KINGDOM OF SITHTHARS

Why it's hard for everyone to have Siththars literature in hands? Agathiyar had given answer for it too.

“கெதியறியாப் பாவிகட்கு இந்நூல் கிட்டாது

kethiyariyaa paavikatku innool kittaathu

கிருபையுள்ள ஞானி களுக்கே எய்தும் எய்தும்

 kirubaiyulla gnani kalukkae eythum eythum

பதியறிய நன்மெளன யோகிகட்கே

pathiyariya nanmouna yogikatke

பெரிசுத்த நூலிதனுதான் பதனம் பண்ணும்

perisuththa noolithuthaan pathanam pannum

விதியிலை என்றெண்ணாதே; நூதலைத்தேடு;

vithiyilai enrennaathe; noothalaithedu

விண்டு மிண்டு பேசாதே; வேண்டாம் வேண்டாம்;

vindu mindu pesaathe; vendaam vendaam

நிதி பெறுவார் உபசாரம் நீக்கி போடு;

nithi peruvaar ubasaaram neeki podu;

நினைவு கொண்டு சூத்திரத்தின்

ninaivu kondu soothiraththin

நிலையை பாரே

nilaiyai paare”

- அகத்தியர் பரிபாசைத்திரட்டு (Agathiyar paripaasaithirattu).

“அருளினதோர் ஐநூறும் யாருக்கென்றால்

arulinathore ainoorum yaarukkenraal

அகங்கடந்த மேஞ்ஞானியருள் பெற்றோர்க்குக்

agangadantha maegananiyarul petroreku

குறு முகமாய் கொடுப்பதல்லால் மற்றோர் கையில்

kuru mugamaai koduppathallaal matrore kaiyil

கொடுத்தவர்க்கும் பெற்றவர்க்கும் சாபம் கூறிப்

koduthavarkkum petravarkum saabam koori

பெருமையுள்ள சித்தர்தமை வணங்கிப் போற்றி

perumaiyudan Siththarthamai vanangi poatri

பிரமன் தன் உத்தரவு தன்னால் இந்நூல்

piraman than uththaravu thannaal innool

கருவறிய ஞானிகட்கே வெளியிட்டேனால்

karuvariya gnanikatke veliyittenaal

கையடக்கமாக வைத்துக் கண்டுதேறே

kaiyadakkamaaga vaiththu kanduthera”

- அகத்தியர் பரிபாசைத்திரட்டு (Agathiyar paripaasaithirattu).

In the above song, Agathiyar says, that his scripts are not for all people. But only for those who are in search of spiritual knowledge has to know the script from his Guru, says Agathiyar.

Siththars had never cared for literary beauties such as simile and metaphor in their songs, instead they had hidden the secrets using complex words. Their works are rare treasure to the Humankind. Unfortunately, it’s too sad that we haven’t fully de-ciphered the Siththar songs.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Alchemy, which have been founded by Siththars, was the best ever Scientific research. The metals, salts, arsenics, roots, leaves, seeds, bark of a tree, flowers, pearl, coral and many sea materials, and things got from animals such as musk-deer, civet, urine and dung were analyzed by the Siththars and sorted out their qualities. They had even established the healing capacities of those materials. They found the combinations of materials for a specific medicine and also indexed the medicines for respective diseases. They categorized the intake of medicines in various forms such as inhaling, drinking, coating and so on.

Like now,  there was no laboratories in those days. It was quite surprise that Siththars who had lived in forests, mountains and caves had done many researches and found medicinal qualities of each material. Siththars also did research on astronomy, astrology, medicine and concluded their results.

Though Siththars lived thousands of years ago, their practical solutions applicable even to the current era. They had dedicated their researches to the welfare of the Humankind. Hence we could call Siththars as the World’s first scientists and foregoer of Science. In next post, we shall see why it is not possible for everyone to know about Siththars.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

“நந்தவனத்தில் ஓர் ஆண்டி - அவன்

Nandhavanathil ore aandi - avan

நாலாறு மாதமாய்க் குயவனை வேண்டி

naalaaru maathamaai kuyavanai vendi

கொண்டு வந்தான் ஒரு தோண்டி - மெத்தக்

 kondu vanthaan oru thoandi - meththa

கூத்தாடிக் கூத்தாடிப் போட்டுடைத்தாண்டி

kooththaadik kooththaadip poottudaiththaandi"

- கடுவெளி சித்தர் (Kaduveli Siththar).

A saint in the garden - who

prayed to the potter for 4 to 6 months

and brought an Earthen pot,

by dancing heavily, he broke it.

If we see as such, the above song seems to be a funny one. But Kaduveli Siththar emphasized a great philosophy about life in those four lines using simple words.

The Human soul is metaphorized to a saint in this song. Here the creator is said to be potter. Human soul, a saint, had prayed to potter for 10 months (4 to 6 months = 4 + 6 = 10) and hence potter gave a body (pot) to soul(saint).

