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{{Short description|Tamil wonder-worker and sage}}
{{Short description|Tamil wonder-workers and sages}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
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[[File:Pambatti siddhar sannidhi.jpg|thumb|[[Pambatti Siddhar]] Sannidhi at [[Marudamalai]] Temple]]
[[File:Pambatti siddhar sannidhi.jpg|thumb|[[Pambatti Siddhar]] Sannidhi at [[Marudamalai]] Temple]]


The '''Siddhar''' (Tamil: சித்தர் ''cittar'', from Sanskrit: ''[[siddha]]'')<ref>{{cite book |title=Tamil Lexicon |publisher=[[University of Madras]] |pages=1410 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/tamil-lex_query.py?page=1410}}</ref> in [[Tamils|Tamil]] tradition is a perfected individual, who has attained spiritual powers called ''[[siddhi]]''.
The '''Siddhar''' ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]<!--சித்தர் hidden per WP:INDICSCRIPT--> <small>(romanized)</small> ''cittar''; from [[Sanskrit]] ''[[siddha]]'')<ref>{{cite book |title=Tamil Lexicon |publisher=[[University of Madras]] |pages=1410 |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/tamil-lex_query.py?page=1410}}</ref> in [[Tamils|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.<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 [[First Sangam]] 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 [[First Sangam]] 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>


==Practice==
==Practice==
Siddhars were typically first scientists, saints, doctors, alchemists, and mystics all in one. They wrote their findings in the form of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] poems on [[Palm-leaf manuscript|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 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>
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 manuscript|palm leaf manuscripts]]. They typically believe in [[Monotheism|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.<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 [[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 ''Paatti Vaitthiyam" (grandmother's medicine) "Naattu marunthu'' (folk medicine) and ''Mooligai marutthuvam'' (herbal medicine).
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. Varmam are specific points located in the human body which when pressed in different ways can give various results, such as disabling an attacker in self-defense, or balancing a physical condition as an easy first-aid medical treatment.
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.<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>


Tamil Siddhars were the first to develop pulse-reading ("naadi paarththal" in Tamil) to identify the origin of diseases.
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. It is believed that most of them have lived for ages, in a mystic mountain called [[Sathuragiri Hills|Sathuragiri]], near [[Thanippara|Thanipparai]] village in Tamil Nadu.
According to regional belief, the Siddhars are said to have resided for many ages upon a mountain called [[Sathuragiri Hills|Sathuragiri]], near the [[Thanippara|Thanipparai]] village in Tamil Nadu.


== Siddhars ==
== Siddhars ==
The [[Abithana Chintamani]] encyclopedia states that the Siddhars are of the 18 persons listed below, but sage [[Agastya]] states that there are many who precede and follow these.  
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===
===The 18 Siddhars===
[[File:Mahan Sri Karuvurar.jpg|thumb|Karuvoorar.]]
[[File:Mahan Sri Karuvurar.jpg|thumb|''[[Murti]]'' of Karuvurar]]


There are 18 siddhars in the Tamil Siddha tradition. They are<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>
# [[Nandi (mythology)|Nandeeswarar]]
# [[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]]
# [[Tirumular]]
# [[Tirumular]]
# [[Agastya]]
# [[Agastya]]
# Kamalamuni
# [[Kalangi Nathar]] <ref>{{Cite web |last=Salem District |first=Government of Tamilnadu |title=Temples |url=https://salem.nic.in/tourism/temples/#:~:text=Kalangi%20Siddhar%20is%20one%20among,on%20the%20way%20to%20EIampillai.}}</ref> (identified with Kamalamuni and/or [[Confucius]])
# [[Patanjali]]
# [[Patanjali]]
# [[Korakkar]]  
# [[Korakkar]]  
# Sundaranandar
# {{ill|Sundaranandar|ta|சுந்தரானந்தர்}}
# Konganar
# {{ill|Konganar|ta|கொங்கணர்}}
# Sattamuni
# {{ill|Sattaimuni|ta|சட்டைமுனி}}
# Vanmeegar
# Vanmikar ([[Valmiki]])
# Ramadevar
# {{ill|Ramadevar|ta|இராமதேவ சித்தர்}}
# Dhanvanthri
# [[Dhanvantari]]
# [[Idaikkadar]]
# [[Idaikaadar]]
# Machamuni  
# Machamuni (identified with [[Matsyendranatha]])
# [[Karuvurar|Karuvoorar]]
# [[Karuvurar]]
# [[Bogar]]
# [[Bogar]] (identified with [[Laozi]]<ref name="Bhoganathar">{{cite web | title=Siddha Bhoganāthar: An Oceanic Life Story |url=http://palani.org/bhogar-biography.htm | website=palani.org}}</ref>)
# [[Pambatti Siddhar]]
# [[Pambatti Siddhar|Pambatti]]
# Kuthambai
# {{ill|Kuthambai|ta|குதம்பைச்சித்தர்}}


