In learning about Tamil culture and history, one should never ignore the existence of

Siddhars.
Siddhars are saints who have obtained some incredible powers, and achieved a "God-like"
state through meditation and other practices only known to them.
They possess immense knowledge and experience in fields such as Vaithiyam (Medicine),
Vatham (Alchemy), Jothidam (Astrology), Manthirigam (Tantric practices), Yogam
(Meditation and Yogic exercises), as well as Gnanam (Knowledge about the Almighty).
So, just how many Siddhars are there?
Though there are many in our culture, these are the 18 who are considered the most powerful
and most important.
1. Agathiyar
He is considered the Father of Tamil Literature, who came up with the first Tamil grammar
compilation - Agathiyam. He is a direct disciple of Lord Siva, and was well versed in
language, alchemy, medicine, meditation, and spirituality. He is the principal figure and Guru
in the ancient Javanese language text Agastyaparva, the 11th century version of which, still
survives.
2. Thirumoolar
Also called the Prince of Mystics, Thirumoolar's masterpiece Thirumanthiram deals with the
body and soul, and is considered the Bible of Tantrik Yoga. Thirumoolar is one of the 63
Nayanmargal (saintly poets of Lord Shiva), and the prime author of Saiva Siddhantam. His
hypothesis on Atomic theory is considered to have been reinstated as Nanotechnology in
recent times.
3. Bogar
A descendant of Thirumoolar, Bogar travelled to, and propagated his spiritual philosophy in
China. He created the Lord Muruga statue in Palani that contains the Navapasana (nine
poisonous minerals). His contributions in the synthesis of mercury, mercurial compounds and
arsenical compounds, are noteworthy.
4. Konganar
The son of Bogar, Konganar wrote more than 40 books that deal with alchemy and the elixir
of life. He also contributed to philosophy, medicine and spiritual practices. He attained
Samadi at Thirupathi.
5. Therayar
Therayar is considered the master in many fields like astrology, mysticism, alchemy,
medicine and language. He was also an expert in the field of Siddha surgery.
6. Korakkar
Korakkar's prediction of future events are written in Chandhira Regai Nool. One event
predicted by him was the rebirth of Bohar, at a time when people have lost faith in God.
Korakkar's jeeva samadhi temple is located at the Vadakku Poiganallur village in the
Nagapattinam disctrict, in Tamil Nadu.
7. Karuvurar
Born in a placed called Karuvur, his main work is Thiruvisaippa. Karuvurar was a yogi,
alchemist, and a poet. He made significant contribuitions in the construction of the Tanjore
temple, where there is a special shrine for him.
8. Edaikkadar
Also known as Edaikkadu siddhar, after his birth place. Edaikkar's samadhi lies in the
Thiruvannamalai region. He carved a niche for himself in the fields of astronomy and
astrology. He is said to have devised a method to arrange the nine planets to alleviate the
sufferings of the people, during a prolonged drought season.
9. Sattamuni
This siddhar is believed to be of Srilankan origin. His contributions are mainly in the fields of
alchemy and 96 thathuvas. He attained samadhi in Srirangam.
10. Sundaranar
This siddhar's expertise is in poison treatment and his preparation of universal salt 'muppu'
are valuable to the Siddha medicine method. He had used his vast knowledge in the field
astrology to give general predictions on the day of birth, day of attaining puberty, and so on.
11. Ramadevar
Also known as Uromarishi, Ramadevar was born in Podhigai hills. His discoveries in all the
spheres of Siddha Science is remarkable. He is said to have performed many miracles. He
was sermonized as an Arab, given the name Yacub and spent 40 years in Mecca, before
returning to Tamil Nadu and attaining samadhi in Alagarmalai.
12. Pambatti
Pambatti siddhar comes from the line of saints who are believed to have possessed siddhis or
supernatural powers through rigorous meditation and other spiritual exercises. Eight unique
powers (Attama siddhis) of Siddhars are mentioned in his works. He is also believed to have
caught snakes and sold them for a living before he ventured into his spiritual quest.
13. Machamuni
Machamuni was born with the blessings of Lord Shiva. He followed vasiyogam and
awakened his kundalini energy to understand his inner-self and attain siddhis. His place of
Samadhi is Thiruparankundram.
14. Kudambai
His place of birth and samadhi is Mayavaram. Kudambai Siddhar’s works are more towards
spiritual bliss and gnana yoga.
15. Kamalamuni
Many people believe that Sri Kalangi Nathar is Kamalamuni siddhar. He is said to have been
able to control wild animals with his mantras, and attained samadhi in Madurai.
16. Agapai siddhar
Agapai Siddhar was born in Thiruvalluvar’s lineage, and his contribution is mainly on Gnana
siddhi. He personifies the ego of a person as a ghost and advises, reprimands and guides it to
the path of enlightenment. In a nutshell, he says that once the mind is totally controlled by
pulling himself out of worldly indulgences, then the attainment of mukthi is guaranteed.
17. Nandhidevar
Nandhidevar is also considered to be a direct disciple of Lord Siva, and the "guru of gurus".
His place of Samadhi is Sri Sailam at Kalahasti.
18. Pulipaani
Born in China, Sri Pulipani Siddhar is said to have been the disciple of Maha Bogar
Swamigal. Bogar accepted Pulipani as his ardent disciple due to his sincerity and reverence to
the guru and he wanted Pulipani, unlike other siddhars, to lead a family life by marriage so
that he and his successors could edify the people about Sri GnanaDhandapani, ‘yoga’,
‘vadha’, and meditations.
Nizha Periaswamy is a yoga instructor and freelance writer.