Exploring the Three Types of Ahankaram and Their Inherent Gunas in Human Existence

J Ruby
Aug 13
2 min read

In the vast landscape of Indian philosophical thought, the concept of Ahankaram (ego or the sense of "I") holds a profound place. Far from being just psychological ego, Ahankaram in Siddha and traditional Indian medicine signifies deeper energetic and functional classifications that influence the human constitution. This ancient wisdom identifies three types of Ahankaram—Thaisasa, Vaikarika, and Bhowdhathika—each carrying the traits of the three fundamental gunas (qualities): Sathwa, Rajo, and Thamo.

Each type of Ahankaram governs different bodily and mental faculties, influencing how we perceive, respond, and interact with the world. Understanding these types offers a pathway to enhanced self-awareness, inner balance, and ultimately, holistic health.

Let’s explore each type of Ahankaram and the guna it manifests:

1. Thaisasa Ahankaram – The Seat of Sathwa Guna

This form of Ahankaram governs:

The mind
The intellect
The five sense organs

These faculties, refined and subtle in nature, are closely aligned with Sathwa guna, the quality of clarity, truth, wisdom, and purity. When Sathwa dominates, a person is calm, discerning, and inwardly harmonious. Thaisasa Ahankaram supports spiritual insight, moral discernment, and subtle perception.

2. Vaikarika Ahankaram – Driven by Rajo Guna

Vaikarika Ahankaram corresponds to:

The motor organs (hands, feet, speech, etc.)
Their actions and external interactions

This type is inherently infused with Rajo guna, the dynamic quality associated with energy, activity, ambition, and restlessness. Rajo guna motivates outward expression, ambition, and engagement with the world but can also lead to agitation and ego-driven behavior if unbalanced.

3. Bhowdhathika Ahankaram – The Shadow of Thamo Guna

This Ahankaram governs:

The five elements (earth, water, fire, air, space)
The associated perceptions

It is connected with Thamo guna, the quality of inertia, ignorance, darkness, and resistance to change. When this aspect dominates, it may result in confusion, delusion, laziness, or material attachment. Bhowdhathika Ahankaram represents the grossest level of ego, closely tied to material and sensory experience.

The classification of Ahankaram in this triadic structure is not just theoretical—it serves as a profound tool for introspection. By recognizing how these three layers influence our mind, body, and behavior, we can work toward cultivating Sathwa, managing Rajo, and reducing Thamo for a more balanced and aware self. This ancient knowledge, rooted in Siddha and yogic traditions, remains strikingly relevant for our inner development today.

Ref:-Siddha Maruthuvanga Churukkam