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{{Short description|Alchemist, philosopher, saint}} {{Short description|Tamil wonder-worker and sage}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
], the first Siddhar]]
], head of the Siddhar Gnana Koottam, under guidance of Lord ], Celestial King of Lemuria <ref>{{cite book |author=Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami |date=2006 |title= Lemurian Scrolls: Angelic Prophecies Revealing Human Origins |publisher=] |ISBN=978-0-945497-79-0 |pages=4 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/lemurian-scrolls}}</ref>]]
] Sannidhi, ], ] ]] ] Sannidhi at ] Temple]]


'''Siddhar''' (Tamil: ''cittar'', Sanskrit: '']'')<ref>{{cite book |title=Tamil Lexicon |publisher=] |pages=1410 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/tamil-lex_query.py?page=1410}}</ref> describes a self-realised human being, who has attained spiritual powers called ]. Their main objective however, was to experience ], the supreme consciousness, in their respective human frame,<ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref> and share this knowledge with others, interested in following their path. The '''Siddhar''' (]<!--சித்தர் hidden per WP:INDICSCRIPT--> <small>(romanized)</small> ''cittar)''<ref>{{cite book |title=Tamil Lexicon |publisher=] |pages=1410 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/tamil-lex_query.py?page=1410}}</ref> in ] tradition is a perfected individual who has attained spiritual powers called '']''.


Historically, the term Siddhar referred to individuals who decided at a young age, to become wandering ascetics and mendicants, and explore consciousness; ancient ], if you will. They dominated the ancient Tamil academic landscape with regards to health, alchemy and philosophy. They were iconoclastic philosophers and scientists, whose ideas and views challenged the norms of the time, and still do today. They were knowledgeable in alchemy, technology, astrology, medicine and the fine arts.<ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref> They provided various solutions to remedy ailments and illness amongst the population, as well as advice for future generations to come.<ref>{{cite book|title=Meditation Revolution: A History and Theology of the Siddha Yoga Lineage|year=2000|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=9788120816480}}</ref> Most of their ideologies have their origins in the ] period.<ref>{{cite book|last=S. Cunjithapatham|first=M. Arunachalam|title=Musical tradition of Tamilnadu|year=1989|publisher=International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilizations|pages=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Journal of Indian history, Volume 38|year=1960|publisher=Dept. of History, University of Kerala}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Weiss|first=Richard|title=Recipes for Immortality : Healing, Religion, and Community in South India: Healing, Religion, and Community in South India|year=2009|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199715008|page=80}}</ref> 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, and dance and provided solutions to common people's illnesses and advice for their future.<ref>{{cite book|title=Meditation Revolution: A History and Theology of the Siddha Yoga Lineage|year=2000|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=9788120816480}}</ref> Some of their ideologies are considered to have originated during the ] period.<ref>{{cite book|last=S. Cunjithapatham|first=M. Arunachalam|title=Musical tradition of Tamilnadu|year=1989|publisher=International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilizations|pages=11}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Journal of Indian history, Volume 38|year=1960|publisher=Dept. of History, University of Kerala}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Weiss|first=Richard|title=Recipes for Immortality : Healing, Religion, and Community in South India: Healing, Religion, and Community in South India|year=2009|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780199715008|page=80}}</ref>


== Overview == ==Practice==
Siddhars, from their own accounts, were born into families of potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, merchants, fishermen and shepherds. One of their number was a snake charmer (]) by profession. Contrary to what is known, Siddhar was a woman.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddhars |url=http://bestnadiastrologer.com/siddhars.html |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=www.bestnadiastrologer.com}}</ref> Although they were from various backgrounds, they had a singular unifying purpose. They chose, during the course of their lives, to relinquish the material and live as wandering ascetics, in the quest to experience the supreme consciousness and ponder life's mysteries. By virtue of their austere penance (]), they developed ]. However, these were and are distractions on the path. Returning later, upon completion of their ], to live with us as poets, saints, philosophers, physicians and alchemists, to share their knowledge with everyone, irrespective of gender, creed or caste. They recorded their discoveries, in the form of cryptic ] poetry on to ].<ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref> These manuscripts are still owned by some families in Tamil Nadu and are handed down through the generations. Some of which are kept at universities in India, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States.<ref>{{cite web|author=V. Jayaram |url=http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/siddhas.asp |title=Study of siddhas |publisher=Hinduwebsite.com |access-date=2013-06-22}}</ref> There is an overall reluctance to translate these manuscripts and share this knowledge with a wider audience; possibly to control the dissemination of this knowledge, to present their biased views, using only their interpretation to support said views. Siddhars were typically scientists, saints, doctors, alchemists, and mystics all in one. They wrote their findings in the form of Tamil poems on ]. They typically believe in ], but there are some Siddhars who believe in polytheism. These are still owned by some families in Tamil Nadu and handed down through the generations, as well as being kept in universities in India, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States.<ref>{{cite web|author=V. Jayaram |url=http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/siddhas.asp |title=Study of siddhas |publisher=Hinduwebsite.com |access-date=2013-06-22}}</ref>


