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“Pitta” literally translates to “bile” or “bilious humor. It is one of three [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]] that are the primary foundations of Ayurveda and more specifically one of the fundamental and unique entities in the understanding of Ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, pathology and etc. Doshas are also known as bio-energies controlling the functioning of the entire body. Some consider Pitta to be equivalent to the bile described in western science, but its properties, its physiology in [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shareera]] are peculiar and distinct and must be understood from the Ayurvedic point of view. Pitta is known as “heat” in general which is originated from the “agni” mahabhuta. Thus Pitta represnts the Fire element inside the body which chiefly performs the function of transformation in the body. Along with other doshas, [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]](tissues) and [[Malas (मलाः)|malas]], Pitta dosha carries out various other functions as well e.g. vision, skin color generation, generation of hunger, thirst and intelligence etc. Among all these functions, Digestion of food along with maintenance of body temperature is the most important function of the Pitta.  

“Pitta” (पित्तम्) literally translates to “bile” or “bilious humor. It is one of three [[doshas (दोषाः)]] that are the primary foundations of Ayurveda and more specifically one of the fundamental and unique entities in the understanding of Ayurvedic anatomy, physiology, pathology and etc. Doshas are also known as bio-energies controlling the functioning of the entire body. Some consider Pitta to be equivalent to the bile described in western science, but its properties, its physiology in [[sharira (शरीरम्)]] are peculiar and distinct and must be understood from the Ayurvedic point of view. Pitta is known as “heat” in general which is originated from the “agni” mahabhuta (अग्निमहाभूतम्). Thus Pitta represnts the Fire element inside the body which chiefly performs the function of transformation in the body. Along with other doshas, [[dhatus (धातवः)]](tissues) and [[malas (मलाः)]], Pitta dosha carries out various other functions as well e.g. vision, skin color generation, generation of hunger, thirst and intelligence etc. Among all these functions, Digestion of food along with maintenance of body temperature is the most important function of the Pitta.  

== Etymology ==

== निरुक्तिः॥ Etymology ==

‘तप’ सन्तापे | (sush. sutr. 21.5)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 5)</ref>

The word Pitta is derived from the root as below,<blockquote>‘तप’ सन्तापे | (sush. sutr. 21.5)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 5)</ref></blockquote>Here the root word is “Tapa” (तपस्) which means to generate heat or to burn.

Here the root word is “Tapa” which means to generate heat or to burn.

“Santape" (संतापे) literally means to torment, this explains the feature of pitta as that which generates extreme heat.  

“Santape “ literally means to torment, this explains the feature of pitta as that which generates extreme heat.  

Even though the doshas are present all over the body, there are certain sites where there is a predominance of each dosha. Pitta dosha is generally present in the middle region of the [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|sharira]], between [[Hrudaya (हृदयम्)|hriday (हृदयम् | heart)]]  and naabhi (umbilicus).<ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 4)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 4)</ref> <blockquote>नाभिरामाशयः स्वेदो लसीका रुधिरं रसः| दृक् स्पर्शनं च पित्तस्य, नाभिरत्र विशेषतः||२|| (Asht. Hrud. 12.2)<ref>Ashtanag Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 12 Sutra 2)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Pitta is situated in Naabhi(umbilicus), amashaya(stomach precisely), sweda(sweat), lasika(lymph), rasa(correlated loosely as plasma), rudhira(blood), drik(eyes), tvacha(skin). More specifically Nabhi is the chief site of Pitta.  

== Sites of Pitta dosha ==

== पित्तस्य पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Panchabhuta composition ==

Even though the doshas are present all over the body, there are certain sites where there is a predominance of each dosha. Pitta dosha is generally present in the middle region of the shareera, between hriday(heart) and naabhi (umbilicus).(Asht.sang.sutr.1.4) (sush.sutr.21.6) (Char.sutr.20.9)<blockquote>नाभिरामाशयः स्वेदो लसीका रुधिरं रसः|

All the living and non-living entities (matter in the universe) has evolved from or made up of [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)]]. Teja Mahabhuta (तेज महाभूतम्) or Agni mahabhuta (अग्नि महाभूतम्) which literally means the fire element , is predominant in the Pitta dosha. Thus, Pitta dosha originated from the Teja mahabhuta.<ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 1)</ref>

दृक् स्पर्शनं च पित्तस्य, नाभिरत्र विशेषतः||२|| (Asht. Hrud. 12.2)<ref>Ashtanag Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 12 Sutra 2)</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Pitta is situated in Naabhi(umbilicus), amashaya(stomach precisely), sweda(sweat), lasika(lymph), rasa(correlated loosely as plasma), rudhira(blood), drik(eyes), tvacha(skin). More specifically Nabhi is the chief site of Pitta.  

