18 siddhars : Powers of Siddhar

The Siddhars, through their devotion and dedication to spiritual and yogic practices, acquired vast wisdom and expertise in various fields such as medicine, alchemy, astrology, tantric practices, meditation, and divine knowledge. These enlightened beings transcended enlightenment itself to achieve the ultimate state of perfection – merging with the divine.

The Siddhars, also known as the Rishis, are revered saints in South India. They belong to the Saivaite denomination in Tamil Nadu and follow a unique form of spiritual practice called Sadhana to achieve liberation. Through dedicated practice of specific yogic disciplines, they attain Yogic powers known as Siddhis. These individuals, referred to as Siddhas, can be likened to the Mystics of the western world.

Siddhars are individuals who, through the practice of meditation (Yoga), are believed to have the ability to surpass the limitations of time and space. They achieve this by utilizing Rasayanas, substances that can transform the body and potentially make it immortal, as well as a specific form of Pranayama breathing technique. By attaining higher levels of understanding through their practices, Siddhars are thought to be able to tap into the hidden powers found in different material substances and practices. These powers can be beneficial for humanity, especially those who are suffering or lacking knowledge.

AGATHIYAR

In Tamil Hindu traditions, Agastya is revered as the foremost Siddhar, symbolizing accomplishment and success. He is regarded as the first master who attained perfection in his understanding of both the physical and metaphysical realms. This concept in Tamil culture shares similarities with Tibetan mahasiddhas, Sri Lankan Buddhist practices, and the Nath Hindu yogi traditions of northern India.

Place Of Samathi : Anandasayana
Duration Of Life : 4-Yugas, 48 Days
Guru : Shiva
Disciples : Bhogar, Babaji, Thiruvalluvar, Machamuni
Contributions : Medicine, Kayakalpa, Tamil Grammar, Yoga

NANDIDEVAR

Nandi Devar, one of the most prominent among the 18 yoga siddhas, received his initiation directly from Lord Shiva. Consequently, he passed on his spiritual wisdom to several notable disciples such as Thirumoolar, Patanjali, Dakshinamoorthy, Romarishi & Sattamuni. His significant contributions encompassed fields like medicine, kaya kalpa & Alchemy.

Place Of Samathi : Kasi
Duration Of Life : 700 Years, 32 Days
Guru : Shiva
Disciples : Thirumoolar, Pathanjali, Dakshina Moorthy, Romarishi, Sattaimuni
Contributions : Medicine, Kaya Kalpa, Yoga, Alchemy, Natural sciences, Philosophy

THIRUMOOLAR

The significance of Thirumoolar Siddhar’s life and works cannot be overstated in the Tamil Shaivism and Siddha tradition. We are truly fortunate to have access to these texts, which provide us with deep insights into the extraordinary wisdom of this revered Siddha. Thirumanthiram, authored by Siddha Thirumoolar, unravels the most profound and intricate realizations, making it a revered masterpiece known as Siddhantha – the ultimate culmination.

According to the legend, Thirumoolar was said to have spent numerous years in deep samadhi. Some sources claim that he resided in a cave, while others state that he sat beneath a Peepal Tree. At the conclusion of each year of his profound samadhi, he would emerge to inscribe a solitary verse on a palm leaf using a stylus. This verse would encapsulate the culmination of his year-long meditations. Considering that he wrote over 3000 verses, it is speculated that he must have lived for more than 3000 years. There are alternate accounts suggesting that Thirumoolar Siddhar composed one verse per day for 3000 days. Regardless of what truly transpired, we firmly believe that even an entire year’s worth of meditation would be inadequate to grasp the intricate and comprehensive jnana (realized knowledge) encompassed within each four-line stanza of Thirumanthiram.

Place Of Samathi : Chidambaram
Duration Of Life : 3000 Years, 13 Days
Guru : Nandi
Contributions : Yoga Philosophy

BHOGAR

Bhogar, a native of South India and a member of the goldsmith caste, achieved enlightenment under the mentorship of Kalanginaathar. In his Saptakanda, Bhogar imparts knowledge of medicinal concoctions to his student Pullippani (nicknamed after his supposed forest wanderings atop a tiger), always citing his guru as the ultimate authority. It is worth noting that Pulippani was likely a young man at that time, as he is often referred to as a balaka.