In this way, Siddhars developed the native ] system. A rustic form of healing that is similar to Siddha medicine has since been practiced by experienced elders in the villages of Tamil Nadu. This is referred to as ''pātti vaittiyam'' (grandmother's medicine), ''nāttu maruntu'' (folk medicine), and ''mūlikai maruttuvam'' (herbal medicine).
An ancient system of healthcare, now known as ], evolved from the Siddhars' understanding of the human body, in relation to the natural world.<ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref> The basic tenets of this system are food and lifestyle. It is a holistic and sustainable way of delivering healthcare, as it is largely preventative and focused on rejuvenation and prolongation. There is a saying, common amongst those familiar with the system, 'unave marunthu, marunthe unavu' (food is medicine, medicine is food).<ref>{{cite book |title= Siddha System of Medicine: The Science of Holistic Health | publisher=] |pages=xxiv |url=http://siddhacouncil.com/ccrs/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Siddha-Dossier_CCRS_Chennai-1.pdf}}</ref> A rustic form of healing, inspired by Siddhar medicine, is practiced today by experienced elders in the villages of Tamil Nadu, referred to as 'paatti vaitthiyam' (grandmother's medicine) 'naattu marunthu' (folk medicine) and 'mooligai marutthuvam' (herbal medicine).<ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref> The Siddhars also used pulse-reading to identify the origin of illnesses and physical conditions. <ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref>


Siddhars are also believed to be the founders of ], a martial art used for ]. It also can be harnessed as a form of medical treatment, depending on how it is applied. Varmam, are vital energy points located in the human body serving as concentrations of life energy,<ref>{{cite book |title= WHO international standard terminologies on Siddha medicine Siddhars are also believed to be the founders of ] - a martial art for self-defense and medical treatment at the same time with the application of pressure points.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Cruz |first=Edmund A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OCJiDwAAQBAJ&dq=varma+kalai+pressure&pg=PT68 |title=Health, Longevity and the Martial Arts |date=2018-06-16 |publisher=AuthorHouse |isbn=978-1-5462-3979-6 |language=en}}</ref>
| publisher=] |pages=32 |url=https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240064973}}</ref> the manipulation of which, can produce various results, such as disabling an attacker for self-defense, or for mitigating a physical condition as an easy first-aid medical treatment in the field.


Tamil Siddhars were the first to develop pulse-reading (''naadi paarththal'' in Tamil) to identify the origin of diseases.
The Siddhars wrote many such cryptic Tamil poems pertaining to our human existence, as well as describing alchemical processes. It is believed that most of them have lived for centuries, if not millenia, in and out of states of ]. Their base of operations was ], a mountain range near Thaaniparai village in Tamil Nadu, which pilgrims frequent to this day. Siddhar ], who gave us the ], took up residence in ].


According to regional belief, the Siddhars are said to have resided for many ages upon a mountain called ], near the ] village in Tamil Nadu.
== The Siddhars ==


=== Ancient Siddhars === == Siddhars ==
The ] encyclopedia states that the Siddhars are of the 18 persons listed below, but ] states that there are many who precede and follow these.
The ] encyclopedia states that there were 18 Siddhars, as listed below, but Siddhar ] tells us that there are many who precede and follow these 18. Siddhar ] was head of the Siddhar Gnana Koottam, a Siddhar collective, that was inaugrated by Lord ]. Together they furthered research in various fields, pertaining to their respective strengths.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Maha Rishi Sri Agathiyar |url=http://www.agasthiyarravikumar.org/sri_agathiyar.html |website=www.agasthiyarravikumar.com}}</ref> Siddhar ] established an alchemical research centre in ], leading the scientific division, ] developed literature and ] led a team researching venom at his centre in ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Maha Rishi Sri Agathiyar |url=http://www.agasthiyarravikumar.org/sri_agathiyar.html |website=www.agasthiyarravikumar.com}}</ref>


==== The 18 ==== ===The 18 Siddhars===
] Sannidhi, ], ] ]] ]'' of Karuvurar]]


There are 18 Siddhars in the Tamil Siddha tradition:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Pillai |first=M. S. Purnalingam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QIeqvcai5XQC&pg=PA264 |title=Tamil Literature |date=1994 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0955-6 |pages=264 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Venkataramaiah |first=K. M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2pAMAQAAMAAJ |title=A Handbook of Tamil Nadu |date=1996 |publisher=International School of Dravidian Linguistics |isbn=978-81-85692-20-3 |pages=139 |language=en}}</ref>
These are the 18 esteemed ] of yore, according to the Tamil tradition: <ref>{{cite thesis |author= R. N. Hema |date= December 2019 |title= Biography of the 18 Siddhars |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338534110_BIOGRAPHY_OF_18_SIDDHARS |publisher= National Institute of Siddha}}</ref>
# ]

# ]
# ] # ]
# ] # ]
# Kamalamuni (identified with ] and/or ])
# ], ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=SHAKING THE TREE: Kundalini Yoga, Spiritual Alchemy, & the Mysteries of the Breath in Bhogar's 7000 |url=https://www.alchemywebsite.com/bhogar3.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=www.alchemywebsite.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kamala Muni Siddhar @ Kalangi Nathar @ Kanja Malai Siddhar 5.1 |url=https://www.mail-archive.com/thatha_patty@googlegroups.com/msg10214.html |access-date=2023-05-30 |website=www.mail-archive.com}}</ref>
# ] # ]
# ], ] # ]
# {{ill|Sundaranandar|ta|சுந்தரானந்தர்}}
#
# {{ill|Konganar|ta|கொங்கணர்}}
#
# {{ill|Sattaimuni|ta|சட்டைமுனி}}
#
# Vanmikar (])
# , ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddhar Charithiram Vanmikar |url=https://anaadi.org/blog/parnika/siddhar-charithiram-vanmikar
# {{ill|Ramadevar|ta|இராமதேவ சித்தர்}}
|access-date=2023-05-30 |website=www.anaadi.org/blog}}</ref>
#
# ] # ]
# ] # ]
# ] # Machamuni (identified with ])
# ] # ]
# ], ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddha Bhoganathar: An Oceanic Life Story |url=http://palani.org/bhogar-biography.htm |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=www.palani.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SHAKING THE TREE: Kundalini Yoga, Spiritual Alchemy, & the Mysteries of the Breath in Bhogar's 7000 |url=https://www.alchemywebsite.com/bhogar3.html |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=www.alchemywebsite.com}}</ref> # ] (identified with ]<ref name="Bhoganathar">{{cite web | title=Siddha Bhoganāthar: An Oceanic Life Story |url=http://palani.org/bhogar-biography.htm | website=palani.org}}</ref>)
# ] # ]
# {{ill|Kuthambai|ta|குதம்பைச்சித்தர்}}
#


Apart from the 18 Siddhars listed above, there is another list of 18 Siddhars who represent the 9 Navagrahas (with two Siddhars representing each Navagraha). All navagraha doshas and pariharams are performed to the Siddhars as Siddhar Velvi (Siddhar havan). The details of the 18 Siddhars who represent the 9 Navagrahas are as follows:{{Uncited|date=April 2024}}


