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{{Short description|Wonder-worker and sage}} {{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]]
], believed to be the first Siddhar, under the 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 at ] Temple]] ] Sannidhi at ] Temple]]


'''Siddhar''' (Tamil: ''cittar'', from 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> in the ] tradition, 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, 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 were at a young age, wandering ascetics. They dominated the ancient Tamil academic landscape with regards to health, alchemy and philosophy. The Siddhars were iconoclastic philosophers and scientists, whose ideas and views challenged the norms of the time, and still do today <ref>{{Cite web |title=Sithar Padalgal {{!}} தமிழ் இணையக் கல்விக்கழகம் TAMIL VIRTUAL ACADEMY |url=https://www.tamilvu.org/ta/library-l7100-html-l7100cnt-146188 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.tamilvu.org}}</ref>. They were knowledgeable in science, technology, astronomy, literature, fine arts, music, drama and dance. 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>


==Background== ==Practice==
Siddhars were typically potters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, merchants and shepherds. 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 find answers to life's mysteries. By virtue of their austere penance, they developed ], but these were and are distractions on the path. They later returned as poets, saints, scientists, physicians and alchemists to share their knowledge with anyone who would listen. They wrote down their findings in the form of cryptic ] poetry on to ]. These manuscripts are still owned by some families in Tamil Nadu and are handed down through the generations. Some 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. 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>


The Siddhars developed the ] system, the oldest traditional system of healthcare originating in India. The basic tenets of this system for healthy living, 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 common saying amongst those familiar with this system, 'Food is medicine and 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 the Siddhar medicine system, continues to be 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). 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).


Siddhars are also believed to be the founders of ], a martial art used for ]. It can also be harnessed as a form of medical treatment, depending on how it is applied. Varmam, are vital energy points located in the human body which serve 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.


The Siddhars were first to develop pulse-reading ("naadi paarththal") to identify the origin of illnesses and physical conditions. 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 ], near the ] village in Tamil Nadu.
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, Tamil Nadu, which pilgrims frequent to this day.


== The Siddhars == == Siddhars ==
The ] encyclopedia states that there were 18 Siddhars, as listed below, but ] ] tells us that there are many who precede and follow these 18. The ] encyclopedia states that the Siddhars are of the 18 persons listed below, but ] states that there are many who precede and follow these.

According to ] ] tradition, ] is considered to be chief among the ] and was initiated by Father ] and Mother ]. He passed on what he had learned to his 8 disciples, namely, the ], who later becomes ] by a chance happening, ] (who is 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 in 8 different directions, to spread wisdom. His teachings continue to be upheld today by the ], a line of ] descending directly from ] himself <ref name="sivay">{{cite book | author=Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami|date=2003|title=Dancing with Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism|publisher=Himalayan Academy Publications|ISBN=978-0-945497-89-9}}</ref>.


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


These are the 18 Siddhars as per the Tamil Siddhar tradition <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.palanitemples.com/english/18_siddhas_details.htm |title=18 siddhars |publisher=Palanitemples.com |access-date=2013-06-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sathuragiri.org/siddhars.html |title=Siddhars |publisher=Sathuragiri.org |access-date=2013-06-22}}</ref> 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>
# ] # ]
# ] # ]
# ] # ]
# ] # Kamalamuni (identified with ] and/or ])
# ] # ]
# ], ] # ]
# {{ill|Sundaranandar|ta|சுந்தரானந்தர்}}
#
# {{ill|Konganar|ta|கொங்கணர்}}
#
# {{ill|Sattaimuni|ta|சட்டைமுனி}}
#
# Vanmikar (])
#
# {{ill|Ramadevar|ta|இராமதேவ சித்தர்}}
#
# ] # ]
# ] # ]
# ] # 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 a further list of 18 Siddhars, who represent the 9 ] (2 Siddhars representing each 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>. All Navagraha doshas/pariharams are performed with due respect to the Siddhars as per the Siddhar Velvi (Siddhar Homam). The details of the 18 Siddhars who represent the 9 ] are as follows: 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}}


