility.

Shukra dhara kala becomes active at the age of puberty. Its maturation produces male hormones responsible for the manifestation of secondary sexual characteristics — the development of beard and moustache, axillary hair, and pubic hair. Immature sperm formed in the seminiferous tubules are carried into the epididymis, a pouch on the top and back of the testicle, where they are stored for approximately 35 days to become mature.

When sperm become mature in the epididymis, they develop ojas. This ojas sends electricity to the heart, making the heart also a seat of ojas. A blow to the epididymis can stop the heart and kill a man — which is why striking the genitals is forbidden in martial arts. The coiled tubes of the epididymis are about six meters (20 feet) long, and new sperm are born within them every moment. When a sperm dies, it becomes bodily protein.

Mature sperm pass from the epididymis through the spermatic cord into the prostate gland, which secretes prostatic fluid. When sperm mix with prostatic fluid, it is called semen. The prostatic fluid provides the medium through which sperm swim rapidly, passing through the urethra. Sperm are rich in fluid, protein, zinc, and mercury. Without spermicidal chemicals present, sperm can survive in the vagina for up to seven days.

The primary causes of shukra dhatu dushti and artava dhatu dushti include sex at inappropriate times, excessive sexual activity, incompatible food combining, intercourse at midday or midnight (dawn or dusk), retention of ejaculation, and overindulgence. Other causes include having sex during menses, intense sex under the influence of intoxicants, violent or exotic sex in wrong positions, and use of chemical spermicides.

Physical or surgical trauma to the lower pelvic floor, sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes), genetic predisposition to reproductive disorders, following tantric practices without proper guidance, and emotional stress and worry are also significant causes.

Ayurveda states that sexual fluids take 35 days to be replenished, making moderation essential for preserving ojas. The recommended frequency varies by constitution and season: approximately once per month for a vata person in autumn, while once a day may be appropriate for a kapha person in winter.