# Sivavakkiyar - Moon
==== The ] 18 ====
# Kambili - Moon
Apart from the 18 listed above, there is a further list of 18 Siddhars, representing the 9 ] (2 Siddhars per heavenly body).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parihara Poojas |url=https://www.seshadri.info/pariharam.html |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=www.seshadri.info}}</ref> Special ] and ] have been devised in order to invoke and obtain the blessing of these Siddhars to negate any malefic effect the Navagrahas might have on one's material life. The details of the 18 Siddhars who represent the 9 ] are as follows:
# Bhogar - Mars
# Kagabhujanga - Jupiter
# Sri Pullipani Siddhar - Mars
# Sattaimuni - Kethu
# Sri Agapai Siddhar - Jupiter
# Alugani - Rahu
# Kudambai - Kethu
# Vallalar - Mercury
# Edaikaddar - Mercury
# Pattinathar - Sun
# Kaduvelli - Sun
# Kanjamalai - Venus
# Sennimalai - Venus
# Kapilar - Saturn
# Karuvurar - Saturn
# Pampatti - Rahu


== Eight Perfections ==
# Sri ] Siddhar - Sun, ]
<!--{{Copying within Misplaced Pages|Siddhi}}-->
# Sri Siddhar - Sun, ]
{{Hinduism|state=autocollapsed}}
# Sri ] Siddhar - Mercury, ]
Siddhars are believed to have had both major and minor powers that are described in detail in various yogic and religious texts.<ref>Thirumandiram 668</ref> <ref name="Subramuniyaswami">{{Cite book |last=Subramuniyaswami |first=Sivaya |url=https://archive.org/details/dancingwithsivah00subr_0 |title=Glossary - Siddhi |publisher=Himalayan Academy |year=1997 |isbn=978-0945497974 |location=USA |id=Search: Siddhi}}</ref>
# Sri ] Siddhar - Mercury, ]
# Sri ] Siddhar - Venus, ]
# Sri Chennimalai Siddhar - Venus, ]
# Sri ] Siddhar - Mars, ]
# Sri ]<ref>{{Cite web |title=IN THE LAND OF THE SIDDHAS |url=http://www.sutrajournal.com/in-the-land-of-the-siddhas-by-john-weddepohl |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=www.sutrajournal.com}}</ref> Siddhar - Mars, ]
# Sri Siddhar - Moon, ]
#Sri Siddhar - Moon, ]
# Sri ] Siddhar - Jupiter, ]
# Sri Siddhar - Jupiter, ]
# Sri ] Siddhar - Saturn, ]
# Sri ] Siddhar - Saturn, ]
# Sri Azhugani Siddhar - ]
# Sri ] - ]
# Sri Siddhar - ]
# Sri Siddhar - ]


* ''Aṇimā'': the ability to reduce one's body to the size of an atom.
* ''Mahimā'': the ability to expand one's body to an infinitely large size.
* ''Laghimā'': the ability to become weightless or lighter than air.
* ''Garimā'': the ability to become heavy or dense.
* ''Prāpti'': the ability to realize whatever one desires.
* ''Prākāmya'': the ability to access any place in the world.
* ''Īśiṭva'': the ability to control all material elements or natural forces.
* ''Vaśiṭva'': the ability to force influence upon anyone.


These eight are the ], or Great Perfections.
There is a universal shrine for these 18 Siddhars from the 2nd list, in Madambakkam, Chennai, called the Sri Chakra Mahameru Sri Seshadri Swamigal 18 Siddhars Vrindavana Sakthi Peedam built under the instruction of Sathguru Sri Seshadri Swamigal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parihara Poojas |url=https://www.seshadri.info/pariharam.html |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=www.seshadri.info}}</ref>


==See also==
The supreme Siddhar is Lord ] himself.
* ]

* ]

* ]
=== Contemporary Siddhars ===
* ]

* ]
There are two major Nath traditions that began millenia ago, with the first primal Siddhar, Lord ] or Adinath; the ever-popular and flourishing ] which led to the development of ] ] philosophy, and the other more obscure ] which resulted in ] philosophy.<ref>{{cite book |author=The Swamis of Kauai Hindu Monastery |date=2011 |title= The Guru Chronicles: Making of the First American Satguru |publisher=] |ISBN=978-1-934145-40-1 |pages=23 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/the-guru-chronicles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dattatreya and The Nath Tradition |url=https://mydattatreya.com/nath-tradition/
* ]
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.mydattatreya.com}}</ref> Both traditions have syncretized, systematized and interpreted the teachings of the ancient Siddhars, for anyone wishing to follow in their footsteps.
* ]

