Some Detail About Some Siddhars 1.SUNDARANDAR Sri Sundaranandar is the disciple of siddhar Sattamuni.It is believed that he got the Siva Linga of siddhar Agastiar, established it in Saduragiri and worshipped it. Saduragiri Sundara Mahalingam temple comes under the Thaniparai area of Saptur reserve forests in Tamil Nadu. It is located in Watrap, Viruthunagar district. Srivilliputtur is the big city located near Saduragiri. For thousands of years, realized sages and siddhars lived there worshipping the Siva Linga called " Sundara Mahalingam ". " Sundaram " means, the handsome One, " Maha " means great and lingam means " Siva, the Supreme Self ". This mountain shrine is a considered as a dwelling place of siddhars. This can also be attributed to the numerous medicinal plants available in the Saduragiri Mountains . There is also a cave called " Thavasi Parai " in Saduragiri. Sundaranandar and his Guru Sattamuni lived there. Siddhar Bogar sings about Sundaranandar in songs 5828 and 5829 in his book " Bogar 7000 ". He says that Sundarandar was an expert in space travel and samadhi yoga. In songs 5920 and 5921, Bogar gives the following information. Sundaranandar was born on the Tamil month of Aavani (August - September) on the star Revathi (3 rd part). He is the grand son of Navakanda Rishi living in the Kishkinta hills and that he belonged to Agamudayar (Thevar) class. However, siddhar Karuvoorar in his song 582, says that Sundaranandar belongs to Reddy class. Siddhar Agasthiar in his book " Amudha Kalai Gyanam " also says that Sundaranandar is a Reddy in song 218. Sundaranandar attained his samadhi at Madurai . __________________________________________________________________________________ __ 2. MACHAMUNI In the Encyclopedic dictionary authored by T.V. Sambasivam Pillai (Reference 1), a strange story is told. " Machamuni is a siddhar. He was the child brought up by Pinnakeesar. He is also Pinakeesar's disciple. There is a story that once Lord Siva was preaching Uma Devi. Uma Devi had slept when Lord Siva was preaching her. However, a fish was listening to the lecture. Later on that fish was transformed into Siddhar in the fifth Kandam. Hence. He also says that he donated all his wealth to poor people on attaining spiritual salvation. In the book " Agasthiar 12000 ".Machamuni by Lord Siva. mentions the words "Guru Nandhi" and "Guru Bogar". From the name Machamuni. please refer to the information on siddhar Pathanjai in this web site). GORAKKAR . it is easy to say that he is a fisherman (Macham mean fish in Tamil). he says that Machamuni was born on the Rohini star in the Tamil month of Adi (July-August). Sembadavar's are traditional fisherman. Machamuni in his 97th song of his book " Machamuni Thandagam 100 ". Thillai is the other name of Chidambaram and is one of the 5 dance halls of Lord Siva. However. 3. it is very interesting indeed. Also in song 5873. siddhar Bogar in the 5700th song of " Bogar 7000 ". Karuvoorar says that Machamuni is a Sembadavar (Presently categorized under backward classes by Government of Tamil Nadu in Government Order 36. it can be said that Siddhar Bogar and Siddhar Nandeeswarar were his gurus. it can be said that he had lived in the period when siddhar Pathanjali and Sri Viyakrabathar witnessed the Siva Thandava in Thillai (for details about this event. Machamuni also mentions about the Siva Thandava witnessed by siddhar Pathanjali in one of his songs. Siddhar Agasthiar in the 218th song of his book " Amudha Kalai Ganam " says that Machamuni belongs to Sembadavar social group." Although it is a story. says that he belongs to " Kalludayar " social group (The author of this article is unable to understand the exact meaning of this song). In the 523rd song of " Karuvoorar Vadha Kaviyam ". Hence. while offering prayers to his guru. Machamuni attained samadhi at Thiruparankundram. siddhar Agasthiar says that Machamuni had taken lessons from Kaga Bugandar. 1996). Among the disciples. He then made seven separate boxes and kept the Divine materials with them. That's why very few treatises written by Siddhas are in circulation in the present world. Sre Gorakkar who has been living in sacred abode at Kollimalai (Kolli hills) skillfully prepared several thousands of live medicines. Sre Gorakkar occupies a prime position and He is also a favorite disciple of the first Preceptor of the Universe. (Kollimalai placed in Namakkal district of Tamilnadu) He holds an outstanding place among the Sidhas. Sage Agasthiya. He prepared live medicines having longevity of several thousands of years to His credit. He buried the boxes in a secret place called Sre Gorakkar Gundam. Vaatham (alchemistry). Vaatham (alchemistry). yogam (Divine physical practice) and gnaanam . the herb opium (ganja) specially called as Gorakkar herb (mooli). He also instructed Him to preserve the pot inside a rock. Sre Gorakkar rules Kollimalai. He possessed eight mystic powers in full shape. He used His medicines for four kinds of human need namely Vaithyam (curing diseases). Sre Gorakkar has written many treatises. (Key here means the specific Divine mantras to be chanted to make the pot open by itself) Therefore. Many of His treatises are about four subjects namely Vaithyam (curing diseases). (Agathiyar) the head of the Siddhas came to understand that Siddhas had written many Divine secrets on palm leaves in open status. With opium (GAanja) as the basic herb. if a person seeks guidance and advice of the Preceptor must worship Sre Gorakkar to understand the true nature of the secrets. So. He convened an assembly of Siddhas. Thus. gathered all the palm leaves on which they had written Divine secrets and instructed Sre Gorakkar to preserve them in an earthen pot. Sre Gorakkar did as He was instructed and He kept the Divine key of the pot with Him. He was able to prepare medicines capable of curing diseases. Siddhar kuligais (Solidified Divine mercury) and palm leaves containing the Divine secrets.The first Preceptor of the Universe namely Sre Kakabujanga (Sre Kakabusundi)has innumerable disciples to His credit. yogam (Divine physical practice) and gnaanam (spiritual knowledge) and imparted its full secrets to the world. Sre Gorakkar has advised the secret of Divine key to Siddhas in order to enable them to see and read the Brahma Divine secrets of Siddhas. Ultimately. Kaaka Kaiveeyam 33. This great saint is said to have witnessed in the form of a crow several cycles of creation and destruction Famous works include Kaaga Bujanda Gnyanam. Sri Pulipani Siddhar is said to have been the disciple of Maha Bogar Swamigal. When Maha Bogar crafted the idol of Lord Muruga at Palani is .SRI PULIPANI SIDDHAR Born in China. ___________________________________________________________________ 5.(spiritual knowledge). They are: (1) Gorakkar Chandra regai (2) Gorakkar Ravimegalai (3) Gorakkar Muththaaram (4) Gorakkar Malaivaagadam SRE GORAKKAR'S KARMA SIDDHI MOOLA MANTRA "Ohm Kleem Sreem Sre Gorakkadevaaya Sarvasiddha Anugrahaaya Devaaya Namaha" SRE GORAKKAR'S GNAANA SIDDHI MOOLA MANTRA "Gnaana Brahma Roopa Mayam Aananda Siddhi Karma Mayam Amirthasanjeevi Avudatha Mayam Gorakkam Upaasmahe" __________________________________________________________________ 4.SRI KAGA BUJANDAR SIDDHAR Born in Truchi in Tamil Nadu Sri Kaga Bujandara is said to have seen the truth in everything around him. So far only five books have been printed out of the number of treatises offered by Sre Gorakkar. His mother used to adorn his ears with kudumbai an ornament and hence his name. There after he retired from the materialistic world and wrote of God and self in simple language. His famous works include putlipani Jaalam 325.SRI VALLALAR SIDDHAR Ramalinga Swami also called Vallalar was a sage of infinite realization. At the age of 16 a saint is said to have blessed him with the knowledge of the Self.SRI SATTAIMUNI SIDDHAR Sri Sattaimuni Siddhar was bom in Sri Lanka and came to Tamil Nadu. Seeing Maha Bogar in a temple and captivated by his radiance he abandons his family and becomes his disciple. putlipani Vaidyam 500. His writings include Agappay Siddhar paadal 90 and Agappay Poorna Gnyanam 15. His works include Kudumbai Gnyana Soostram 18. _____________________________________________________________________ 6. ___________________________________________________________________ 7. _________________________________________________________________ 9. Agapay Siddhar as he came to be known wanted people to control the negative feelings within them and to realize God.SRI KUDUMBAI SIDDHAR Born into the Yadava clan Sir Kudumbai Siddhar was said to have been an attractive child.SRI AGAPEY SIDDHAR Nayanaar a weaver by birth was displeased with mere materialistic success.Sri pulipani Siddhar who collected the required herbs. garlanded it and . _________________________________________________________________ 8. From a young age he showed greater interest in the worship of God rather than in studies Once he is said of have placed a mirror on the wall. His works in simple language appeal greatly to the common man his works include Sri Sattaimuni Karpam 100 and Sri Sattaimuni Nigandu 1200. Kudumbai Siddhar Paadalgal. Visualing Sage Vyasa as his Guru he sits in meditation in a Jyoti tree. Thiru Ekamba Mudayar Thiuvan daadi. It is said that once while out grazing goats he was blessed by a Siddhar with immense divine powers. His famous works include Thiruvedai marudur Mumani Kovai. His famous works are Karuvoorar Vaidya Kaviyam 700. ___________________________________________________________________ 11. made him renounce the world. an observation by his son that having wealth and not distributing it to the needy was like being like a needle with no eye. His famous works include Maha Deyva Malai and Deyva MaDni Maalai.offered worship only to find not his image but that of Lord Muruga. Changing their positions the siddhar assures that rain commences saving the land from famine. He visits many spiritual places seeking union with the Lord.SRI PATTINATHAR Once a wealthy merchant. The planets visit him when feed on grain and goats milk they fall asleep. Ramalinga Adigalar attained Maha sammadhi at Vadalur where he transformed his physical body into light to merge with the Divine. ____________________________________________________________________ 12. ___________________________________________________________________ 10. Sri Vallalar preached the equality of all man kind.SRI KARUVOORAR SIDDHAR Karuvoorar belonged to a family of Viswakarmas. The Lord gives him sugar cane saying that when the bitter came becomes sweet he would attain mukthi. He is said to have sculpted in gold the dancing Nataraja as seen by the Chola king Hiranayavarman.SRI IDAIKADAR SIDDHAR Sri Idaikadar is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that he and his goats survived famine when foreseeing the difficult times ahead he built a house with walls of grain and fed his goats plants that survived without water. They do so only to find a lingam in his place. His famous works include Idaikadar gnyana soothram 70 and Idaikadar Kanida Nool. At Tiruvotriyur the cane becomes sweet and playing with the children on the beach he asks them to burry him in the sand. It was under his guidance that the Brihardeeswarar temple was built by Raja Raja Chola at Tanjavur. Karuvoorar . His penance was so great that lamps burned with water rather than oil. His contributions include two known works on medicine and philosophy. He lived in China for a long time. In " Bogar Janana Sasthra ". siddhar Karuvoorar in his book " Vadha Kaviyam " (Song 584) says "Maamuni" belongs to " Kannar " social group. it is belived that siddhar Kamalamuni attained samadhi at Thiruvavur. He does not explicitly say "Kamalamuni". He has attained samadhi at Aarur (Tiruvarum). You can find lots of information about this siddha and his works in the following books : Babaji and 18 Siddhas The Yoga of the Eighteen Siddhas: An Anthology The following information is available about Sri Kamalamuni in the book " Bogar 7000 " written by siddhar Bogar. it is mentioned that Kamalamuni attained samadhi at Madurai . Sri Kalangi Nadhar belongs to Kannar social group. but mentions "Maamuni". However as per the table of 18 siddhars. his birth star being 2nd part of Poosam. . Hence it can me true that Sri Kalangi Nathar is siddhar Kamalamuni himself. Many people believe that Sri Kalangi Nathar is siddhar Kamalamuni. 13. Song 5729: Kamalamuni was born on the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May . He lived for six-eight generations.June). The author of this article does not understand whether Karuvoorar refers to Kamalamuni or not. In the 63 rd song of " Kamalamuni Suthiram 76 ". a line says that " Kamalamuni alias Kalangi ". Song 5841: Kamalamuni is 4000 years and some 300 odd (days) old.Kamala Muni Kamalamuni is one of the 18 yoga siddhas. Song 5725: The siddhar named Kamalamuni belongs to Kuravar social group. However.Pala Thirattu. Some of his disciples are Kudambai and Alukkani.14. This author is not able to understand the exact meaning of the second part of that song. He was initiated by both Boganathar and Karuvoorar. He makes a clear distinction between the names Vaanmeegar and Valmiki. ABOUT SIDDHAS Generally siddhas are considered to be super human beings who have defined age and other laws of nature to which all human beings are defined to. However. He also says that he is a learned scholar in Tamil language. It is also said that Sri Vaanmeegar