# Sri Siddhar - Moon # Sivavakkiyar - Moon
# Kambili - Moon
#Sri Siddhar - Moon
# Sri ] Siddhar - Mars # Bhogar - Mars
# Sri ] Siddhar - Jupiter # Kagabhujanga - Jupiter
⚫ # Sri Pullipani 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 - Kethu # Sattaimuni - Kethu
# Sri Siddhar - Jupiter # Sri Agapai Siddhar - Jupiter
# Alugani - Rahu
⚫ # Sri Azhugani Siddhar - Raghu
# Kudambai - Kethu
# Sri Siddhar - Kethu
# Sri ] Siddhar - Mercury # Vallalar - Mercury
# Sri ] Siddhar - Mercury # Edaikaddar - Mercury
# Sri ] Siddhar - Sun # Pattinathar - Sun
# Kaduvelli - Sun
# Sri Siddhar - Sun
# Sri ] Siddhar - Venus # Kanjamalai - Venus
# Sri Sennimalai Siddhar - Venus # Sennimalai - Venus
# Sri ] Siddhar - Saturn # Kapilar - Saturn
# Sri ] Siddhar - Saturn # Karuvurar - Saturn
# Pampatti - Rahu
# Sri ] - Raghu


== Eight Perfections ==
There is a universal shrine for these 18 Siddhars from the 2nd list, at Madambakkam in 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>.
<!--{{Copying within Misplaced Pages|Siddhi}}-->
{{Hinduism|state=autocollapsed}}
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>


⚫ * ''Aṇimā'': the ability to reduce one's body to the size of an atom.
The supreme Siddhar is Lord ] himself.
* ''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.
== Powers of the Siddhar ==
The Siddhars are believed to have had both major and minor ], these are described in detail in various yogic and religious texts <ref>Thirumandiram 668</ref>. They were also said to have the power of converting their mass to energy and thereby achieving travel to different universes without external means of transportation.

⚫ # Anima -- the power to reduce the size of one's physical self to that of an atom
# Mahima -- the power to increase the size of one's physical self to infinite proportions
# Laghima -- the power to be weightless, so that one's physical body can levitate and fly
# Garima -- the power make one's physical self be of monumentous weight, so that one's physical self is rendered immovable
# Prapti -- the power to construct anything one wills anywhere, instantaneously
# Prakamya -- the power to obtain or become whatever one wills, to manifest one's desires instantaneously
# Ishtavam -- the power to have control over everything and everyone, over all elements of the universe
# Vashitavam -- the power over life and death


⚫ These eight are the ], or Great Perfections <ref>{{cite web|url=http://siddhars.com/aboutus.htm |title=Ashtama Siddhis |publisher=Siddhars.com |access-date=2013-06-22}}</ref>.

== A verse from the Siddhars' writings ==

Their compiled works, all 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 available in the ] <ref>{{Cite web |last=Vaidhayashala |first=TKN Siddha Ayurveda |date=2018-04-08 |title=சித்தர் நூல்கள் – Siththar books in Tamil {{!}} TKN Siddha Ayurveda Vaidhyashala (Hospital) |url=https://www.tknsiddha.com/medicine/siththar-books-in-tamil/,%20https://www.tknsiddha.com/medicine/siththar-books-in-tamil/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.tknsiddha.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sithar Padalgal {{!}} தமிழ் இணையக் கல்விக்கழகம் TAMIL VIRTUAL ACADEMY |url=https://www.tamilvu.org/ta/library-l7100-html-l7100cnt-146188 |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=www.tamilvu.org}}</ref>. Their poetry can be interpreted in a number of ways, subjective and dependant on the spiritual attainment of the seeker.

A verse from ]'s book Gnanam 80:

'தானென்ற பிரமத்தை யடுத்திடாமல்,

தரணியில் தெய்வமடா அனந்த மென்றும்'

'Forgetting to embrace the self-god within,

we search this wide world for various divine solutions'


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


==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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