SIDHAS IN MALAYSIA1 SIDHAS IN MALAYSIA Cover: Thavathiru Rengaraja Desigar the prime mover of the sidha movement through his disciples in Malaysia. Agathiyan Production House Publication 2010 2 ........................................................................................Contents Sidhas In Malaysia ................ 21 3 ................ 15 Gnana Pitha Sivananda Paramahamsar........................................................... 19 Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Sidhas In Malaysia ................................... 19 Chiramuthu Adigal ................... 18 Jeganathar .............................................................................................................................. 4 Sage Agathiyar ........................................................................................ Tamil movies and television serials aired in Malaysia too have had a share in bringing the existence of sidhas. People came to worship the sidhas through these nadi readings. says that Swami Sivananda Paramahamsa had established the Siddha Vidhya Sangam to spread the teachings of sidhas after arriving in Malaya in 1937. pungent. Perak.agathiar. Practitioners of herbal medicine called Sidha medicine popularized herbal or sidha cures and by doing so introduced the Malaysian public to the sidhas. Who Are The Sidhas? Paul Zweig writes in the introduction to Swami Muktananda‟s the „PERFECT RELATIONSHIP‟. Tamilvanan branched out to set up another Sangam in Dengkil in 1994. sweet and sour food and spending time meditating in his room. Movements associated with sidhas have been in existence in Malaysia for some time now.org. Sage Agathiyar says in the nadi Rengaraja Desigar was King Harichandra. 1985. King Raja Raja Cholan and Ramalinga Adigal in the past births. Sidha medicine and its form of treatment originated from these sidhas. in his paper entitled „The Siddha Worship in Malaysia: An Introduction‟ presented at the 32 nd All India Sociological Conference held at Chennai. An ashram was started in Tasik. Agathiyar in the nadi has mentioned that Rengaraja Desigar is evolving and in the process of transformation into light just as Ramalinga Adigal had accomplished 132 years back. The subject of sidhas has been shrouded in mystery. The Tamil movie based on Agathiyar. Nandanar. Many were introduced to the sidhas through these nadis. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to meet Rengaraja Desigar in 2003. University of Malaya. Govindasamy Sivapalan of the Department of Indian studies. Rengaraja Desigar can be contacted at http://www. Published by SYDA Foundation. Dharmalingam began to spread the teachings of sidhas in 1986 and established the Agastya Sanmarga Sangam in 1989. individuals and organizations too have played a role in spreading the words of the sidhas lately. It is a wonder that the sidhas had documented every finding and discovery and till this day guide humans through their writings and the nadi. Karaikal Ammaiyaar. Chidambara Ragasiyam too had had left an impact on them. India in 2006. While Thamarai Nolakam in Chennai have extensively published sidha works and made them available to the general public. Ramakrishnan started one in Kapar. Rengaraja Desigar of Ongkara Kudil in Thuraiyur about 60kms north of the town Trichy has been doing tavam for the past 40 years abstaining from salty. Although works of sidhas are now available in print not much can be deciphered from these works. Sivapalan says the nadi or palm leaf reading gained popularity in Malaysia in the eighties. and serials like Sivamayam. Gorakhar. Pattinathar. Avvaiyaar. the nadi and sidha medicine to the general public. Disciples of Thavathiru Rengaraja Desigar have to be given credit for bringing over sidhas messages and works. 4 .SIDHAS IN MALAYSIA Although the sidhas have been known to be around for ages. the Nayanmars. only certain quarters speak about them. Chithira Kodam. physical bodies. he has seen Vishnu and Brahma come into existence and go.‟ M. Canada. alchemy. in all walks of life using a series of techniques known as kriya yoga. Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal in his book „ANDAMUM PINDAMUM‟ quotes Bhogar‟s Saptakandam where it is mentioned that Agathiyar has lived beyond the four yugas and as such no one can predict his age. Kriya Yoga Publications. Manimandapam too. 1991. These sidhas are in the form of Jhoti. astrology. These sidhas have been praying to this Sivan and became one with Sivan. Uyar Veli. “they challenge us not to turn our backs on the world in our quests for spiritual enlightenment. Govindan puts it. in the Jhoti and as the Jhoti.” Tavayogi told me once that it was not sufficient that I work towards enlightenment. Pazh Veli. Muthar Pazh. The sidhas have watched through all these happenings. Govindan in „BABAJI AND THE 18 SIDDHA KRIYA YOGA TRADITION‟. As M.‟ M. That Jhoti is Sivan. religious rites and ceremonies and philosophy which has assisted humanity to evolve towards a higher universal consciousness. On the contrary sidhas have asked us not to neglect our families and responsibilities but to attend to worlds. Govindan adds that their attainment is a result of the techniques used to prepare their bodies for the descent of divinity and of course with the grace of god. Quebec. the material and spiritual. Konganar Kaviyam 3000. Indhira Gnana Veli. vital and ultimately. astronomy. Agathiyar reveals this mystery to his student Pulastyar. beings who are so completely rooted in their own selfhood. literature. in their inner god. perfect beings.‟ „In attaining such an integral realization they have manifested a divine transformation of their entire human nature. Vethantha Veli. medicine. botany. Peru Veli. he has seen fifteen Ramos and Ravines. yoga. Ucha Veli. Konganar has seen worlds upon worlds. Mupazh Veli. mental. Para Veli. Gnana Veli. Velyil Veli. Tavayogi quotes Konganar‟s work. Tani Veli. Konganar says he has seen worlds come into existence and seen them go into oblivion. and witness eighteen wars. Yega Veli. It is important to know the sidhas and their path for as M. that they see that god everywhere and can transmit their own experience to other people. I had to bring the family to the shores of enlightment too. Govindan says. This Sivan is also known as Sidhargal Veli. says.