alias Valmiki wrote the epic Ramaya on getting the spiritual knowledge from Narada. He says that Vaanmeegar is the name of the siddhar who wrote Valmiki Ramayana in song (verse) number 5834. These siddhas were found in Alexandria in as late as the fourth century A. in his next song (verse number 5835).D.Idai Kadar Idai Kadar is one of the 18 yoga siddhas. VANMEEGAR SIDDHAR alias VALMIKI Sri Vaanmeegar's birth star is Anusham in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October). He attained samadhi at Thiruvannamalai. siddhar Bogar in his script "Bogar 7000" proclaims that they are one and the same. ________________________________________________________________________________ 15. Sri Vaanmeegar's samadhi is located at Ettukudi in Tamil Nadu. The historians of Alexander the great. There is an argument that the Valmiki who wrote Valmiki Ramayana is different from the siddhar Vaanmeegar of the south. spoke of the existence of a class ofmystics called gymnosophists in all countries from Egypt to India. Further. His contributions include two known works: Kaya kalpa. Bogar says that Vaanmeegar's age is 700 and some odd days. . He also makes a reference about his samadhi. the power of increasing one's size without limit. The Ashtama Siddhis are as follows: Anima (shrinking) : The power of becoming the size of an atom and entering the smallest brings. Lagima (Lightness) : The capacity to be quite light though big in size. Prakamiyam (Irresistable will) : Power of disembodying and entering into other bodies (metempsychosis) and going to heaven and enjoying what everyone aspires for. Sri Kamalamuni 4. Sri Agasthiyar 2. 18 SIDDHAS 1.A Siddhar is one who has attained Ashtama Siddhis. There are 18 siddhas in the Tamil Siddha tradition. They are listed in the order of their time period. the moon and the elements. The following are the principle of the 18 siddhas. Vasithavam (dominion over the elements) : The power of changing the course of nature and assuming any form. though seemingly small in size. Each of the siddhar have lived in various places under different names. Garima (Weight) : The capacity to weigh heavy. Sri Thirumoolar . Sri Pathanjali 3. simply from he stays. Isathuvam (Supremacy) : Have the creative power of god and control over the sun. Prapthi (fulfillment of desires) : It is the power of attaining everything desired. Mahima (illimitability) : The power of becoming mighty and co-extensive with the universe. siddhaquest.5. i. Sri Korakkar 7. SEPTEMBER 3. prowess. miraculous. Sri Edaikkadar 15. Sri Dhanvanthri 8. Sri Vanmeegar 12. occult power.com/about_siddhas. Sri Karuvoorar 17. strength. Sri Bogar 18. Sri Konganar 10. Sri Kuthambai 6. Sri Machamuni 16. There are eight kinds of super natural powers called as "Ashtama Siddhis": 1. 2010 About Siddhar's (Siddha's) Who is a siddha ? A siddha is one who has attained siddhi. ability". they might also be the disciples of the siddhas. It is possible that the other siddhas may be the same 18 siddhas but under different name.e. Sri Nandeeswarar 14. source: http://www. Sri Sundaranandar 9. . who by the process of Transmigration of souls became the one and some as the guru himself. Sri Ramadevar 13. then a special kind of psychic and supernatural. "power.Power of becoming the size of an atom and entering the smallest beings. Sri Sattamuni 11. Sri Pambatti Apart from the 18 siddhas given above there are also other siddhas.htm AT 1:08 PM 0 COMMENTS EMAIL THISBLOGTHIS!SHARE TO TWITTERSHARE TO FACEBOOK LABELS: ABOUT 18 SIDDHAS FRIDAY. Anima (shrinking) -. when their writings are better known. they refuse to allow themselves be carried away by idol worship in particular temples. 6. It is the power of attaining everything desired. Second. simply from where he stays. in sharp opposition to the bhakti tradition. 5. Prapthi (fulfillment of desires) -. Lagima (lightness) -. moral behavior. the moon and the elements and 8. 3. it is difficult to extricate a philosophical system out of their writings. though seemingly small size. This web site is devoted to publishing the works of siddhars for the internet community. at least at the present state of our knowledge of their works. Mahima (illimitability) -. and one day. and character.Power of control over King and Gods.Have the creative power of God and control over the Sun. Their writings are not in the nature of clear cut formalized statements of any well defined doctrine. lust and egoism are the worst sins. However.2.Power of becoming mighty and co-extensive with the universe.Capacity to weigh heavy. yoga practice.Power of disembodying and entering into other bodies (metempsychosis) and going to heaven and enjoying what everyone aspires for. Vasithavam (dominion over the elements) -. Isithavam (supremacy) -. 