Understanding the Ninety-Six Tattwas: Exploring Siddha Perspectives on Human Composition
- J Ruby
- May 15
- 2 min read

In Siddha medicine, the human body is viewed not only through its physical form but also its psychological, intellectual, and spiritual components. These diverse aspects are described collectively as Tattwas or fundamental principles. A traditional doctrine recognizes 96 Tattwas that encompass the entirety of human experience and functionality.
The Foundation: 30 Basic Tattwas
The first 30 tattwas form the core, comprising:
Five elements (Pancha Boothams)
Five sense organs
Five motor organs
Five actions
Four internal faculties (Antahkaranas: mind, intellect, determination, and ego)
Six additional principles that tie the physical and metaphysical elements together
Expansion into 96 Tattwas
Beyond these 30, the Siddha tradition, along with several other schools such as:
Siva Kattalai
Thiru Alavai Kattalai
Vedanta Kattalai
Tattwa Deepika
Siddhanta Kattalai
Yugi Cintamani
…expand the system into a total of 96 tattwas. These additional components cover:
Physiological systems like Naadi (10 types) and Vayu (10 types)
Psychological states such as Ragam (8 types) and Vinai (2 types)
Energetic and philosophical concepts like Vidya Tattwam, Siva Tattwam, and Avathai (stages of spiritual evolution)
Each school varies slightly in how they categorize or interpret these tattwas, as shown in the comparison chart in the original source.
Purpose and Significance
The classification of 96 tattwas provides a comprehensive framework for understanding health, behavior, consciousness, and spiritual progression. They are used not just for diagnosis and treatment in Siddha medicine, but also for aligning bodily functions with cosmic principles.
This intricate model highlights how ancient wisdom perceives the human being as a multi-layered entity – a fusion of body, energy, mind, and soul.
Ref:-Siddha Maruthuvanga Churukkam
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