„…. The sidhas have significantly contributed to the fields of science. Tavayogi quotes Kuthambai Sidhar and Shiva Vakiyar too. „Their story is important to modern man because it speaks of a means of self transformation which is accessible to everyone. 5 . Nathantha Veli. siddhas. Oli Veli. „After experiencing union or yoga with god or ultimate reality in the spiritual plane. Ramalinga Adigal calls this Sivan or Jhoti as Arutperun Jhoti Taniperungkarunai. the Tamil yoga siddhas experienced a progressive transformation of their intellectual. The sidhas never called for seclusion of oneself. 7. 8. Athirimagarishi. 25. Uthayagirisidhar. Kallulisidhar. Ubamanyumagarishi. Karuvurdevar. 14. Kamalamunivar. Ananthasidhar. 16. 42. 43. Katambamagarishi. 33. Anjanadeva. Alukannisidhar. Kanjamalaisidhar. He tells me the names listed by him are those of authentic sidhas and have had references in other sidha works and writings. Atchayadevarishi. Allamapirabu. 35. Ramalinga Adigal. 2. 41. 23. Agapaisidhar. 9. 30. 3. Kanabathidasar. 18. 6. Kananathar. 37. Aritsamagarishi. 4. Asuvinitdevar. Kalaicoathumunivar. 24. Alagananthar. 5. Kanaramar. 15. Edaikadar. Kaubalasidhar.Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal gives an extensive list of names of sidhas. 36. Kannananthar. 17. Ramadevar. 32. Ambigananthar. 22. 6 . 27. Kadaipillaisidhar. 21. Kaduvelisidhar. 1. 38. Asidevamagarishi. Usanamagarishi. Kabilar. 19. 13. Kagabujandar. 26. Arithamagarishi. Arunagirinathar. 40. Arulnanthisivachariyar. Ramananthar. Kannisidhar. 39. 28. 31. Atithamagarishi. 11. Asavalayanamagarishi. 20. Auvaiyar. 10. 29. 44. Atreyamagarishi. 12. Umabathisivachariyar. 34. Agathiyar. 56. 59. 65. Kalamagarishi. Sangaramagarishi. Chandirakulamagarishi. 49. 53. Kurumbaisidhar. 47. Santirayanamagarishi. 62. Sangiyayanamagarishi. Gurudhaksanamurthy. 68. 91. 60. Karkamagarishi. Kutambaisidhar. 78. 54. Sanatanamagarishi. 83. Konganamagarishi. 80. 87. 67. Kautamar. 69. Kurunamasivayar. 58. 64. Savitiramagarishi. Kalinganathamagarishi. 48. 63. Sangamunisidhar. 57. Kanvamagarishi. Kurmananthar. Kugainamasivayar. 79. Kalanginathar. Salihotramagarishi. Satumugamagarishi. 86. 52. Satvikadevamagarishi. Kabalamagarishi. 46. 84. 77. Kusarishi. Sandilyamagarishi. 71. 50.45. 72. Kausigar. Kakeyamagarishi. Gururajar. Katyamagarishi. Kumaragurubarar. 81. 73. Sangarshanamagarishi. 90. 51. 7 . 74. Satananthamagarishi. 89. Kutsagarishi. 85. 66. 82. 55. Saratvanthumagarishi. Kinthamagarishi. Kartikeyamagarishi. 61. Kiruthumagarishi. Kanagamagarishi. Kausamagarishi. 75. Kanbamagarishi. Sangumagarishi. Korakar. Kalavamagarishi. Kasibar. Sangilisidhar. 76. 88. Kangeyamagarishi. 70. 112. Janagar. Sivayogamamunivar. 115. Saunagamagarishi. Thirumaligaidevar. 126. 109. 111. 110. 136. Janakumarar. Sugabrahmar. 128. Suriyananthar. Tathuvagnanasidhar. Talapiyamagarishi. Sorubananthar. Damarananthar. Sirungimagarishi. 119. 125. Dhurvasamunivar. 130. Sethumunivar. 94. Danvanthiri. Sulamunivar. Jabalimagarishi. Trikonasidhar. 121. 117. Tirunabindhumagarishi. Tananthar. Chitramuktar. Tambamagarishi. 102. 96. 8 . 93. 135. 134. Thirunavukarasar. Sutamunivar. Thiruvaluvar. Janantanar. 116. 107. 101. Suntarananthar. 98. Jambumagarishi. 95. Tatisimagarishi. 131. Sattanathar. 105. Jeyamunivar. Tevalamagarishi. Tayumanar. 103. 123. 124. 100. 108. Saykilar. 133. Thirugnanasambanthar. 127. 99. 114. 97. 122. Somagamagarishi. 106.92. 104. Sathyananthar. Tevatattamagarishi. Sandikehsar. Sivayambuvamanumagarishi. 120. 118. 138. 137. Jeganathar. Gnanasidhar. Teraiyar. Sundaramurthi. Satchithananthar. 129. Sivananthar. 132. 113. Janatanar. 141. Parasarishi. 180. 182. 185. Nanthanar. Pulippanisidhar. Punaikannar. 161. 179. Machamunivar. 167. Pandrimalaisidhar. 145. 154. 153. 178. Marisamagarishi. Mutkalamagarishi. 173. 9 . Maunachsidhar. Bhogamagarishi. Nathanthasidhar. Pathragiriyar. 151. Megasanchararishi. 183. 169. 149. Parvathamagarishi. 158. Pulatisar. 143. Pipalamagarishi. 177. Pidinakisar. Pattinathar. Mandavyamagarishi. Brahmamunivar. 148. 146. Purukothamagarishi. Paratuvasar. Bhaskaramagarishi. Nagaradevamagarishi. Maitrayemagarishi. 159. 157. Meikandadevar. Pingalamunivar. 155. Mayuraysar. 163. 140. Nanthisvarar. 164. 152.139. 142. 162. 172. 174. Narathar. Pirunjakamunivar. Pampatisidhar. Manikavasagar. 147. Pirungumagarishi. 144. Malangan. 150. 160. 184. Manurishi. Matangamagarishi. 168. 176. 171. Markandayar. Paramananthar. Bagadevamagarishi. Bhirugumagarishi. 175. Pundarigamagarishi. Patanjaliyar. Punnakesar. Nondisidhar. 170. 156. Tevaratamagarishi. 166. 165. 181. Mukthananthar. Yogananthar. Kalanandhar. 13. 1. Vasisthamagarishi. 8. 5. Vidanamunivar and Waythanthasidhar. 191. Kamalamuni. 192. Vasudevamagarishi. Raipriyamagarishi. Aghoramunivar. 10. The lists is as follows. 198. Yuhgimunivar. Agathiyar has mentioned sidhas who made it to his stature. 199. Yogasidhar. 200. 205. 201. Korakar. Karuvanandhar. Kuruvanandhar. 2. Vilaiyathusidhar. Korakar goes on to mention 64 sidhas who started madams and headed them. They are Karuvurar. Varatarishi. Rohmarishi. 189. Sattaimuni. 196. 190. Agathiyar. 195. 197. 187. Athimunivar. 194. 3.Sri Sidhargal Potri Manthira Malai‟. 6. 206. Amuthavanandhar.186. 10 . Rasamunivar. 11. 14. Thirumular. Yakgnadevamagarishi. Anandhamunivar. 188. Korakar and Purushamiruga Yogi. 12. 202. Bhogar. Varagimigi. Vyakramar. Vyasamunivar. Machamuni. 203. Mrityunjaya. Nandisar. 7. 193. 204. Vamadevar. Valakilyamagarishi. Vararishi. Sundaranandhar. Vedamagarishi. Valmigi. 4. Veeramanidhasan has compiled 773 lists of names in his „GURU PUJAI . Rengaraja Desigar lists out 131 names of sidhas in his „SIDHARGAL POTRI THOGUPPU‟. Kurmanandhar. Karunaiyanandhar. Kamalanandhar. Konganar. 9. Kauthamunivar. 42. 29.15. Sathiyanandhar. 60. Valaiyanandhar. 53. Sandigamamunivar. 50. 41. 36. Sinmaiyanandhar. 52. Vasamuni. 11 . Mularishi. 19. Yegarishi. 47. 28. Viswarishi. Logavanandhar. 43. Vanendramahamuni. Pulastyar. 27. Maunamunivar. Viswamunimaindhar. Brahmamunivar. 44. 18. 32. Muthanandhar. Sivanandhar. Sachuthanandhar. 40. Saithanyamunivar. Shiruvanandhar. Yogarishi. 22. Sattaimunivar. Rudrarishi. 48. Brahmarishi. 