18 Siddhars, also known as Siddhas or Siddhars, are mystical saints revered in Tamil Hindu traditions. These enlightened beings are renowned for their profound wisdom in fields like medicine, alchemy, astrology, tantric practices, yoga, and philosophy. Through rigorous sadhana (spiritual practice), they attained extraordinary yogic powers, known as Siddhis, transcending the boundaries of time, space, and the physical body.

Rooted in Tamil Saivism, the Siddhars are celebrated not only for their spiritual accomplishments but also for their contributions to humanity. They shared knowledge that transformed lives, curing ailments, improving well-being, and guiding people toward liberation.

Let’s delve into the fascinating lives of these 18 Siddhars, their teachings, and their enduring legacy.

Who Are Siddhars?

Siddhars are mystics who mastered yoga and meditation to unlock the hidden potential of the human body and mind. Their practices involved Rasayanas—substances believed to enhance longevity—and Pranayama, a breathing technique that helps transcend physical limitations.

The Siddhars’ practices, teachings, and discoveries are often compared to Tibetan Mahasiddhas, Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions, and the Nath Hindu yogis of North India.

The 18 Siddhars: Their Lives and Contributions

1. Agastya (Agastiyar)

• Place of Samadhi: Anandasayana
• Duration of Life: 4 Yugas, 48 Days
• Guru: Lord Shiva
• Key Contributions: Medicine, Tamil grammar, yoga, and the Kayakalpa system of rejuvenation.
  Agastya is the foremost Siddhar, regarded as the “Father of Siddha Medicine.” He taught humanity the art of combining physical and spiritual practices to achieve harmony.

2. Nandi Devar

• Place of Samadhi: Kasi
• Duration of Life: 700 Years, 32 Days
• Guru: Lord Shiva
• Key Contributions: Medicine, yoga, alchemy, and natural sciences.
  Nandi Devar initiated legendary disciples like Thirumoolar and Patanjali, spreading wisdom that bridged physical and spiritual realms.

3. Thirumoolar

• Place of Samadhi: Chidambaram
• Duration of Life: 3,000 Years, 13 Days
• Guru: Nandi Devar
• Key Contributions: Thirumanthiram, a cornerstone of Tamil Shaivism and yoga philosophy.
  Thirumoolar’s 3,000 verses encapsulate profound meditative realizations, emphasizing the unity of body, mind, and soul.

4. Bhogar

• Place of Samadhi: Palani
• Duration of Life: 300 Years, 18 Days
• Guru: Agastya, Kalangi Nathar
• Key Contributions: Medicine, yoga, and alchemy.
  Bhogar crafted the Palani Murugan idol using medicinal herbs, symbolizing his expertise in blending spirituality with science.

5. Konganavar

• Place of Samadhi: Tirupati
• Duration of Life: 800 Years, 16 Days
• Guru: Bhogar
• Key Contributions: Medicine, yoga, and 25 works on philosophy and religion.
  Konganavar mentored over 500 disciples, spreading Siddha teachings across the land.

6. Machamuni

• Place of Samadhi: Thirupparankundram
• Duration of Life: 300 Years, 62 Days
• Guru: Agastya
• Key Contributions: Hatha yoga and tantric practices.
  Legend says Machamuni was once a fish that gained wisdom by listening to Shiva’s teachings, symbolizing transformation through devotion.

7. Goraknath (Gorakkar)

• Place of Samadhi: Girnar
• Duration of Life: 880 Years, 32 Days
• Guru: Machamuni
• Key Contributions: Avadhuta Gita and contributions to asceticism, alchemy, and yoga.
  Goraknath’s legacy bridges the Siddha and Nath traditions, highlighting unity in spiritual practices.

8. Sattaimuni

• Place of Samadhi: Srirangam
• Duration of Life: 880 Years, 14 Days
• Guru: Agastya
• Key Contributions: Medicine and the Sattaimuni Karpam-100.
  Sattaimuni pioneered rejuvenation science, combining ancient wisdom with practical applications.

9. Sundaranandar

• Place of Samadhi: Sadhuragiri
• Guru: Sattaimuni
• Key Contributions: Siddha medicine and worship of the Siva Linga at Sadhuragiri.
  Sundaranandar emphasized devotion alongside spiritual practices.

10. Ramadevar (Yacop Siddhar)

• Place of Samadhi: Alagar Malai
• Guru: Pulastiyar
• Key Contributions: 24 works on mantra shastra and medicine.
  Ramadevar demonstrated the power of meditation and kundalini awakening.

11. Kudambai Siddhar

• Place of Samadhi: Mayavaram
• Guru: Alukkani Siddha
• Key Contributions: Medicine, philosophy, and religion.
  Kudambai, a female Siddha, embodied the inclusive nature of Siddha traditions.

12. Karuvoorar

• Place of Samadhi: Karur
• Guru: Bhogar
• Key Contributions: Construction of the Tanjore Temple and advancements in medicine.
  Karuvoorar’s engineering marvels stand as a testament to Siddha ingenuity.

13. Idaikadar

• Place of Samadhi: Thiruvannamalai
• Guru: Bhogar
• Key Contributions: Kayakalpa and spiritual songs.
  Idaikadar’s works continue to inspire seekers on the path to enlightenment.

14. Kamalamuni

• Place of Samadhi: Aarur
• Guru: Thirumoolar
• Key Contributions: Medicine and philosophy.
  Kamalamuni’s teachings bridged ancient wisdom and practical applications.

15. Valmiki

• Place of Samadhi: Rameshwaram
• Guru: Nandi
• Key Contributions: The epic Ramayana.
  Valmiki is celebrated as a yogi and spiritual poet.

16. Patanjali

• Place of Samadhi: Rameshwaram
• Guru: Nandi
• Key Contributions: Yoga Sutras.
  Patanjali laid the foundation for classical yoga, emphasizing the union of mind and body.

17. Dhanvanthri

• Place of Samadhi: Vaideeswaran Koil
• Key Contributions: Medicine and alchemy.
  Dhanvanthri is revered as the patron saint of Ayurveda.

18. Paambatti Siddhar

• Place of Samadhi: Hari Sankaran Koil
• Guru: Sattaimuni
• Key Contributions: Siddha philosophy.
  Once a snake charmer, Paambatti’s transformation into a Siddha illustrates the power of dedicated practice.

Legacy of the 18 Siddhars

The Siddhars’ teachings remain a cornerstone of Tamil culture, blending spirituality and science. Their works inspire seekers to transcend limitations, promoting physical well-being and spiritual enlightenment.

By understanding the 18 Siddhars, we glimpse the profound wisdom that shaped ancient traditions, guiding humanity toward liberation.

Explore the legacy of the Siddhars and unlock their timeless teachings. Discover how their knowledge can enrich your spiritual journey at spiritualguru.lk.