Prastar Yoni (प्रस्तर योनि)

Prastar Yoni (प्रस्तर योनि | prastara yōni) is a form of immovable life in which a soul inhabits a stone.

According to Vedic philosophy, there are 84 lakh yonis (8.4 million forms of life). These are broadly classified into two categories:

• Char (चर): Movable forms of life.
• Achar (अचर): Immovable forms of life.

Prastar Yoni belongs to the category of immovable life forms. In this yoni, a soul inhabits a stone, even though no outward signs of life are visible.

An Example from the Ramayana

Ahalya, the wife of Sage Gautam, was cursed to assume the form of a stone. She remained in that condition until Shri Ram liberated her from the curse. She then returned to her husband.

This is an example of Prastar Yoni.

Are All Stones Living Beings?

No. The existence of Prastar Yoni does not mean that every stone contains a soul.

An ordinary stone is Jad (inert matter). Prastar Yoni refers specifically to a stone inhabited by a Jeev (soul), which is Chetan (sentient).

Thus, not every stone is a living being, even though a soul can inhabit a stone in Prastar Yoni.

Related Terms

• Yoni
• Jad
• Chetan

Go Deeper

Why Did Kevat Refuse to Let Shri Ram Board His Boat?

Kevat's strange excuse was not ignorance but a loving way to obtain the privilege of washing Shri Ram's lotus feet.

Kripalu Vedic WisdomJKP Literature