* ]
==== ] ====
* ]
According to ] ], ] is considered to be chief among the Siddhars, initiated by Mother ] and Father ] into the divine knowledge of the ]. He conferred this knowledge to his 8 disciples, namely, the ], who later becomes ] by a chance happening, ] (also known as Pullipani),<ref>{{Cite web |title=IN THE LAND OF THE SIDDHAS |url=http://www.sutrajournal.com/in-the-land-of-the-siddhas-by-john-weddepohl |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=www.sutrajournal.com}}</ref> ], and Sivayoga Muni. They were sent out in 8 different directions, to spread wisdom. His teachings continue to be upheld today by the ], a line of ] descending directly from ] himself.<ref>{{cite book |author=The Swamis of Kauai Hindu Monastery |date=2011 |title= The Guru Chronicles: Making of the First American Satguru |publisher=] |ISBN=978-1-934145-40-1 |pages=19 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/the-guru-chronicles}}</ref><ref name="sivay">{{cite book | author=Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami|date=2003|title=Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism|publisher=] |ISBN=978-0-945497-89-9 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/dancing-with-siva}}</ref> The Saiva Siddhanta school is a proponent of a living preceptor, a distinct monastic or ] lifestyle for the avid seeker and places much emphasis on ]'s ]. The philosophy was responsible for the ] that swept through Tamil Nadu in the 7th to 10th centuries CE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saiva Siddhanta |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/march-1994/1994-03-saiva-siddhanta0a/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.hinduismtoday.com}}</ref>

'''Spiritual lineage''' : ] → Sundaranandar, who later becomes ] → → → Kadaitswami → ] → ] → ] → ]<ref>{{cite book |author=The Swamis of Kauai Hindu Monastery |date=2011 |title= The Guru Chronicles: Making of the First American Satguru |publisher=] |ISBN=978-1-934145-40-1 |pages=19 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/the-guru-chronicles}}</ref>

==== ] ====
], to whom the ] is attributed, an incarnation of the ], initiated Siddhar ], who then founded the ] and later passed on his teachings to ]. Gorakhnath, or ], as he is known in Southern India, further developed ] philosophy. The ]'s line concluded with its last living preceptor, , as he did not officially inititate anyone into the tradition before he entered ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adinath |url=https://www.internationalnathorder.org/adi-nath/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.internationalnathorder.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dattatreya and The Nath Tradition |url=https://mydattatreya.com/nath-tradition/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.mydattatreya.com}}</ref>

Today, many subsects of the Sampradaya exist as the ] Sampradaya which takes as its principal gurus nine saints, descending from ], which include ] and ]. However, ] maintained that the tradition is informal and a conventional guru-shishya relationship is not always necessary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dattatreya and The Nath Tradition |url=https://mydattatreya.com/nath-tradition/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.mydattatreya.com}}</ref> Siddha Siddhanta methods are heterodox to the standard ] school of thought and Saiva Siddhanta philosophy; practicing a mixture of both ] and ], taking ]'s Siddha Siddhanta Paddati as its main textual reference, thereby shunning monastic life for solitude and aseticism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adinath |url=https://www.internationalnathorder.org/adi-nath/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.internationalnathorder.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dattatreya and The Nath Tradition |url=https://mydattatreya.com/nath-tradition/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.mydattatreya.com}}</ref> The ] was integral to the development of the unadulterated form of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddha Siddhanta |url=https://www.hinduismtoday.com/magazine/march-1994/1994-03-siddha-siddhanta0a/
|access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.hinduismtoday.com}}</ref>

== Their Powers ==
The Siddhars had both major and minor ], these are described in detail in various tantric texts, like the ].<ref>{{cite book |author=Saint Thirumoolar |title=Tirumantiram: English Translation of The Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular |publisher=] |pages=158 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/tirumantiram}}</ref> They had the power to convert their mass to energy and thereby achieve teleportation to different galaxies without any external means. They were also able to move their awareness into lifeless bodies, reanimating them; as in the case of Sundaranandar transferring his being into the body of the dead cowherd ], because the cows Moolan had been tending to were mourning their loss and as such Sundaranandar felt sorry for them. <ref>{{cite book |author=The Swamis of Kauai Hindu Monastery |date=2011 |title= The Guru Chronicles: Making of the First American Satguru |publisher=] |ISBN=978-1-934145-40-1 |pages=38 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/the-guru-chronicles}}</ref>


