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.
