Decoding the Ventral Metencephalon: A Neurosymbolic Analysis of Dhumavati Iconography

This study proposes a neurosymbolic interpretation of Mahavidya Dhumavati. Her iconography, including the aged widow, driverless chariot, winnowing basket, and retinue, is interpreted as a symbolic map that parallels the ventral metencephalon, specifically the pontine reticular formation, parabrachial nucleus, and autonomic pathways. The study explores how Sakta symbolism may preserve an intuitive model of survival architecture, metabolic sensing, and sensory gating. Furthermore, the Beejmantra ‘Dhum’ is explored as a potential neuro-acoustic model that may engage trigeminal, vagal, and pontine circuits in a framework associated with parasympathetic dominance and pratyahara. This framework is proposed as a practical tool for STEM education, using cross-cultural semiotics to help students grasp complex brainstem anatomy and autonomic regulation through intuitive cognitive models.