Siddhars and Siddha

Siddhars and Siddha: Siddha, a Dravidian system of Medicine that had originated in ancient times in the southern part of India and the Lemuria continent (submerged in Indian Ocean) where Dravidian civilization dominated. The period of origin of Siddha is substantiated by ancient Tamil literatures belonging to a period between 10000 BC and 4000 BC. “Siddhars”- saints and sages/ spiritual scientists of Tamils - developed this system. Siddhars had given not only their knowledge of medicine but also their philosophy to their successors in different periods of time in history. Our ancestors considered the divine being Lord Shiva as the originator of Siddha medicine. Siddhar Agasthiyar is acknowledged as the principal Siddhar. It is believed that Agasthiyar learnt Siddha from Lord Shiva through Parvathy, Nandi and as a guru he transferred the knowledge to other Siddhars through guru-sishya lineage. Though ancient Tamils had “Navanatha Siddhars” and “Navakodi Siddhars” in their list of Siddhars, Siddha now highlights 18 Siddhars based on their contribution to this system and availability of their literary works.

The word “Siddha” was derived from the Tamil root words “Siddhi / Siththam” which means perfection or supreme knowledge (Gnanam). The persons who have attained Siddhi/Siththam were known as Siddhars and they lived for longer period.  The accomplishment of “Siddhi/ Siththam” of these great souls was related to the discipline of mind and its superiority over body, and was earned through Ashtangayogam, Kayakalpam and Marunthu (Medicine). By means of spiritually attained supreme knowledge, they wrote scriptures on all aspects of life, from arts to science and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases.