Effects of Panchakosha Practices in Fostering Holistic Well-being among Children

Abstract The Panchakosha model, described in the Taittiriya Upanishad, outlines five interrelated dimensions of human existence: Annamaya (physical body), Pranamaya (vital energy), Manomaya (mind and emotions), Vijnanamaya (intellect), and Anandamaya (spiritual bliss). This study investigates the effectiveness of Panchakosha-based interventions in promoting holistic personality development among middle school children. A mixed-method approach was used, incorporating a 12-week intervention with 60 children divided into experimental (n=30) and control groups (n=30). The intervention included yoga and Surya Namaskar for Annamaya, breathing practices (box breathing, anulom-vilom) for Pranamaya, mindfulness journaling and guided relaxation for Manomaya, storytelling and problem-solving for Vijnanamaya, and meditation and gratitude practices for Anandamaya. Quantitative data were collected through physical fitness checklists, emotional well-being scales, and teacher observation schedules, while qualitative data were gathered via student reflective journals. Results indicated significant improvements in physical fitness, emotional regulation, attention, creativity, empathy, and self-awareness among children in the experimental group. Findings demonstrate that integrating Panchakosha principles into school curricula supports NEP 2020’s vision of holistic education, bridging ancient Indian wisdom with modern pedagogical practices. The study highlights practical strategies for child-centered education and recommends wider adoption and further research to validate long-term outcomes.