BIOGRAPHY OF SIDDHARS
R.N.Hema1, H.Nalini Sofia 2, S.Mohan 3
1
PG Scholar, 2Lecturer, 3 HOD, Department of Maruthuvam,
National Institute of Siddha, Chennai.
ABSTRACT:
Siddha system of merdicine is said to have been in existence in South India especially in
Tamil Nadu from the last many centuries from the time of famous Tamil Sangam, the first. This
is the oldest Indian systems of treatment. Tradition says that God Siva was the first to preceptor
of Nandhi and the discipline of Nandhi took up the traditions of the Siddha system and the
Agasthiyar has been included in the list of disciplines. The Siddhar (Tamil: சித்தர் cittar, from
Sanskrit siddha) in Tamil tradition is a perfected individual, who has attained spiritual powers
called siddhi. Historically, Siddhar also refers to the people who were early age wandering
adepts that dominated ancient Tamil teaching and philosophy. They were knowledgeable in
science, technology, astronomy, literature, fine arts, music, drama, dance, and provided solutions
to common people in their illness and advice for their future. Some of their ideologies are
considered to have originated during the First Sangam period. Typically Siddhars were saints,
doctors, alchemists and mystics all in one. They wrote their findings in the form of poems in
the Tamil language, on palm leaves which are collected and stored in what are known as the
"Palm leaf manuscripts". These are still owned by some families in Tamil Nadu and handed
down through the generations, as well as being kept in public institutions such as universities in
India, Germany, Great Britain and the United States. In this way Siddhars developed, among
other branches of a vast knowledge-system, what is now known as Siddha medicine, practised
mainly in Tamil Nadu as a type of traditional native medicine. A rustic form of healing that is
similar to Siddha medicine has since been practised by experienced elders in the villages of
Tamil Nadu. (This has sometimes been confused with Paatti Vaitthiyam" and "Naattu
marunthu (forms of traditional Tamil medicine) and Mooligai marutthuvam (Ayurvedic
medicine)). Tamil Siddhars were the first to develop pulse-reading ("naadi paarththal" in Tamil)
to identify the origin of diseases. Siddhars have also written many religious poems. There are 18
saints to whom are attributed numerous verses, are the following 1)Nandhi 2)Agasthiyar 3)
Thirumoolar 4)Ramadevar 5)Bogar 6)Konganar 7)Dhanvanthri 8)Vanmigar 9)Kamalamuni
10)Pathanjali 11)Sattaimunivar 12)Machamuni 13)Karuvurar 14)Pampatti 15)Korakkar
16)Kudambai 17)Sundarananthar 18) Idaikadar. This presentation deals with the biography of
siddhars such as their birth place, life history, books written by them, their specialization and
their tomb place.
KEY WORDS: SIDDHA SYSTEM, SIDDHARS, BIOGRAPHY OF SIDDHARS,
SPECIALIZATION, TOMB PLACE
1) THIRU NANDHI DEVAR
Among the Siddhars, the famous and powerful seer being Nandhi. He is a Brahmin. He
made penace for 10 million years ( vaganam ) for Lord Siva. He is the main guard at Kailai. He
is the foremost to discipline to Lord Siva. He is considered as the guru of all siddhars. In
Thirumanthiram, he has been styled, “ Three eyed Nandhi”. As Lord had performed “Santhiya
Narthanam” in between the horns of Nandhi, Prathosa Viratham has assumed prominence.
“Thiriyothasi” thithi falls on the birth day of Nandhi. During this days all siddhas used to call on
Siva and Nandhi for blessings. His contribution is Nandhi kalai gnanam 1000, Nandheesar 300,
Nandhiettu, Nandheesar Karukkidai. His Tomb place is Kaasi.