# Anima -- To reduce one's self to become as tiny as the atom within an atom
# Laghima -- To make one's self become as light as vapour
# Mahima -- To have the grace of ] and become great and glorious in one's self
# Prapti -- To transcend one's desires
# Prakamya -- To 'transmigrate' one's self into the mortal coils of other beings
# Isavatam -- To be lord of all creation, to be omni-potent and be inextricably one with ]
# Vasitvam -- To be in all things, to be omni-pervasive, to perceive ] in all beings that come within one's reach
#Kamarutatva -- To be everywhere and pervade all space, to be omnipresent and visit all worlds with one's physical body inert and stationary



These eight are the ], or Great Perfections. <ref>{{cite book |author=Saint Thirumoolar |title=Tirumantiram: English Translation of The Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular |publisher=] |pages=158 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/tirumantiram}}</ref> Apart from the Siddhars, only ] the Vayuputra is known to wield all 8 Ashtama Siddhis, being an avatar of Lord ].


== Their Poetry ==

Some of their compiled works, in the form of the aforementioned cryptic poetry, addressing topics such as health, science, social equality, alchemy, yoga and the nature of our existence, are mostly available in the ], with a few in ]. A small minority of important texts have been translated into English, such as the Tirumantiram. <ref>{{cite book |author= Saint Thirumoolar |title= Tirumantiram: English Translation of The Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular |publisher=] |pages=158 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/tirumantiram}}</ref> Their poetry can be interpreted in a number of ways, subjective and dependent upon the spiritual attainment of the seeker.


=== A verse from ]'s Gnanam 80 ===


'தானென்ற பிரமத்தை யடுத்திடாமல்,

''Thaanendrra brahmaththai yaduthedaamal''

தரணியில் தெய்வமடா அனந்த மென்றும்'

''Tharanneyyil deivamadaa anantha mendrrum''


'Forgetting to embrace the self-god within,

We search this wide world for various divine solutions'



=== A verse from ]'s ]; Tantra 3, Verse 725 <ref>{{cite book |author= Saint Thirumoolar |title= Tirumantiram: English Translation of The Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular |publisher=] |pages=170 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/tirumantiram}}</ref> ===


'உடம்பினை முன்னம் இழுக்கு என்று இருந்தேன்

''Udampinai munnam izhukkendru irundhaen''

உடம்பினுக்கு உள்ளே உறு பொருள் கண்டேன்

''Udampinukkulle uruporul kandeen''

உடம்பு உளே உத்தமன் கோயில் கொண்டான் என்று

''Udampule uthaman kovil kondaanendru''

உடம்பினை யான் இருந்து ஓம்பு கின்றேனே'

''Udampinai yaanirundhu ombuginraenae''


'There was a time when I despised the body;

But then I saw the self-god residing within

And the body, I realised, is the Lord's temple

And so I began preserving it with care infinite' <ref>{{cite book |author= Saint Thirumoolar |title=Tirumantiram: English Translation of The Tamil Spiritual Classic by Saint Tirumular |publisher=] |pages=170 |url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/tirumantiram}}</ref>



=== A verse from 's Siddhar Padalgal <ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddhar Charithiram Kudhambai |url=https://anaadi.org/blog/parnika/siddhar-charithiram-kudhambai
|access-date=2023-05-06 |website=www.anaadi.org/blog}}</ref> ===


எங்கு நிறைந்தே இருக்கின்ற சோதியை

''Yengu neerainthey irukindra jothiyai''

அங்கத்துள் பார்ப்பாயடி குதம்பாய்

''Angathul paarpaiyadi kudhambai''

அங்கத்துள் பார்ப்பாயடி

''Angathul paarpaiyadi''


'That divine omnipresent light,

See within your self, O Kuthambai,

See within your self' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Siddhar Charithiram Kudhambai |url=https://anaadi.org/blog/parnika/siddhar-charithiram-kudhambai
|access-date=2023-05-06 |website=www.anaadi.org/blog}}</ref>

== Jeeva Samadhi ==

] is a state of oneness with ], the supreme consciousness. There are various states of ] one can experience on the spiritual path. The most complete dissolution of the small self into the all pervasive, omnipotent ], is termed ]. These states can be experienced for durations at a time, or even permanently.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://soonyata.home.xs4all.nl/jeevasamadhi.htm
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.satsang-darshan.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://shiftingintoawareness.com/2011/11/jeeva-samadhi/
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=shiftingintoawareness.com}}</ref>