Place Of Samathi : Palani
Duration Of Life : 300 Years, 18 Days
Guru : Agastiyar, Kalangi, Nathar
Disciples : Babaji, Konkanavar, Karuvoorar, Pulippani
Contributions : Yoga, Kaya Kalpa, Medicine, Alchemy, Natural Sciences, Philosophy

KONKANAVAR

Sri Konganavar, also known as Konganar Gonganar Gonganavar, is a revered figure among the 18 yoga siddhas who were initiated by Boganathar. His vast knowledge and expertise are evident in his 25 renowned works encompassing various fields such as medicine, yoga, philosophy, and religion. Sri Konganavar is not only a highly esteemed Siddha but also an incredibly compassionate Guru. His selflessness extends to his extensive following of over 557 disciples who benefit from his guidance and support in both spiritual and material aspects.

Place Of Samathi : Tirupathi
Duration Of Life : 800 Years, 16 days
Guru : Bhogar
Disciples : 557 – Disciples
Contributions : 25 Known works in medicine, Yoga, Philosophy & religion

MACCHAMUNI

Machamuni, a siddhar, was raised by Pinnakeesar and became his disciple. Legend has it that while Lord Siva was teaching Uma Devi, she fell asleep, but a fish attentively listened to the lecture. Eventually, Lord Siva transformed that very fish into Siddhar Machamuni.

Place Of Samathi : Thirupparankundram
Duration Of Life : 300 Years 62 days
Guru : Agastiyar, Punnakeesar, Pasundar
Disciples : Gorakkar
Contributions : 10 Knows works on Hatha Yoga, Tantric Yoga practices

GORAKNATH (GORAKKAR)

Goraknath, a prominent figure in the ‘nath’ tradition, is recognized as one of the 18 yoga siddhas. His initiation into this path was bestowed by Dattatreya (Vishnu), Macchamuni, and Allama Prabu. Among his notable achievements are the authorship of Avadhuta Gita and 13 other works, as well as his contributions to the fields of asceticism, medicine, alchemy, and the classic Hatha yoga pradipika. Following his spiritual journey, he attained samadhi at Poyur (Girnar).

Place Of Samathi : Poyur (Girnar)
Duration Of Life : 880 Years 32 Days
Guru : Dattatreya (Vishnu), Macchamuni
Disciples : Nagarjuna
Contributions : Avadhuta Gita” and 13 works, order of ascetics, medicine, alchemy, Hatha Yoga, Pradipika classic.

SATTAIMUNI

In the annals of Siddha History Sattaimuni Siddhar occupies a vital place for his anthropological work. Sattaimuni Siddhar was born in Srilanka and was living with his family as a mendicant friar outside a temple. He also gained knowledge from Siddhar Agathiyar and Siddhar Bogar. Sattaimuni Siddhar is expert in Siddha rejuvenation medicine science and his “Sattaimuni Karpam -100” is followed by many even now.

Place Of Samathi : Srirangam
Duration Of Life : 880 Years 14 Days
Guru : Nandi, Dakshinamoorthy
Disciples : Sundaranandar, Paambatti
Contributions : 46 known works, Medicine, Alchemy

SUNDARANANDAR

Siddhar Sattamuni had a disciple named Sri Sundaranandar, who is known for receiving the Siva Linga of siddhar Agastiar. Sri Sundaranandar established this Linga in Saduragiri and worshipped it. The Saduragiri Sundara Mahalingam temple is situated in the Thaniparai area of the Saptur reserve forests in Tamil Nadu’s Viruthunagar district. Watrap is the specific location of this temple, which is close to the city of Srivilliputtur. For countless years, enlightened sages and siddhars have resided there, offering devotion to the Siva Linga known as Sundara Mahalingam, which signifies the handsome and great Supreme Self.

RAMADEVAR (YACOP)

Ramadevar, also known as Uromarishi or Yacob Siddhar, is a highly esteemed siddhar in the Tamil Siddha Medicine System. He has made significant contributions to all areas of Siddha Science. Known for his brilliance and extensive research, Ramadevar has the ability to explain complex concepts in Siddha Science using simple Tamil language. According to Bogar’s biographies about Siddhas, Ramadevar was born into a Brahmin family. His guru is the renowned Siddhar Pulasthiyar. Through deep meditation techniques, Ramadevar awakened his kundalini energy and successfully guided it through the chakras until it reached the crown, allowing him to unite with the Divine for extended periods of time. He achieved mastery in Attama Siddhis.