2) AGASTHIYAR
In the ancient period the person who invented and laid the foundation of the basic frame
work of the formation of the Tamil Language was the Rishi, Gurumunivar of Pothigai mount,
about the epics and Puranas had well spoken and he, who is called is Agasthiyar. Agasthiyar is
called by many names such as Agathiya Rishi, Agathiya Maha Rishi, Agasthiya Munivar,
Kumba Mamuni, Vashister, and Guru Muni and Tamil Muni and so on. He is the first man who
formulated the theory of Tamil Grammar under the name and title of the book called “
Agathiyam” for Tamil Language. In the name of Agasthiyar, there are nearly 342 literary works
on medicine. He is considered to be the ‘Hippocrates of Siddha Medicine’, the ‘Prince of Indian
Doctors’ and also ‘one of the greatest philosophers’ of India. Specialized in language, alchemy,
medicine, meditation and spirituality (yogam & gnanam). He is the Siddhar who profounded the
theory of Pulse in his various texts. The treatment on opthamology of Agasthiyar is considered to
be the best even today and signs and symptoms of different diseases described are similar to that
of modern opthamology. Some of his contribution is Agathiyar Irupathorayiram, Agathiyar 500,
Agathiyar Nayanavithi, Agathiyar Chenduram 300, Agathiyar Vaithiya Kaviyam 1500. It is
believed that the healing spirit of Agathiya hovers around the mountains of the Courtalam
situated in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. His place of tomb is Ananthasayanam.
3) THIRUMOOLAR
Thirumoolar 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 3000 THIRUMANTHIRAM and SAIVA SIDDHANTAM which framed the basic
principles of Siddha system. His other contributions are Thirumoolar Vatham 21, Thirumoolar
608, Thirumoolar valalai suthiram 300, Thirumoolar Vaithiyam, Gnanam, Palathirattu. His
hypothesis on Atomic theory is considered to be reinstated as Nanotechnology in recent times.
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 Tomb is believed to
be at Chidambaram.
4) 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 tomb is Alagarmalai.
5) BOGAR
Bogar is considered as the descendant of Thirumoolar. It is believed that Bogar belonged
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. His contributions are Bogar Nigandu, Bogar Karpam 300,
Bogar 7000, Bogar Varma Suthiram, Bogar Sarakku Vaippu 800, Bogar Vaasi yogam. He
attained tomb at Palani.
6) KONGANAR
Konganar is considered as the son of Bogar. He lived probably in Kongunadu in Tamil
nadu. He wrote more than 40 books that deal with alchemy and the elixir (muppu) of life. His
contributions are Konganar Mukkaandam (3000 songs), Mukkaanda Suthiram, Vaippu Nool,
Patchini, Sarakku Vaippu 100, Navakiraga Kakisham, Konganar Vakkiyam 10, Suthiram 13,
Konganar 40, Konganar 8, Konganar Thitchavithi. He also contributed to philosophy, medicine
and spiritual practices. He attained Tomb at Thirupathi.
7) DHANVANTHRI
Dhanvanthri is the Hindu god of Medicine and an avatar of Lord Mahavishnu. He is
mentioned in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda. He wrote many books in Northern language.
His contributions in Tamil language are Dhanvanthri Karukkidai Nigandu, Dhanvanthri
Dhanvanthri thailam 500, Dhanvanthri Simittu Rathina Surukkam, Dhanvanthri Nigandu,
Dhanvanthri Vaithiya Kaviyam, Dhanvanthri Kalaignanam, Dhanvanthri 1200, Dhanvanthri
Vaithiya Karukkidai Suththiram 200, Dhanvanthri Vaithiyam 200, Dhanvanthri Naadi 72. His
Tomb place is Vaitheeswaran Temple.
8) VANMIGAR
Siddha Vanmikar’s birth star is Anusham in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-
October). There is an argument that the Valmiki who wrote Valmiki Ramayana is different from
the siddhar Vanmikar of the south. However, siddhar Bogar in his script “Bogar 7000” proclaims
that they are one and the same. He says that Vanmikar is the name of the siddhar who wrote
Valmiki Ramayana in song (verse) number 5834. It is also said that Vanmikar alias Valmiki
wrote the epic Ramayana on getting the spiritual knowledge from Narada. The author of the
Ramayana was originally a robber who preyed upon travellers in the forest. Siddha Vanmikar’s
samadhi is located at Ettukudi in Tamil Nadu.
