A Critical Literary Review of Brihatrayi with Special Reference to the Role of RāJasika and TāMasikaāHāRa in the Etiopathogenesis of MāNasikavikāRa

Abstract

Background: Āhāra (diet) is recognized in Ayurveda as one of the three cardinal pillars sustaining life (Trayopastambha) The Brihatrayi comprising Charaka Saṃhitā, Suśruta Saṃhitā, and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya systematically classifies food according to its Guṇātmaka (qualitative) properties. Rājasika and Tāmasika Āhāra are specifically implicated in the aggravation of Mānasika Doṣas (Rajas and Tamas) and the consequent development of psychological disorders. Despite the classical emphasis on the diet–mind continuum, a systematic scholarly synthesis from Brihatrayi remains limited. Objective: To critically review descriptions of Rājasika and Tāmasika Āhāra in Brihatrayi and evaluate their role in the etiopathogenesis of Mānasika Vikāra through textual, conceptual, and comparative analysis. Materials and Methods: A classical literary review was conducted using primary references from Charaka Saṃhitā (Chakrapāṇi datta's Āyurveda Dīpikā commentary), Suśruta Saṃhitā (Dalhaṇa's Nibandha Saṅgraha commentary), and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya (Aruṇa datta's Sarvāṅga sundari commentary). Secondary sources included peer-reviewed Āyurveda journals, AYUSH publications, and contemporary nutritional psychiatry literature retrieved from PubMed/MEDLINE. Results: Rājasika Āhāra characterized by Kaṭu, Amla, Lavaṇa, Uṣṇa, and Tīkṣṇa properties, provokes Rajo guna dominance, leading to emotional hyperactivation, anger, and anxiety-spectrum disorders. Tāmasika Āhāra-comprising stale, putrefied, heavy, and impure food amplifies Tamo guna, resulting in cognitive dullness, lethargy, and affective flattening. Both dietary patterns impair the Dhi-Dhṛti-Smṛti triad, predisposing to disorders such as Unmāda, Apasmāra, Viṣāda, and Chittodvega. Conclusion: Brihatrayi establishes a coherent theoretical framework linking Rājasika and Tāmasika dietary practices to mental disorder pathogenesis, which aligns with contemporary nutritional psychiatry and gut–brain axis research, under scoring the relevance of Sāttvika Āhāra as a preventive and therapeutic dietary protocol in mental health management.