Place Of Samathi : Alagar Malai
Duration Of Life :
Guru : Pulastiyar, Karuvoorar
Disciples : Sattaimuni, Konkanavar
Contributions : 24 known works, Medicine, Mantra sastra

KUDAMBAI

Kudambai, a female Siddha from the 18 Siddha traditions, is renowned for her contributions to medicine, alchemy, philosophy, and religion. In Mayavaram or Mayil-aadu-durai, she achieved soruba samadhi – a state of ultimate bliss and immortality. Mayavaram, which translates to a place for deathless boon in Tamil, became the sacred ground where Kudambai attained eternal life. It is also known as Mayil-aadu-durai, meaning a place where the peacock dances in ecstasy, symbolizing Lord Muruga’s grace that granted Kudambai immortality.

Place Of Samathi : Mayavaram
Duration Of Life :
Guru : Alukkani Siddha (Diciple of Idaikadar)
Disciples :
Contributions : Siddha Philosophy

KARUVOORAR

Karuvoorar Siddhar, also known as Karuvoor Devar, was born in Karuvoor, a place in the Chola Kingdom which is now called Karur. Various literary research works present different theories about his birth and origin. One theory suggests that he may have been born into a family of Sthapathis or idol architects, with a reference from Chapter 4 Verse 452 of Agastyar 12000, a composition by the renowned Sage Agastya Muni Siddhar.

Place Of Samathi : Karuvai (Karur)
Duration Of Life : 300 Years 42 days
Guru : Bhogar
Disciples : Idaikadar
Contributions : Construction of Tanjore Temple, Medicine

IDAIKADAR

Sri IdaiKadar, a renowned siddhar from Tamil Nadu, is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Hailing from Thiruvannamalai, he is worshipped as the representation of the Fire element in one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams. Although his exact time period remains uncertain, it is believed that he was born in the 2nd or 3rd century BC and lived for approximately 600 years. Based on his profession and songs, it is speculated that he belonged to the Yadhava community, which is also associated with Lord Krishna.

Place Of Samathi : Thiruvannamalai
Duration Of Life : 600 Years 18 days
Guru : Bhogar, Karuvoorar
Disciples : Kudambai, Alukkani
Contributions : Two known works: Kaya Lalpa

KAMALAMUNI

Kalangi Nathar, the mentor of Siddhar Bhoganathar or Bogar, was a direct student of Siddhar Thirumoolar. He was one of the seven disciples who surpassed thirumoolar’s wisdom. The remaining six were Indran, Soman, Rudhran, Kanduru, Brahman and Kanjamalaiyan.

Place Of Samathi : Aarur (Tiruvarum)
Duration Of Life : 4000 Years 48 days
Guru :
Disciples :
Contributions :Two known works: Medicine & Philosophy

VALMIKI

Valmiki, a renowned yogi, is counted among the esteemed group of 18 yoga siddhas. The eminent sage Narada bestowed his initiation upon Valmiki. Valmiki’s fame primarily stems from his authorship of the monumental epic, The Ramayana. At Ettikudi, he achieved samadhi, a state of profound meditation and spiritual absorption.

Place Of Samathi : Rameshwaram
Duration Of Life : 05 Yugas, 07 days
Guru : Nandi
Disciples :
Contributions : Ashtanga Yoga Sutra

PATHANJALI

Pathanjali, one of the 18 yoga siddhas, was initiated by Nandi Devar and is renowned for his contributions to the classic yoga sutras. He achieved samadhi at Rameswaram and is revered as the father of yoga.

Place Of Samathi : Rameshwaram

Duration Of Life : 05 Yugas, 07 days

Guru : Nandi

Disciples :

Contributions : Ashtanga Yoga Sutra

DHANVANTHIRI

Dhanvanthri, being one of the 18 yoga siddhas, is renowned for his significant contributions in the fields of medicine, alchemy, kaya kalpa, and has authored 22 notable works. He has achieved samadhi at Vaideeswaran Kovil.

Place Of Samathi : Vaideeshwaram
Duration Of Life : 800 Years, 32 days
Guru : Nandi
Disciples :
Contributions : Medicine, Alchemy, Kaya Kalpa, 22 known works

PAAMBATTI SIDDHAR

Paambatti, one of the 18 yoga siddhas, was introduced to the path by Sattamuni. His significant contributions lie in the realm of siddha philosophy. He achieved samadhi at Harsankaran kovil, having previously been a snake charmer prior to encountering his guru. Through dedicated sadhana under his guru’s guidance, he transformed into a siddha.

Place Of Samathi : Hari Sankaran Koil
Duration Of Life : 123 Years, 32 days.
Guru : Sattimuni
Disciples :
Contributions : Siddha Philosophy