4. Most of the works are available only in Tamil and it is possible that the author of document interprets things in his own way while translating the original text. Garima (weight) -. in contrast to bhakti which emphasizes passionate devotion to God. The power of increasing one's size without limit. the siddhar emphasize knowledge. Prakasysm (irresistable will) -. According to Kamil Zvelebil. An attempt is made to present information about siddhars here. it should be possible to state their philosophy more explicitly. A classical definition of siddhas is given by Siddhar Thirumoolar: "Those who live in yoga and see the divine light and power through yoga are the siddhars (Tamil Chittar)". right conduct. 7. The power of changing the course of nature and assuming any form. almost all siddhar's raise a protest against caste and casteism. • First.Capacity to be quite light though big in size. it is possible to point out a few essential features. Hence. Anger. there are some features which are typical for all or almost all siddhars as a body of thinkers. References .Capacity to enter all the worlds from Brahma Loga to the neither world. The whole atmosphere of siddha thinking is empirical and experimental. • • Third. Sri Sattamuni Siddhar 10. Siddha Science Development Committee and Published by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1979. Brill. Sri Pathanjali Siddhar Sri Agasthiar Siddhar 2. Sri Kuthambai Siddhar 5. Sri Vanmeegar Siddhar 11. 3. N. Sri Nandeeswarar Siddhar 13. The following are most common names of the 18 siddhars. Sri Thirumoolar Siddhar 4. Sri Pambatti Siddhar The Other Siddhars Apart from the 18 siddhars given above. 1. Chapter Eighteen (Pages 364 & 365) of book entitled "Eighteen Siddhars in History of Siddha Medicine" by Mr. It is possible that the siddhars given below are the same siddhars (the 18 siddhars). Sri Kamalamuni Siddhar 3. Each of the siddhars had lived in varied places under different names. Netherlands in 1973 (ISBN 90 04 03591 5). Sri Karuvoorar Siddhar 16. Song 1490 of "Thirumandiram Moovayiram" by Siddhar Thirumoolar. Leiden. Chapter Fourteen (Pages 224 & 225) of book entitled "The Smile of Murugan of Tamil Literature of South India" by Kamil Zvelebil and Published by E. Sri Machamuni Siddhar 15. The 18 Siddhars There are 18 siddhars in the tamil siddha tradition. Former Member. Sri Thanvandri Siddhar 7. . Sri Korakkar Siddhar 6. but under different name. 2. Sri Konganar Siddhar 9. Sri Edaikkadar Siddhar 14. Sri Ramadevar Siddhar 12. They are listed in the order of their time period. They might also be the disciples of the siddhars. Sri Bogar Siddhar 17.1. Sri Sundaranandar Siddhar 8. Kandasamy Pillai. Only a true Siddha Yogi shall do any classification with full confidence. who by the process 'Transmigration of Souls' became the one and same as the Guru himself. there are also other siddhars.J. (List to be expanded later) Table of 18 Siddhars Sl. Name of the Tamil month Tamil Birth No Siddhar of Birth Star 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Sri Pathanjali Sri Agasthiar Sri Kamalamuni Sri Thirumoolar Panguni Markazhi Vaikasi Purattathi Moolam Aayilyam Poosam Avittam Visagam Aayilyam Punarpoosam Revathi Utthiradam Mrigasirisham Anusham Pooram Visagam Thiruvadirai Rohini Hastham Bharani Mrigasirisham Duration of Place of Life Samadhi 5 Yugas 7 Days 4 Yugas 48 Days 4000 Years 48 Days 3000 Years 13 Days 1800 Years 16 Days Rameswaram Thiruvananthapu ram Thiruvarur Chidambaram Mayavaram Sri Kuthambai Aadi Sri Korakkar Karthigai 880 Years 11 Perur Days 800 Years 32 Vaideeswarankoil Days 800 Years 28 Madurai Days 800 Years 16 Titupathi Days 800 Years 14 Thiruvarangam Days 700 Years 32 Ettukudi Days 700 Years 06 Azhagarmalai Days 700 Years 03 Kasi Days 600 Years 18 Tiruvannamalai Days 300 Years 62 Thiruparankundr Days am 300 Years 42 Karuvur Days 300 Years 18 Pazhani Days 123 Years 14 Sankarankoil Days Sri Thanvandri Iyppasi Sri Sundarananda Aavani r Sri Konganar Chitthirai Sri Sattamuni Aavani Sri Vaanmeegar / Purattasi Valmiki Sri Ramadevar Masi Sri Vaikasi Nandeeswarar Sri Edaikkadar Purattasi Sri Machamuni Aadi Sri Karuvoorar Chitthirai Sri Bogar Vaikasi Sri Pambatti Karthigai . Sivavakkiyar 2. Pattinattar 3.1.