The ancient ], adepts in their practice, achieved these various states, and on completion of their mission on this earthly plane, chose sites of their preference, wherein they attained ] ]; becoming, of their own volition, completely immersed and absorbed in ], ceasing bodily functions, leaving their mortal coils and entering into an eternal state of ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://soonyata.home.xs4all.nl/jeevasamadhi.htm
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.satsang-darshan.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://shiftingintoawareness.com/2011/11/jeeva-samadhi/
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=shiftingintoawareness.com}}</ref> Some ], like ], dematerialized his physical body and became one with the Arut Perum Jyoti, the ]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://shiftingintoawareness.com/2011/11/jeeva-samadhi/
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=shiftingintoawareness.com}}</ref>

However, in most cases, their physical bodies were left behind, entombed in caves by disciples, at behest of the ]. Over time, some of these ] ] have turned into pilgrimage sites, with temples dedicated to various deities being built around them. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://soonyata.home.xs4all.nl/jeevasamadhi.htm
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.satsang-darshan.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://shiftingintoawareness.com/2011/11/jeeva-samadhi/
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=shiftingintoawareness.com}}</ref>

To individuals on the path and the meditative, a ] ] can hold immense dimensions of energy that can help catalyze a seeker's spiritual unfoldment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://soonyata.home.xs4all.nl/jeevasamadhi.htm
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.satsang-darshan.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://shiftingintoawareness.com/2011/11/jeeva-samadhi/
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=shiftingintoawareness.com}}</ref>

There are many such ] ] sites across the Indian subcontinent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=18 Siddhars |url=https://soonyata.home.xs4all.nl/18siddhars.htm
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.satsang-darshan.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhi |url=https://shiftingintoawareness.com/2011/11/jeeva-samadhi/
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=shiftingintoawareness.com}}</ref> Siddhar ]'s ] ] can be found in the southwestern corridor of the ], ], ], ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam, Palani |url=http://murugan.org/temples/palani.htm |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=murugan.org}}</ref> This being the temple where he crafted and installed the Navapashanam ] of Lord ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam, Palani |url=http://murugan.org/temples/palani.htm |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=murugan.org}}</ref> Other ] that he worshipped have also been installed at his ] ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bhogar Shrine at Palani |url=http://palani.org/bhogar.htm
|access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.palani.org}}</ref> The ] in ], ], ], is the site of ]'s ] ]. There are also other, more obscure ], that are found outside the Indian subcontinent; take for example, ] ], within the ] temple complex in ], ], ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jeeva Samadhis in Malaysia |url=https://agathiyarvanam.blogspot.com/2020/07/jeeva-samadhis-in-malaysia.html?m=1 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=www.agathiyarvanam.blogspot.com}}</ref>

== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==Notes and references== ==Notes and references==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}

== External links ==
*
*
*


] ]

Latest revision as of 19:21, 14 July 2024

Tamil wonder-worker and sage

Agastya, the first Siddhar
Pambatti Siddhar Sannidhi at Marudamalai Temple

The Siddhar (Tamil (romanized) cittar) 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, and dance and provided solutions to common people's illnesses and advice for their future. Some of their ideologies are considered to have originated during the First Sangam period.

Practice

Siddhars were typically scientists, saints, doctors, alchemists, and mystics all in one. They wrote their findings in the form of Tamil poems on palm leaf manuscripts. They typically believe in one god, but there are some Siddhars who believe in polytheism. These are still owned by some families in Tamil Nadu and handed down through the generations, as well as being kept in universities in India, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States.

In this way, Siddhars developed the native Siddha medicine system. A rustic form of healing that is similar to Siddha medicine has since been practiced by experienced elders in the villages of Tamil Nadu. This is referred to as pātti vaittiyam (grandmother's medicine), nāttu maruntu (folk medicine), and mūlikai maruttuvam (herbal medicine).

Siddhars are also believed to be the founders of varma kalai - a martial art for self-defense and medical treatment at the same time with the application of pressure points.

Tamil Siddhars were the first to develop pulse-reading (naadi paarththal in Tamil) to identify the origin of diseases.