45. Sidhanandhar. 23. Brahmandhar. 46. Puranavanandhar. Suthanandhar. 57. 58. Nandiyanandhar. 30. Sukiramunivar. 59. 21. 31. 25. 38. 33. Suriyanandhar. 56. Machamunivar. 37. Sadhasivamamunivar. Sadhanandhar. Sundaranandhar. 51. Saruvanandhar. 16. 17. Sisuvanandhar. 55. Paramanandhar. 34. Yathithamunivar. 61. Saruganandhar. 49. Sidharishi. 24. 54. Samaiyavanandhar. Thuruvanandharmurthi. 20. Viswanandhar. Purananandhar. Sugarishi. Pathanjalimamunivar. 39. 35. Sivamunivar. 26. On meeting the shopkeeper in town later. Tavayogi‟s experience with Sage Konganar who spent an hour the night at his ashram only to reveal himself just before he departed goes to show how the sidhas appear in the least expected place and form. A lady dressed in rainbow colored sari with a kid steps into the kudil. They then walk into his prayer room and never came out of the room. And so he had come to see for himself. He explains further that people had mention Kallaru (Tavayogi‟s ashram is situated here) to him and told him that there were good souls here. When Tavayogi was having lunch with my brother and his family at his (Tavayogi‟s) ashram. Supramania Swami tells me the Yogi had appeared (Yogi had gone into Samadhi) and chanted with us. Then he was in Thiruchendur and did not like the people there. Tavayogi and this stranger chat for an hour before retiring. When during prayer as Supramania Swami and I chant Yogi Ramsuratkumar‟s name. after ten minutes into the chanting. reveals himself as Konganar and disappears. the Yogi appears amongst us and chants along with us! I heard a third voice accompany Swami and me on the mantra. No one was at Swami‟s kudil then except for both of us. When Supramania Swami goes to Parvatha Malai. swami enquires about his (shopkeepers) trip to Parvatha Malai only to be told that he (the shopkeeper) had never stepped on that hill! When I was at Supramania Swami‟s kudil and was asleep. in walks a stranger who tells them he had heard about the ashram and was just looking around. He then questions him. Vishnumunivar. a stranger appears in front of his kudil. 63. He tells them further that he was in Kathirgamam but did not like it there anymore. When a stranger walks to Tavayogi‟s ashram and asked that he be allowed to stay overnight. Do the sidhas appear before us? And if they do in what form do the sidhas appear before us? Tavayogi has had numerous encounters with these sidhas. Swami receives their visitation. The next day Tavayogi meets this man when he goes on his daily morning walk. “What do you think you are doing? Why are you going back to Bakti Margam when you are already in the Gnana Margam?” Swami stops construction of this temple there and then. about 30kms away from Thiruvanamalai to look for a specific herb. least did Tavayogi expect him to be a sidha. Vidhanandhar and 64.40am. When Supramania Swami was in the process of constructing a temple at Thiruvanamalai. All the three places that he mentioned that he had been 12 . who greets him and enquires as to what Swami was doing there? Swami replies that he came in search of a particular herb but he (Swami) could not identify it. Sadly though they chose to come after I was asleep. He witnesses it and narrates it to me the next day. Then he came to Palani and for the same reason left Palani. He beckons Swami to step out onto the road. The shopkeeper friend says that it was very easy to find one and fetches him a bunch of it. He sits perched on the road kerb. Viyasarishi Information sourced from „SIDHARGAL KANDA AVIGALAI VIRATHUM MULIGAI RAGASIYANGAL‟ by Jegatha. He calls over Tavayogi.62. after having chat with Swami the whole night through and hitting the sack at 2. he meets the sundry shopkeeper from Thiruvanamalai. They vanished. Supramania Swami of Thiruvanamalai too has met sidhas on several occasions. ‟ Saravanananda mentions the personal experience of Lama Anagarika Govinda in Bhutan: „The swift moving lights which I had seen gliding over the range have no human origin. Dr Nanjan. enters a young girl in her twenties. When Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal had invoke sage Konganar in his cave (Konganar's cave) in Uthiyore by merely chanting the names of the sidhas. I witnessed this incident. This incident was narrated by Dr Nanjan to me when he accompanied Tavayogi to Malaysia in 2007. 9/66. Melur. When Tavayogi was at his ashram. his able cook Nadaraja excitedly calls him over the phone and informs Tavayogi that he (Nadaraja) had just seen Tavayogi at Kallaru and that this form had changed to that of Agathiyar and vanished. Nanjan saw the form of Agathiyar raise himself from the floor on which he was lying asleep. There in the great open space beyond the window apparently not more than 200 yards away innumerable balls of fire floated majestically past. Tavayogi realized it was Lord Murugan. Swami Saravanananda in his transliteration of „ARUTPERUNJHOTI AGAVAL‟. He encountered this happening on the way up the steps that lead to the ashram.‟ The swami mentions John Blofeld's experience too with the phenomenon of floating lights from his book „THE WHEEL OF LIFE. and where they went after fading from 13 . Nanjan. Nadaraja. tied his long sprawling hair. when she immediately ran up to the big poster of Agathiyar and stood beside him.‟ „John had spent months on the sacred mountain of Wee Tai Shan in China. Once inside the peedham Nadaraja was blessed to see three individuals of the three major faiths who after a brief moment vanished too. Nobody could tell from where they came. She speaks about Agathiyar most of the time. This made Tavayogi sit back and realize that this stranger was no commoner. the mountain dedicated to Bodhisattva Manjusri. He called Tavayogi and his guests into the peedham and blesses them before leaving. what they were. Kumaran Kudil. Tavayogi took the opportunity to ask that she poses for the camera (which Tavayogi did not do in the earlier encounters). Before she left. They move about the most difficult ground with an ease and speed that no human being can attain apparently floating in air. As a result there appeared the sacred ash (vibhuti) in the cave. the first sidha who took the form of Supramaniar. When Dr. I have seen them moving