Pitta dosha and Agni Mahabhuta have Ashraya-ashrayi bhava (आश्रय-आश्रयीभावः) which is a unique Ayurvedic concept that precisely states the interdependency of these two separate entities. The word Ashraya means that which “depends on” and Ashrayi means that which is “the dependent”.  

Agni is present in our body in the form of pitta dosha, thus Agni works in our sharira through pitta dosha.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 12 Sutra 11)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 21 Sutra 9)</ref>

All the living and non-living entities (matter in the universe) has evolved from or made up of [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Panchamahabhutas]]. Teja Mahabhuta or Agni mahabhuta which literally means the fire element , is predominant in the Pitta dosha. Thus, Pitta dosha originated from the Teja mahabhuta. (Asht.Sang.sutr.21.1)<ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 1)</ref>

== Relationship between Pitta and Agni ==

Agni and Pitta dosha perform similar functions like Dahana (दहनम् । digestion), Pachana(पाचनम्), and abhipravartana (अभिप्रवर्तनम् । transformation). Both of these when vitiated are managed with sheeta [[Dravya (द्रव्यम्)|dravya]] (शीतद्रव्यम् | coolant drugs) or [[Therapeutic activity in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे कर्म)|karma]] ( कर्म । procedures with cooling properties). Although there are certain similarities as well. For instance, Ghrita or ghee is excellent to pacify the aggravated Pitta dosha, but at the same time ghee is used to kindle or increase the digestive fire i.e. agni.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 13 Sutra 43)</ref> Even though they are interdependent in certain ways, while describing “swasthya” (स्वास्थ्यम्) or complete health, they are described as separate entities stating “samadosha” (समदोषः) “Sama Agni” (समाग्निः) which means a balanced state of doshas and a balanced state of Agni is required for maintenance of “swasthya.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 15 Sutra 41)</ref> This understanding of interdependency between the two separate entities is essential for a better understanding of the disease manifestation and prognosis which helps in the planning of management.

Pitta dosha and Agni Mahabhuta have Ashraya-ashrayi bhava which is a unique Ayurvedic concept that precisely states the interdependency of these two separate entities. The word Ashraya means that which “depends on” and Ashrayi means that which is “the dependent”.  

Agni is present in our body in the form of pitta dosha, thus Agni works in our shareera through pitta dosha.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 12 Sutra 11)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 21 Sutra 9)</ref>

[[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)]] are the sensory & motor organs through which knowledge is perceived and response in generated. ‘Indra” which means “[[atman (आत्मन्)]]” or soul experiences this knowledge. There are five sense organs “Chakshu”(चक्षु । Vision), Shrotra (श्रोत्रम्। Auditory), ghrana (घ्राणम्। olfactory), rasana (रसना । gustatory) and  Sparshana(स्पर्शनम् । tactile). Among these 5 sensory organs, Chakshu (Eye) and Sparshana / Twak (Skin) are the 2 organs where Pitta predominantly resides and controls the functions or these organs. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 8 Sutra 12)</ref>

Agni and Pitta dosha perform similar functions like Dahana(digestion), Pachana(), and abhipravartana (transformation). Both of these when vitiated are managed with sheeta dravya or karma (drugs or procedures with cooling properties). Although there are certain similarities as well. For instance, Ghrita or ghee is excellent to pacify the aggravated Pitta dosha, but at the same time ghee is used to kindle or increase the digestive fire i.e. agni.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 13 Sutra 43)</ref> Even though they are interdependent in certain ways, while describing “swasthya” or complete health, they are described as separate entities stating “samadosha” “Sama Agni” which means a balanced state of doshas and a balanced state of Agni is required for maintenance of “swasthya.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanama Adhyaya 15 Sutra 41)</ref> This understanding of interdependency between the two separate entities is essential for a better understanding of the disease manifestation and prognosis which helps in the planning of management.

# Chakshurendriya (चक्षुरेन्द्रियम्) - The eye is the seat of type of pitta known as Alochaka pitta and is responsible for the visual perception.

 

# Sparshanendriya (स्पर्शनेन्द्रियम्) - Twak or skin is the seat of type of pitta known as Bhrajaka Pitta and is responsible for the maintenance of body temperature, provides luster to the skin, and helps in the sensation of touch.

 

# Chakshurendriya - The eye is the seat of type of pitta known as Alochaka pitta and is responsible for the visual perception.

# Sparshanendriya - Twak or skin is the seat of type of pitta known as Bhrajaka Pitta and is responsible for the maintenance of body temperature, provides luster to the skin, and helps in the sensation of touch.

== Gunas/ Attributes ==

== Gunas/ Attributes ==