Apart from the 18 siddars listed above, there is another list of 18 siddars who represent the 9 navagrahas (two siddars represent each navagraha) all navagraha doshas /pariharams are performed to the siddars as Siddar Velvi (siddar havan) .The details of the 18 siddars who represent the 9 navagrahas are given below
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}}
1.Sri Siva Vakya Siddar - Moon
2.Sri Kailaya Kambili Sattai Muni Siddar - Moon
3.Sri Bhogar siddar - Mars
4.Sri Kagabhujanga siddar - Jupiter
5.Sri Pullipanisiddar - Mars
6.Sri Sattai Muni siddar- Kethu
7.Sri Agapaisiddar - Jupiter
8.sri Azhugani siddar -Raghu
9.Sri Kudambai siddar - Kethu
10.Sri Vallalarsiddar - Mercury
11.Sri Edaikaddar siddar -Mercury
12.Sri Pattinathar siddar- Sun
13.Sri Kaduvelli siddar- Sun
14.Sri Kanjamalai siddar - Venus
15.Sri Sennimalai siddar- Venus
16. Sri Kapilar siddar -Saturn
17.Sri Karuvoorar siddar-Saturn
18.Sri Pambatti siddar -Raghu


There is a universal shrine for all the 18 Siddars at Madambakkam in Chennai called SriChakra Mahameru Sri Seshadri Swamigal 18 siddars Vrindavana Sakthi Peedam built under divine instruction from Sathguru Sri Seshadri Swamigal by Guruji. SHARMA JI.
# Sivavakkiyar - Moon
The Buddhist monk called [[Bodhidharma]] is also a Siddar because has the power of Varman
# Kambili - Moon
The supreme Siddhar is Lord [[Shiva]] himself.
# 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


== Powers of siddhas ==
== Eight Perfections ==
<!--{{Copying within Wikipedia|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>


The siddhars are believed to have had both major and minor powers which are described in detail in various yogic and religious texts.<ref>Thirumandiram 668</ref> They also are said to have the power of converting their mass to energy and thereby traveling to different universes.
* ''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.


# Anima (shrinking) -- Power of becoming the size of an atom and entering the smallest beings
These eight are the [[Siddhi#Eight primary siddhis|Great Siddhis (Ashtama siddhis)]], or Great Perfections.
# Mahima (illimitability) -- Power of becoming mighty and co-extensive with the universe. The power of increasing one's size without limit
# Laghima (lightness) -- Capacity to be quite light though big in size
# Garima (weight) -- Capacity to weigh a lot, though seemingly being small in size
# Prapti (fulfillment of desires) -- Capacity to enter all the worlds from [[Brahma Loga]] to the nether world. It is the power of attaining everything desired
# Prakasysm (irresistible will) -- Power of disembodying and entering into other bodies and going to heaven and enjoying what everyone aspires for, simply from where he stays
# Ishtavam (supremacy) -- Have the creative power of God and control over the Sun, Moon and the elements
# Vashitavam (dominion over the elements) -- Power of control over kings and gods. The power of changing the course of nature and assuming any form
 
These eight are the [[Siddhi#Eight primary siddhis|Great Siddhis (Ashtama siddhis)]], or Great Perfections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://siddhars.com/aboutus.htm |title=Ashtama Siddhis |publisher=Siddhars.com |access-date=2013-06-22}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Abithana Chintamani]]
* [[Abithana Chintamani]]
* [[Avvaiyar]]
* [[Avvaiyar (Sangam poet)]]
* [[Ayyavazhi mythology]]
* [[Ayyavazhi mythology]]
* [[Bogar]]
* [[Bogar]]
Line 94: Line 92:
* [[Nayanars]]
* [[Nayanars]]
* [[Siddha]]
* [[Siddha]]
* [[Tirumandhiram]]
* [[Tirumandhiram|Tirumantiram]]


==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* [http://www.nandhi.com Thamizh Siddhars Info Page]
* [http://www.shaivam.org Shaivism Home page]
* [https://www.nhp.gov.in/the-18-siddhars_mtl The 18 Siddhars]
* [http://www.palanitemples.com/english/18_siddhas_details.htm 18 Siddhar details]


[[Category:Tamil-language literature]]
[[Category:Tamil-language literature]]
[[Category:Tamil history]]
[[Category:Tamil Hindu saints|*]]
[[Category:Tamil Hindu saints|*]]
[[Category:Tamil Hindu literature]]

Latest revision as of 13:56, 13 March 2026


Agastya, the first Siddhar
Pambatti Siddhar Sannidhi at Marudamalai Temple

The Siddhar (Tamil (romanized) cittar; from Sanskrit siddha)[1] 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.[2] Some of their ideologies are considered to have originated during the First Sangam period.[3][4][5]

Practice[edit | edit source]

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.[6]

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.[7]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Murti of Karuvurar

There are 18 Siddhars in the Tamil Siddha tradition:[8][9]

  1. Nandi
  2. Tirumular
  3. Agastya
  4. Kalangi Nathar [10] (identified with Kamalamuni 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[11])
  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:Template:Uncited

  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[edit | edit source]

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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.[12][13]

  • 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[edit | edit source]

Notes and references[edit | edit source]

  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. ↑ Salem District, Government of Tamilnadu. "Temples".
  11. ↑ "Siddha Bhoganāthar: An Oceanic Life Story". palani.org.
  12. ↑ Thirumandiram 668
  13. ↑ Subramuniyaswami, Sivaya (1997). Glossary - Siddhi. USA: Himalayan Academy. ISBN 978-0945497974. Search: Siddhi.
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