According to regional belief, the Siddhars are said to have resided for many ages upon a mountain called Sathuragiri, near the Thanipparai village in Tamil Nadu.

Siddhars

The Abithana Chintamani encyclopedia states that the Siddhars are of the 18 persons listed below, but Agastya states that there are many who precede and follow these.

The 18 Siddhars

Murti of Karuvurar

There are 18 Siddhars in the Tamil Siddha tradition:

  1. Nandi
  2. Tirumular
  3. Agastya
  4. Kamalamuni (identified with Kalangi Nathar and/or Confucius)
  5. Patanjali
  6. Korakkar
  7. Sundaranandar [ta]
  8. Konganar [ta]
  9. Sattaimuni [ta]
  10. Vanmikar (Valmiki)
  11. Ramadevar [ta]
  12. Dhanvantari
  13. Idaikaadar
  14. Machamuni (identified with Matsyendranatha)
  15. Karuvurar
  16. Bogar (identified with Laozi)
  17. Pambatti
  18. Kuthambai [ta]

Apart from the 18 Siddhars listed above, there is another list of 18 Siddhars who represent the 9 Navagrahas (with two Siddhars representing each Navagraha). All navagraha doshas and pariharams are performed to the Siddhars as Siddhar Velvi (Siddhar havan). The details of the 18 Siddhars who represent the 9 Navagrahas are as follows:

  1. Sivavakkiyar - Moon
  2. Kambili - Moon
  3. Bhogar - Mars
  4. Kagabhujanga - Jupiter
  5. Sri Pullipani Siddhar - Mars
  6. Sattaimuni - Kethu
  7. Sri Agapai Siddhar - Jupiter
  8. Alugani - Rahu
  9. Kudambai - Kethu
  10. Vallalar - Mercury
  11. Edaikaddar - Mercury
  12. Pattinathar - Sun
  13. Kaduvelli - Sun
  14. Kanjamalai - Venus
  15. Sennimalai - Venus
  16. Kapilar - Saturn
  17. Karuvurar - Saturn
  18. Pampatti - Rahu

Eight Perfections

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Siddhars are believed to have had both major and minor powers that are described in detail in various yogic and religious texts.

  • Aṇimā: the ability to reduce one's body to the size of an atom.
  • Mahimā: the ability to expand one's body to an infinitely large size.
  • Laghimā: the ability to become weightless or lighter than air.
  • Garimā: the ability to become heavy or dense.
  • Prāpti: the ability to realize whatever one desires.
  • Prākāmya: the ability to access any place in the world.
  • Īśiṭva: the ability to control all material elements or natural forces.
  • Vaśiṭva: the ability to force influence upon anyone.

These eight are the Great Siddhis (Ashtama siddhis), or Great Perfections.

See also

Notes and references

  1. Tamil Lexicon. University of Madras. p. 1410.
  2. Meditation Revolution: A History and Theology of the Siddha Yoga Lineage. Motilal Banarsidass. 2000. ISBN 9788120816480.
  3. S. Cunjithapatham, M. Arunachalam (1989). Musical tradition of Tamilnadu. International Society for the Investigation of Ancient Civilizations. p. 11.
  4. Journal of Indian history, Volume 38. Dept. of History, University of Kerala. 1960.
  5. Weiss, Richard (2009). Recipes for Immortality : Healing, Religion, and Community in South India: Healing, Religion, and Community in South India. Oxford University Press. p. 80. ISBN 9780199715008.
  6. V. Jayaram. "Study of siddhas". Hinduwebsite.com. Retrieved 22 June 2013.
  7. Cruz, Edmund A. (16 June 2018). Health, Longevity and the Martial Arts. AuthorHouse. ISBN 978-1-5462-3979-6.
  8. Pillai, M. S. Purnalingam (1994). Tamil Literature. Asian Educational Services. p. 264. ISBN 978-81-206-0955-6.
  9. Venkataramaiah, K. M. (1996). A Handbook of Tamil Nadu. International School of Dravidian Linguistics. p. 139. ISBN 978-81-85692-20-3.
  10. "Siddha Bhoganāthar: An Oceanic Life Story". palani.org.
  11. Thirumandiram 668
  12. Subramuniyaswami, Sivaya (1997). Glossary - Siddhi. USA: Himalayan Academy. ISBN 978-0945497974. Search: Siddhi.
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