9) KAMALAMUNI
Kamalamuni was born on the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June), his birth star being
2nd part of Poosam. The siddhar named Kamalamuni belongs to Kuravar caste. He lived for six-
eight generations. This information was written by Bogar in his book “Bogar 7000” in the song
5729 & 5725. His contribution was Kamalamuni 10. His place of Tomb is Thiruvarur.
10) PATHANJALI
Pathanjali is also called as Pampatti siddhar. His place of samathi at Rameshwaram.
11) SATTAMUNI
Sattamuni is also known as Sattanadhar. He is considered to be of Srilankan origin. His
major works are Sattamuni Nigandu, Sattamuni 20, Sattamuni Siva Yoga thirayam, Sattamuni
Muniththandagam, Sattamuni Moolasuthiram, Sattamuni Muni Vakkiyam. His tomb place is
Chirkali.
12) MACHAMUNI
Machamuni is also known as Nondi siddhar. His place of birth is believed to be Machai
desam in Pandya Kingdom.It is also known as Viradapuram. His contribution is Perunool 800,
Machamuni 8, Machamuni padalgal, Machamuni nigandu. His place of tomb is
Thiruparankundram.
13) KARUVURAR
Karuvurar is also known as Karuvur thevar. His place of birth is believed to be
Thirisirapuram district Karur.He belonged to Vishwakarma community. Edaikkadar is
considered to be his disciple. His main works are Karuvurar vadha kaviyam, Karuvurar
palathirattu, Attakanmam 100, Karuvurar Pusaavithi and Thiru isaippa. He made significant
contribution in the construction of Tanjore Temple . His place of tomb is Thiru kalathi.
14) PAMPATTI
Pampatti is also called as Pathanjali or Nagamuni. 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), Siroroga vithi and Nagana Vithi. His probable place of
Samadhi is Thirumuthukundram.
15) KORAKKAR
Korakkar is also called as Korakkanathar. His major contributions are Chandra regai
200, Namanasa Thiravukol 100, Eravimegalai 75, Muththaaram 96, Nathapetham 25, Korakkar
Attakanmam 100, Korakkar Chunna Suththiram. He used kanja - Korakkar mooli (Indian hemp)
in his preparations like poorna lehyam/choornam and so the herb is named after him. His Tomb
place is Tirukonamalai at Srilanka.
16) KUDAMBAI
Kudambai works are more towards spiritual bliss and gnana yoga. His major contribution
is Kudambai siddhar padalgal. His mother used to adorn his ears with kudumbai an ornament and
hence his name. His works include Kudumbai Gnyana Soostram 18, Kudumbai Siddhar
Paadalgal. His Samadhi place is Azhagarmalai.
17) SUNDARANANTHAR
The other name of Vallabha Siddhar is Sundara Nathar. He had undertaken atrip to
ancient Madurai where he had treated many patients and helped those who were in difficulties
during the Pandian kingdom. The Pandiya King bestowed him with the title “Ellam Valla
Siddhar”. The King also erected a statue for him near the sanctorum of Durgai Amman at Sree
Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Madurai. His contributrions are Sundarananthar
Athisayasuththiram, Sundarananthar Gnanasuththiram, Sundarananthar Suththiram. His Tomb
place is at Madurai.
18) EDAIKADAR
Edaikadar is also known as Edaikkadu siddhar. His contribution towards rasavatham and
kayakarpam is remarkable. Sri Idaikadar is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said
that once while out grazing goats he was blessed by a Siddhar with immense divine powers. His
famous works include Idaikadar gnyana soothram 70 and Idaikadar Kanida Nool. His tomb place
is Thiruvannamalai.
REFERENCES
1) Dr.H.P.Uthamarayan, H.P.I.M, Thotra Kirama Araichiyum Siddha Maruthuva
Varalarum,4 edition,page no. 456- 501.
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2) Dr.S.Chidambarathanu Pillai, Siddha System of Life, Page no. 68-85.
3) History of Siddha Medicine
4) Siddha Maruthuvam Thoguthi-I Varalaru.
5) Siddhargal Kalangium Pagam-I