right through the palace grounds towards the site where now the temple stands. Nanjan and vanish.to were places of significance to devotees of Lord Murugan since it is the abode of the Lord. saying she was from a town in Andra Pradesh and had heard about this ashram in Kallaru. When Tavayogi was in Malaysia for the 1st World Conference of Sidha Philosophy. a retired veterinarian and a sadhu can be contacted at B. PO. took a glance at Dr. he was allowed to enter their prayer room. „The body of such a person (sidha) appears to be a ball of fire or a pillar of fire. The Nilgiris-643221. On opening the door to the prayer room Dr. We could not judge their size. a faithful disciple and cook at Tavayogi‟s hermitage who saw Tavayogi come down from his hermitage which is on a small hill only to change his form into Sage Agathiyar (the sage who took the form of Tavayogi). Nanjan of Ooty visited a couple who were staunch devotees of Agathiyar in India. But Tavayogi preferred to spend the night in Agathiyar‟s cave at Courtallam. has had an encounter with sidhas at Sathuragiri. They stood above his head and seemed to be watching his thoughts. The first vision he had was when he was meditating in a dry river bed. Raja Street. Here is a translation of that happening. Standing at the window I could only see the rear of the temple unfortunately and I did not know what was happening in front. 20. He closed the doors and latched them from inside. „He says. We did not stay to witness this spectacle but headed for Courtallam. Tavayogi took me to Kalyana Theertam where local folks say the sidhas come out in the form of balls of light after 11pm. This linga was established by Agathiyar. Although there is various routes to the hill the route through Taanripaarai was superior. casting the beauty of the light of the spirit suffusing radiating from it as a lamp reflects and diffuses the luminosity of its indwelling flame. carrying in itself the beatitude of the spirit its joy of the seeing mind. We stood at the window.‟ Dr. without electricity. the joy of matter released into a spiritual consciousness and thrilled with a constant ecstasy. its joy of life and spiritual happiness. unhurried and majestic. The sound of the conch stopped and I could smell a beautiful aroma in the air. K.He hurried me into his house. I rushed out of the house and stood at the back portion. Maarimuthu and I chose to sit in the open in the cold night. He said to me. saying all the rests were sound asleep and that I was gifted to see the puja. People here called these balls of fire the luminous sidhas . He moved to the kitchen and opened the window. „Now sidhas are going to perform prayers at the Sundaramurthy shrine‟. We reached Sundaramahalingam Temple at 7pm. Suddenly I heard the sound of the conch faintly. I very much wanted to go out and see what was taking place. moving through space. Venkatraman author of the book „YUGANGAL KADANTHU VALZHUM UNNATHA KALAI‟ by Vijaya Publications. Swami Saravanananda had a similar experience of witnessing the balls of fire while he was keeping night virgils in the Pothigai hills. A cool breeze and the sound of gushing waters from the falls nearby ushered us. This place was a thick jungle. At about midnight he could see balls of fire of the size of the head light of a car. I used to frequent these hills then. We stayed at the home of the priests and friend. balls of varied hues and also pure white. He blew out the hurricane light. Coimbatore. one never smelt before. Maarimuthu.‟ The swami says he himself was fortunate enough to have had the darshan of these balls of light. They hovered round the swami and came towards him within 10 feet where he was sitting and then retreated. Some moments passed. Suddenly the priests got up and held my hand.the bodies of celestials and advanced sidhas. We talked about sidhas and the herbs that were available in these jungles. Those lights would appear on the tops of palmyra trees situated on the river bank. It was a full moon night. this could be the total perfection of the spiritualized body. They moved majestically here and there and sometimes seemed to be playing with one another. truly a fitting manifestation of divinity. It was 12.30am. In a soft voice he told me to remain calm. Exhausted from the walk up the hill and having done the Full Moon prayers all my friends retired to bed by 11pm. “Once my friends and myself travelled to Sathuragiri in 1999. Fluffy balls of orange colored fire. In that cold shivering night I started to sweat 14 .sight in the west. The swami quotes Sri Aurobindo in his book „SUPRAMENTAL MANIFESTATION ON EARTH”. „As an instrument the body could become a revealing vessel of a supreme bliss and beauty. I suddenly called out for Maarimuthu. The eye that was engraved in stone which was shut a moment ago was now open! I turned to look at Tavayogi and he immediately smiled and he hurried me out of there saying. bearded. SAGE AGATHIYAR The following is based on an article on Sage Agathiyar – SAGE AGASTHYA – FOREMOST OF THE SIDDHAS by Dr. That‟s when I turn to the sage and I see him open one of his eyes. Mandayam Kumar of the Siddha Medical Research Institute. the tandam in their armpits. The three figures turned to look at me. After that incident I had been to Sathuragiri many times but nothing like that happened again. Although a large portion of these sidhas are based in the Indian subcontinent some sidhas have ventured out to other parts of the world. Although Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal quoted Bhogar‟s Saptakandam in his book „ANDAMUM PINDAMUM‟ as mentioning Agathiyar had lived beyond the four yugas and as such no one can predict his age. Mandayam Kumar says. the sidha Hanuman in disguise as an elderly man accompanies him till Asokan safely arrives at the temple grounds. The next moment they disappeared. When I turned back to see him off. I opened my eyes to realize Tavayogi was not at the shrine but was standing outside in the open air. The statue of the sage was engraved in granite with both eyes closed. Agathiyar manifested in a granite statue of him at his shrine. Upon reaching Sabari Malai and paying his respects to Lord Ayappa. After chanting the names of the sidhas lead by Tavayogi. Asokan taught it a good gesture on his part to massage the legs of this elderly man only to realize there was a tail between his legs! When a Brahmin priests volunteers to take me around Thiruvanaikaval in Trichy to perform atonements or parikaram. We shall look at sidhas who had at one time being in Malaysia. Unfortunately I did not see this miracle happen.