Pancha means five and Bhuta means element. Thus it is quite evident that there are five elements according to the principles of Ayurveda. They are Akasha (space), Vayu (air), Agni (heat), Jala (water) and Prithvi (earth). These five elements mix together to form different states of matter.

It was Sushruta who pointed them out. According to him, all objects combined both physically and chemically. Combination occurs differently, and as a result there is variation in quality and form.