Aayushmaan Holistic Health Centre

1. WHO IS A SIDDHAR 

The Siddhars by their spiritual and yogic practices attained immense knowledge and experience in Vaithiyam (Medicine), Vatham (Alchemy), Jothidam (Astrology), Manthirigam (Thanthric practices), Yogam (Meditation and yogic exercises) and Gnanam (Knowledge about the Almighty).

 Siddhars believed in a holistic concept.  Accordingly they said

“Food is Thy Medicine, Medicine is Thy Food” (Unave Marunthu, Marunthe Unavu)

“Sound mind makes the sound body” (Manamathu Semmaianal Manthiram sebika vendam)

There are 18 siddhars who are considered as the pillars of siddha medicine according to Tamil tradition :

1.Agathiyar

• Agathiyar is considered as the Father of Tamil Literature.  He compiled first Tamil grammar called Agathiyam. 
• He is believed to be direct disciple of Lord Siva.
• Specialized in language, alchemy, medicine, meditation and spirituality (yogam & gnanam).
• There are 96 books believed to be authored by Agathiyar including classical works like Vaidiya Sigamani, Chendhooram – 300, Mani-400, Sivajalam, Sakthijalam .
• It is believed that the healing spirit of Agathiya hovers around the mountains of the Courtalam situated  in the southern part of Tamil Nadu.

2. Thirumoolar                       

• He is also called the Prince of Mystics. He is said to be the disciple of Nandhidevar.
• His masterpiece Thirumanthiram, deals with the body and soul.
• Thirumanthiram is considered as a Bible of Thanthrik Yoga.
• Thirumoolar is the prime author of famous literary works THIRUMANTHIRAM and SAIVA SIDDHANTAM which framed the basic principles of Siddha system. His hypothesis on Atomic theory is considered to be reinstated as Nanotechnology in recent times. The physiological principles which he mentioned during such ancient times are astonishing.
• Thirumoolar is the only Siddhar who emphasized on ‘sound mind in a sound body’ by which one can achieve mortality by kalpa yoga procedures. Versions of Thirumoolar are certainly appropriate for this modern, stressful world. It is helpful in combating non-communicable diseases such as myocardial infarction, degenerative diseases and depressive disorders. Regular practice of yoga will undoubtedly improve the over-all health.
• His place of Samadhi is believed to be at Chidambaram.

3. Bogar

• Bogar is considered as the descendant of Thirumoolar
• It is believed that Bogar travelled up to China and propagated the spiritual philosophy in China.
• It is believed that the statue of Lord Muruga which he created contains Nava pasana (Nine arsenical compounds).
• He also contributed to the field of alchemy, medicine and yoga.
• His contributions on the synthesis of mercury, mercurial compounds and arsenical compounds are note worthy. 
• He is believed to author more than 42 works on Siddha medicine.
• He attained samathi at Palani.

4. Konganar

• Konganar is considered as the son of Bogar. His period is said to be around 4th and 5th centuries B.C.
• He lived probably in Kongunadu in Tamil nadu.
• He wrote more than 40 books that deal with alchemy and the elixir (muppu) of life. 
• He also contributed to philosophy, medicine and spiritual practices.
• He attained Samadhi at Thirupathi.

5. Therayar

• Therayar is considered to be the master of many fields like astrology, mysticism, alchemy, medicine and language.
• His scholarship and style of the language are considered to be unique.
• He mastered many languages like Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Thulu and Sanskrit. 
• His Guru (Master) was Dharmasowmiyar.
• His work on classification of diseases is note worthy.

6.Korakkar

• He is also called as Korakkanathar
• His major  contributions are Korakkar brahma gnanam 1, Korakkar brahma gnana soothiram and Korakkar karpa choothiram.
• He used kanja – Korakkar mooli  (Indian hemp) in his preparations like poorna lehyam/choornam and so the herb is named after him.

7.Karuvurar

• He is also known as Karuvur thevar
• His place of birth is believed to be Karuvur
• Edaikkadar is considered to be his disciple
• His main works are Karuvurar vadha kaviyam ,Karuvurar siva gnana bodhakam and Thiru isaippa
• He made significant contribution in the construction of Tanjore Temple . In his memory aspecial shrine has been created( siddhar sannidhi ) in the Tanjore big temple.

8.Edaikkadar

• He is also known as Edaikkadu siddhar.
• His place of birth is Thiruedaikkodu
• His place of Samadhi is also at Thiruedaikkodu
• His contribution towards rasavatham and kayakarpam is remarkable.

9. Chattamuni               

• He is also known as Kamblichattamuni,Kailasa chattamuni and Sattanadar
• He is considered to be of Srilankan origin
• Sundarandhar is believed to be his disciple
• His major works are Sattamuni pini gnanam 100, Sattamuni vadha kaviyam 1000,Sattamuni vatha soothiram 200, Sattamuni gnana vilakkam 51 
• His contributions are mainly in the fields of alchemy and 96 thathuvas

10.Sundaranar   

• Sundaranar is also known as Sorupamendra siddhu
• Sattamuni is considered to be his guru
• His contributions are Sundaranar siva gnana yogam 32, Sundaranar vakkya sutram 64
• His expertise in preparation of chunnam is of great astonishment.
• His Samadhi is believed to be in Thiruvarur

11.Ramadevar

• He is also known as Yakob
• His place of birth is believed to be Podhigai hils
• Pulathiyar is considered to be his guru
• His major work is Ramadevar 1000
• He also contributed to the development of kayakalpa 
• His probable place of Samadhi is Alagarmalai

12. Pambatti

• Chattamuni is considered to be Pambatti guru
• Eight unique powers (Attama siddhis) of Siddhars are mentioned in his works.
• His contributions are related with gnana siddhi starting with “Aadu pambe” ( dancing snake)
• His probable place of Samadhi is Sankarankoil

13.Machamuni

• He is also known as Nondi siddhar
• His place of birth is believed to be Machai desam in Pandya Kingdom
• Sundarandhar is considered to be his disciple
• His main  contribution is Machendhra nadhar endra nondi siddhar padal
• His place of Samadhi is Thiruparankundram

14.Kudambai

• His place of birth and Samadhi is Mayavaram
• His works are more towards spiritual bliss and gnana yoga
• His major contribution is Kudambai siddhar padalgal.

15. Azhuganni Siddhar

• He is also known as Azhugai siddhar
• Edaikkadar is considered to be his guru
• His major contribution is Siddhar gnanakovai
• His place of Samadhi is Nagapattinam

16.  Agapai siddhar

• Korakkar is considered to be his guru
• His contribution is mainly about   Gnana siddhi
• His place of Samadhi is believed to be Thiruvalankadu

17.Nandhidevar

• Nandhidevar  is also considered to be the direct disciple of Lord Siva
• His contribution is Nandhi kalai gnanam 1000
• His place of Samadhi is Sri sailam at kalahasti
• He is considered as the guru of gurus

18.  Kakapusundar

• He is also known as Pusundar
• Agathiyar is considered to be his guru
• His major contributions are Pusundar mei gnana vilakkam-80 and pusundar gnanam-19
• His place of Samadhi is nagamalai