‟ When my friend Asokan from Malaysia lost his way while on a pilgrimage to Sabari Malai. it was possible to find out details about Sage Agathiyar during the course of literary research on the Siddha medical sciences in a Tamil manuscript written on palm leaves about 3. engaging priests to perform the pujas. Each one of them was easily 7 ½ feet tall. one behind the other walking on the steps towards the 18 sidhas temple. I could see their eyes were red in the dark. 15 . with long tresses. But before I get to sit he passes me his shawl and asks that I place it on the cold cement floor that had spilt oil all over it. We were both disappointed. lean. kamandalam or drinking vessel in the other hand. Did Vayu‟s son accompany me to perform the parikaram? When I was in Agasthiyampalli in Vedharanyam with Tavayogi. "They show themselves only for a while". It seems they do appear in the flesh but under disguise and only reveal themselves as they are about to leave the scene. Then Tavayogi asks that I sit with the sage while he snaps some photographs. Dr.000 years ago. pushing me on swiftly as the wind does from one shrine to another and finally asking to be dropped not at the original place that I had picked him up (the Uttamar temple in Palur) but instead at the roadside. I moved to him when he asked that I look at the sage for he told me that the sage was opening and closing his eyes. I realized that I had dropped him at a Hanuman temple. Bangalore. The reason being: I saw shadows in the moonlight exactly on the steps leading to the Sundaramurthy shrine near a stream and the 18 sidhas temple and Sathanathar‟s cave.profusely. opening up doors that were closed. Ravana. He then traveled towards the south to Cambodia and Malaya (present day Malaysia). provides much information on Agathiyar we shall focus on the sage‟s exploration of the Malay Peninsula in this work.The text is titled PRAPANCHA KAANDAM and runs into several volumes according to the Dr. He then went back north to Malaya where he was betrothed to the king‟s daughter. he established the very first of his many educational institutions for the propagation of philosophy and science. Agathiyar in the 19 th century took birth as Ramalinga Adigal and gave us the THIRUARUTPA. In Cambodia. thus they remain impervious to ordinary vision. King Ravana gave away a portion of his kingdom to Agathiyar to establish more institutions. reveals for the first time the parental heritage of the Sage. Here Agathiyar practiced yoga and taught it to his large following of disciples. he traveled all over Kashmir. As his thirst for knowledge in particular on philosophy. mentions that Agathiyar took birth as Valluvar and gave us the THIRUKURAL besides others. Govindaswami in his book. Pon. Jayanari of Vellore says the Dr. Although the Dr. „Agathiyar Muni is considered to be the embodiment of one of the nine celestial intellectuals who came to this earth for enlightening human beings. briefly introduces Agathiyar and the sidhas. yoga. in the early hours of Tuesday. Belonging to the early Aryan race. (Mount Kailas was deemed to be in Manchuria those days). Sage Agathiyar was said to have been born about 4573 years prior to the commencement of Kali Yuga at a place in Gujarat. The Dr. Bharath Book Bureau. a great devotee of Lord Siva. The foremost of these institutions in this region was known as Arunodaya Giri or Meozone. He returned to Kumari Kandam where he met Lord Murugan in the form of Sage Kandan or Supramaniar at Trikona Malai (present day Trincomali). he crossed the sea to the continent of Kumari Kandam. The text are attributed to Lord Muruga. and Kailas in Manchuria. Through higher-level yogic practices they attain a state of ultra luminosity that results in invisibility. He then ruled the kingdom of Vijayapuri. They were both devotees of the Pasupatha order of the Sage Rishabha Muni. The contents were narrated by Sage Agathiyar while recorded by Sage Pulastya.‟ The Dr. The original Tamil manuscript of PRAPANCHA KAANDAM is in the care of Pandit S. Nepal. He became a disciple of Sage Nandi and Sage Dhanvantri. At the hill station called Kadari Kama or Kadhirgama. and astronomy was immense. 16 . „SIRSABAIYUM PORSABAIYUM‟. China. Lord Murugan imparted spiritual knowledge to Agathiyar. 14 of February 7673 BC. Tibet. (During Agathiyar‟s time. his father Bhargava was well learned while his mother Indumathi was from Punjab.‟ „Such siddhars work incessantly for the propagation of knowledge and the evolution of souls. medicine.‟ „Siddhars are those who have attained perfection in yogic practices to ultimately reach the stage of immortality. Agathiyar had his early education in Gujarat. After establishing a similar institution and hospital in Malaya. Agathiyar reveals in the nadi that he has indeed taken birth many times as Agathiyar to set mankind on the right track. 1985. Kumari Kandam occupied a vast area extending from the present day Sri Lanka to the Antarctic. Although these two sources contradict each other. ruled this continent). Sage Pulipani from Kantha Malai. A conference of sidhas called Sidhar Sabai was held during the 53 rd year. Dr. Africa. This included the 64 kinds of learning. Sage Bhogar who was in charge of all scientific researches established an alchemy research centre at Thiruparankundram. and 48 branches of scientific knowledge. Sage Pambatti Sidhar was heading a team researching venom at Marudamalai. This impact caused a great deluge on the earth. Rome. Agathiyar gave much importance to this day. and Sage Kapiyan all served Agathiyar. Amidst all this geographical changes. Mandayam Kumar says Agathiyar could see impending calamities take place in the future during his meditation. After satisfactorily completing their mission of propagating the said teachings the Sages went into Samadhi merging themselves into the cosmos. Amongst his children who ruled the land Yashovarman became a famous ruler. Sidharti Samvatsara. This meeting also signified the commencement of Kali Yuga. 18 Puranas. Sage Thaeraiyar. The entire literature in Tamil came to be called Sidha Veda. a tremendous explosion in the planet Mars sends a piece of debris towards earth. Sage Bhogar in Palani. of Kali Yuga at Courtallam. Sage Pulipani and Sage Yugimuni in Kantha Malai and Sage Agathiyar himself 17 . America. Kamalakannan in „CHITTAR URUVIL SHIVAPERUMAN‟. Shenbaga Devi. Palestine. After having established these institutions Agathiyar again started on an extensive mission of propagating the wealth of knowledge gained by these sidhas in Tibet. of Kali Yuga. Vanathi Pathippakam. Sage Bhogar from China. Continental drift then resulted in the present day arrangement of this region. All his dating was reckoned from this day. Egypt. This is the present day Courtallam. Other Sages then started coming to Mahadeva Giri. An institution known as Sidhar Gnana Koodam was inaugurated by Lord Murugan and was headed by Agathiyar. during the eleventh year. 2007. Sage Agathiyar on the instruction of Lord Murugan originated the Tamil language. The Sages recorded their knowledge on palm leaves after extensive discussions held in Alagan Kulam and presented them to Lord Dhakshina Murthi for his perusal. Sage Yugimuni from Kerala. Sage Thaeraiyar who was into surgery headed a medical research centre established at Thorana Malai. Significant portions of Kumari Kandam submerged into the Indian Ocean. The imparting of this knowledge was said to have taken place on the 21 st day of the Tamil month of Kartigai. Sage Thaeraiyar from Malaya. and Chinese. Sage Yugimuni who was into herbal medicines headed an Ayurvedic hospital at Paradesi Kundai. As a result. Here Agathiyar met Lord Siva and Uma in the form of Dhakshina Murthi and Shenbaga Devi. After the great flood Kailas was no more but instead the Himalayan mountain range had emerged in North India. Malaya and the Arab world. Just as he had seen of an impending calamity and had decided to move north. Sage Kandan went into Samadhi in Thorana Malai. Sage Pulathiyan and Sage Kapiyan headed the literary section while Sage Pulipani in research. he moved to the North Pole considering it to be a save place. Greek. Hebrew. It was then translated into the four existing languages of that period which was Sanskrit. Sage Pulathiyan. This spot is said to be the safest place and free from any future catastrophes. says the Dr. says Agathiyar married Yashomathi from Cambodia. Eswara Samvatsara. Manchuria. Sage Agathiyar went seeking for a place that would not be affected by future calamities. Lord Dhakshina Murthi revived the knowledge of the Vedas and instructed these Sages to propagate this knowledge at the appropriate manner and time for the benefit of humanity. Lord Murugan. The spot where the meeting took place between Dhakshina Murthi.Pa. He located a mountain range in South India. This period of his move to the Arctic was said to coincide with the end of the Dwapara Yuga placed at about 6580 BC. 96 Tatvas. and Agathiyar was Mahadeva Giri. He served as a teacher in Kalaripayat in Malabar. He returned from the Himalayas in 1913 as Swami Sivananda Paramahamsar. GNANA PITHA SIVANANDA PARAMAHAMSAR Swami Sivananda was born in 1879 in Vadakarai to Karunakara Kurupp and Mathavi Ammal and was named Raman Nambiar. Then he comes to Pothigai hills. Peshawar. Govindan in „BABAJI AND THE 18 SIDDHA KRIYA YOGA TRADITION‟. 1991. Kriya Yoga Publications. He moves on to the Indonesian islands. Satananthar of Kottarakarai. This incident made him think hard about life and its impermanence. Narayana Guru. This incident was the starting point of his spiritual career. Then he left for India. He is reported to be living till the present day at Courtallam. Swami Sivananda came to Malaya in 1937 and set up the Siddha Vidhya Sangam in Setapak in Kuala Lumpur. Kadathanadu before establishing Samapanthi Bhojana Sangam in 1921. In 1914 he went on a pilgrimage throughout India. This was later renamed Sidha Samajam. Borneo. Swami Thapovanam. He chose a spot called Dhakshina Meru in the Pothigai Hills. marriage to Lopamudra. This spot is also the abode of Dhakshina Murthi. Brahmananda Yogi of Alathoor. Satambi Swami. His relative Ananthan Nambiar got him a constable‟s job at his station at seventeen. Published by Sivananda Paramahamsar Dhyana Mantram. He was soon to become Gnana Pitha Sivananda Paramahamsar. 18 . King Vidarbha‟s daughter (mentioned in the Mahabharata). and takes up residence in Maha Malaya hill in Malaya Dvipa (present day Malaysia). Malaysia. M. From the above article it is mentioned that Sage Thaeraiyar was originally from Malaya. Subaiyah. After performing the last rites for his wife. Canada. depicts Agathiyar's journey as starting at Agastya Ashram near Nasik (Pancavati in ancient times). He married. The devotees started the Swami Sivananda Paramahamsar Dhynana Mantram in Bagan Serai. His contemporaries in Kerala at that time were Mangara Ramananda of Malabar. he headed for Tunjathu Ramanujar‟s Samadhi and sat in meditation. When he returned home from his duty one day he found his wife had died at their home. They beget a young prince named Yasovarma.choose to come back to Courtallam. Then he continued his meditation at the Panjavarnam cave in Palani. Bhogar appeared in front of him and gave him initiation. Perak. Again he left home. Then his pilgrimage takes him south where he has a residence at Malakuta near Badami (ancient Vatapi Puram or Dakshina Kasi). Since he could not get answers to his questions he ended his schooling. Source of information: „SIDDHAVEDA SINTHANAIGAL‟ by Pa. Quebec. He was in Pavanagar. Savakadu. and meeting up with Rama. At the age of nine he left home and reached a madam set up by Kanoor Swami only to be brought home again. He left on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas on 5th January 1910. Thirusoor. Then with devotees donating 7 ½ acres of land in Tasik near Kroh in Perak he started the Sidha Ashram. He enters Siam and Cambodia where he marries Yasomati. A new leaf began for him. He was brought up by his grandmother Kumaraiamma who subsequently passed away when he was six years old. He went into Samadhi at 4. He then must have taken another body leaving his behind.JEGANATHAR Swami Jeganathar was born in Puri near Calcutta. He was then taken care of by his paternal aunt Seeniyaayiammal and later his elder sister. Chitramuthu Adigal was born in Panaikulam in Ramanathapuram in India in 1900.30 am on 25th January 1959 in Tapah. Jeganathar asked to be buried alive but the authorities in Malaya did not allow that. Now it is a temple for Lord Siva with a lingam erected above his Samadhi. He authored many songs in Tamil which were later compiled as a book entitled Arul Oli. After his mother died. Veemavar from Indonesia. He must have returned to his body through that opening and is believed to be alive till this day. He worked as a toddy tapper for six years before returning to India in 19 . Once pronounced death he was buried. He had left instructions that a vent pipe be left protruding from his Samadhi. CHIRAMUTHU ADIGAL Chitramuthu Adigal was born in 1900 in Panaikulam in Ramanathapuram. His mother past away when he was only eight months old. before coming to Malaya in 1922. At the age of eighteen he left for Chittagong in Burma. Perak. He was a follower of Ramalinga Adigal‟s principles. Teluk Anson and finally settled in Tapah. 1994. He lived for 145 years. and Sathyananthar from Malaya. and 1951. His Samadhi is in the town of Tapah in the state of Perak in West Malaysia. 1940. He went into Samadhi on 25. Today his village folks (the whole village I am told) have abstained from consuming meat which is a great feat indeed. Before leaving for Malaya his father placed him under the care of his step-mother Muthunaatchi. He was in Langkawi.1. He became a disciple of Jeganathar back in India. An eye witness mentions that a flash of light was seen at that moment emerging from his Samadhi. Later at thirty he tracked down to Malaya through Thailand. Instead she sent him to work as a toddy tapper in Atthiyutthu. India in 1814. his father remarried. staying in Kuala Kangsar. He established many missions in India and Malaya and the Atma Santhi Nilaiyam in his hometown Panaikulam. Jeganathar chose a full moon and a Thaipusam day to go into Samadhi. Jeganathar had three disciples: Chitramuthu Adigal from India. Ramaiammal. Source of information from Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal and „THIRUPUR THAAIVEEDU AINTHAVATHU ANDU NIRAIVU VIZHA MALAR‟. He lived for 145 years. His step-mother ill treated him and also put an end to his schooling in Mudiveeran Pattinam when he was twelve. Muthu left for Malaya in 1922. Due to his injury he was laid off for a year. When his maternal uncle refused to allow him to marry his (uncle) daughter.1959. He stayed in Ceylon in 1953. Later he left for India and preached Jeeva Karunya or compassion towards other beings as upheld by Saint Ramalingam. As he was physically weak due to lack of proper food and rest he fell and fractured himself while climbing a tree to collect toddy. When he recovered he went back to grazing the cows and the goats. (The Athma Shanti Nilayam becomes the Thaiveedu where the Deepa Dharisana Thiruvila is celebrated annually on the 7 th day in the month of Chithirai. Chitramuthu left for India where he had another child whom he named after Jeganathar. Karunai Kanneer. Kirubai Piragasa Pokisham. leaving behind a large following who had regarded him as their Guru. He opened up his home to the public and named it Aruloli Madam where he started giving discourses. the Aruloli Murugan Temple in Penang Hill. His writing entitled GURUMATHI MAALAI which dealt with false gurus was published amidst much protest and sabotage from certain quarters. Other works of his that saw the light are Thirupugazh Thiraviyam. the Scott Road Kandaswami Temple in Brickfields. That is when he had a vision where an old man handed him a lime. He went back to tapping toddy. At the railway station Suppiah Pillai who came to his aid took him home. to commemorate the birth of Chitramuthu Adigal. Perak. the Court Hill Pillaiyaar Temple in Pudu. He came again to Malaya and stayed in Taiping.1928. the Maha Marimman Temple in Ipoh. Suppiah went into his home but never returned. Singapore. he preached Jeeva Karunya or compassion towards other beings as upheld by Saint Ramalingam. Seer Thirunthu Manitha. After two years in Alagan Kulam he regained his sight. He established the Athma Shanti Nilayam in Alagan Kulam in 1958. He left for Malaya again in 1940. He lost his eyesight. He had a short stint with the Indian National Army (INA) in Malaya. the Sree Maha Marimman Temple in Jalan Bandar. a Minister in the Malaysian Government. T Sambanthan. Aruloli Malar and Gandhiyin Thiruvarut Pulambal. Aruloli Mandrams have since then been established in India. He wore kavi robes and took on the role of a spiritual teacher. He managed to convince the public to drop animal sacrifice. 20 . This time he came to spread his teachings.) The Aruloli Mandram was formed in 1960 under the patronage of Tun V. Chitramuthu Adigal preached at the Sree Thandayuthabani Temple in Penang. Nerai Neri Mozhigal. Australia and London. Unable to bear it anymore he decided to end his life. Chitramuthu abandoned the thought of taking his own life. He met Swami Jeganathar in Malaya and Jeganathar took him as his disciple and called him Chitramuthu. Sri Lanka. Malaysia. The Malaysian Government donated a piece of land in Ipoh where on completion of the building the then Chief Minister of the state of Perak Datuk Sri Haji Kamaruddin bin Haji Isa officiated its opening of the building on 11th February 1973. He was introduced to astrology by Irusappa Mudaliyar a student of Tenkasi Rangoon Sadagopal Acari and he mastered the science. He left for India in 1947. He married Alagankulam Sree Kaalaiyappa Nadar‟s daughter Sivagami Ammai the following year and they had a child in 1930 who survived only for three days. Chitamuthu moved on. Asking Chitramuthu to wait outside. the Athi Eswaran Temple in Sentul. A government official took him to a sidha physician who treated him. In India. He left for Ramanathapuran hoping to get treatment at the Government Hospital. Marana Sinthanai. Perinba Kural. Mounantha Mani Mozhigal. Gnana Pandithan. Jeganathar helped Chitramuthu realize his true Self. the Shivan Temple in Jalan Sungei Besi Kuala Lumpur and the Mariamman Temple in Singapore. He travelled to the neighboring villagers spreading his message. his full potential and his mission in Life. Tavayogi contacts the only reference he had in Malaysia. When Tavayogi could not go any further miraculously a man appeared and gave him bread that he consumed and regained his strength immediately. held prayers and performed annadhanam every Wednesday of the week. He started a cotton mill and ventured into the production and sales of singlet. He frequently read the nadi by the Sidhas which brought transformation in him. Once an atheist. He became a successful businessman venturing into politics and films. As I recall the moments I have spent with him. Thangarajan in Thirupur in Coimbatore. At one juncture during his stay at this temple Tavayogi wanted to end his life in front of a moving train only to stop in his tracks and surrender to Agathiyar. I realize that I have been very much blessed to get to know him and remain a disciple amongst numerous disciples already growing from day to day. He was a prominent speaker and chairperson at pattimandrams too.K. Soundarajan. Chitramuthu Adigal went into Samadhi on Sunday May 5th 1995. He regained his eyesight and all the comforts of life. Tavayogi located and settled in this place for the past twelve years. Much time he spent in the caves and jungles at Sathuragi (eight years). He left home to roam the streets of India. On hearing that the blind were cured at a temple by the power of the presiding deity. He went in search of himself. This is when he lost both his eyesight too. begging for food and sleeping at temples. Someone showed them the difficult way up Sathuragiri. Source of information from Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal and http://thaaiveedu. he insisted that he follow. He had to sell whatever assets he had to settle his debts. In 2004. He called it the Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham Thirukovil. Tavayogi accompanied an Indian citizen working in Malaysia. Tavayogi made the decision to become a turavi leaving behind his family and wealth.blogspot. Tavayogi was born as T. Then he was instructed to search out for a place called Kallaru and set up an ashram to promote the path of the sidhas. his life changed for the better. He completed his journey to Sathuragiri and his blockages too miraculously disappeared. He started his cotton mill industry. Soundarajan arrives and takes Tavayogi to his apartment only to be locked in the whole day 21 . Kollimalai (four years). Courtallam. His children were left in the custody of a relative while he and his wife struggled to survive the bad times. after 25 years of following Agathiyar and the sidhas. This was when he discovered he had three blockages that had to be operated on. Tavayogi stayed a year at this temple grounds with the rest of the blind folks. Then Tavayogi started rebuilding his life back. He struggled to continue his studies till he attained a Masters. At fifty years of age. Velliyangiri and Uthiyur besides other parts of the Indian subcontinent. to Malaysia only to be left standing alone on the streets of Kuala Lumpur. Pothigai. Tavayogi came to know Chitramuthu Adigal and Agathiyar. When the nation went through troubled times he made massive losses. Since his surrender.com/ TAVAYOGI THANGARASAN ADIGAL It has been six years now since I have come to meet Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal.He built and completed his Samadhi Mandabam and had Shivasri Muthu Kumara Shivachariar perform the Kumbhabishegam on the Shivaraja Kopuram in the year 1991. Although his friends fearing for his condition tried to stop him from following them to Sathuragiri. Tavayogi traveled again to Malaysia in 2005 at the invitation of Appana. „ATMA THARISANAM‟. He tells us the signs were there and that there was a Samadhi at that spot and Shivachariar had chosen wisely to place the inner sanctum directly above the Samadhi. he was being dragged from one spot to another until the inner sanctum that was still under construction when the branch snapped into two. and helps feed the poor with financial assistance from the general public. Tavayogi was in Malaysia to officiate the opening of this movement. „ATMA GNANAM‟. Tavayogi used the branch to help locate energy spot at the temple ground. Tavayogi looked for a Y shaped branch. He has helped set up several movements propagating Agathiyar and the sidha teachings in Malaysia amongst them. and „ATMA THATHUVAM‟. As he held the branch firmly in both his hands. He was the patron for the First and Second World Conference of Sidha Philosophy held in Kuala Lumpur and Chennai respectively. Tavayogi wanted a branch from the Vepam tree. The Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham in Batu Caves and the Sri Agathiar Gnana Kundalini Yoga in Teluk Intan. Tavayogi with Mataji Sarojini Ammaiyaar runs his ashram the Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham Thirukovil in Kallaru. Tavayogi placed lime paste on the palm of Shivachariar and lead him from one spot to another and finally when at a particular spot the lime paste that was white became red in color.while he (Soundarajan) goes to work. Again at the requests of Shivachariar. as instructed by Agathiyar. After meeting Appana Nagappan in Kallaru. 22 . Tavayogi lead us to a spot where a shrine will be built for Agathiyar. Tavayogi found his way to the Perumal temple in Puchong where he gave his first talk in Malaysia. Shivasri Muthu Kumara Shivachariar who is in the process of building a Shakti temple at Bukit Rotan in Malaysia invited Tavayogi over to the temple grounds to identify if there was a Samadhi or at least presence of sidhas in the spot that he was building this temple. I met Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal for the first time at the premises of the Sri Agathiyar Gnana Peedham in Batu Caves. Malaysia in 2005. He conducts yoga classes and performs prayers. Tavayogi told Shivachariar to put up the temple for Agathiyar at this spot. He is the author of several book amongst them „ANDAMUM PINDAMUM‟.