The soul, with the body from the God, comes to the Earth as a Human. The potter(God) created the pot(body) to be used rightly by the saint(soul). But what does saint do with it?  The saint had simply broken the pot by contemptuous dancing, even before he realises the motive of receiving the pot(body) from the God.

The soul, by praying to God, had got this body. But people are misusing it in wrong ways. Kaduveli Siththar had expressed this worry for Humankind in this song.

Pattinaththar, a rich man, had renounced his wealth and became Thuravi (recluse).

Knowing that King, with all his men, came to see Pattinaththar. Pattinaththar was alone and he was sitting there in a corner as a sage just only wearing his loin-cloth.

King bowing to Pattinaththar, asked him sarcastically, “Your wealth is almost equal to mine.  Why have you left all those? What have you got in this renunciation?”

  

Pattinaththar replied softly, “If I had all those wealth, I will be standing before you. Since I renounced everything, you are standing before me. Isn’t it  enough?”

Anima:

The power of making a big material into small one.

The siddhi, which was used by Pirungi Munivar to become a small bee, was Anima.

Mahima:

The power of making a small material into big one.

The siddhi, which was used by Lord Krishna to show his magnificent image comprised as the entire World, was Mahima.

Lahima:

The power of marking heavy weight object as light object.

The siddhi, which was used by Thirunavukarasar to float in the sea when he was tied in stone and thrown in the sea due to religious envy, was Lahima.

Karima:

The power of making light object as heavy weight object.

The siddhi, which was used by Amarneethi Naayanar when Lord Shiva came to get Naayanar’s loin-cloth, was Karima. Lord Shiva kept all the things together as he had to balance the weight of loin-cloth. Yet, it went in vain and finally He himself sat with his wife to balance the weight.

Praathi:

The power of wandering everywhere without any obstacle.

In ‘ellam valla Siththarana padalam’, part of Thiruvilaiyadal Purana, Lord Shiva appears in all four directions. That siddhi was Praathi.

Pirakamiyam:

The power of getting desired appearance.

The siddhi, which was used by Avvaiyar to get elderly appearance replacing her younger appearance, was Pirakamiyam.

Easathuvam:

The power of handling five things: creation, protection, destruction, concealment and showing grace.

The siddhi, which was used by Thirugnana Sambandhar to give life to Poompavai, was Easathuvam.

Vasithuvam:

The power of hypnotizing celestials, humans, demons, animals, birds, reptiles and trees.

The siddhi, which was used by Thirunavukarasar to stop the elephant when it tried to kill him, was Vasithuvam. 

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Those who renounce the domestic life and Worldly desires are called as Thuravis (recluse).  Those who leave the society and go to mountains and forests to do austere are called as Munivars (incluse).  Those who learnt Vedas and obtained Universal wisdom are called as Rishis. Thuravi is first step, Munivar is second step and Rishi is third step. Those who pass all these steps and live in Earth like celestials are called as Siththars. Siththars know all the three phases of time viz. past, present and future. Siththars belong to divine race, irrespective of caste, religion, language, country,. In India, many Siththars were lived and still living. It's hard to identify them. It's natural that an image with beard, long hair, dirty loin-cloth and deserted look comes to mind if we visualize about Siththars.  But, Vadalur Ramalinga Adigal was also a Siththar who wore clean white clothes, had very elegant appearance and he had written many songs.

Its hard to identify the Siththars with their outer look. They won't show interest in their looks. But with focused mind they think about God constantly and realize the God within themselves and become oneness with the God. By God’s grace, they attained many Siddhis (mystical powers). Depending on the situation, only if needed, they would use their powers.

Siththars differ from the Swamis we see in common. There lived a Swami in Kovai district. He had shown God in his hand. He would utter the names of the temple he had visited and would ask to see the God in hand. We should not ask him for the temple he had not seen.  Even if we ask him, he could not show it. Siththars kept away from this type of  cheap tricks.  They won't make money by cheating people like disguising as Munivar.

Siththars constantly indulge in Yogic way and focus mind step-by-step and do Laya Yoga* (Layam means to get united) and obtain Ashta Maha Siddhis by God’s grace. Unnecessarily they won't use this Siddhis for pomp. The things we astonish to do are simply done by Siththars.

Those who obtained Ashta Maha Siddhis (eight mystical powers) are called as Siththars. In next post, we will see what are Ashtma Maha Siddhis in detail.

*Laya Yoga - The practice of becoming oneness with the God.

Original - www.siththarlkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

1. Thirumoolar - Chidambaram

2. Bogar - Pazhani alias Aavinankudi

3. Karuvoor Siththar - Karuvoor, Thirukaalaaththi, Aanilaiyappa kovil

4. Pulipaani - Vaikaavoor near Pazhani

5. Konganar - Thirupathi, Thirumala

6. Machcha Muni - Thiruparangunram, Thiruvaanaikaal

7. Vallaba Siththar alias Sundharanandhar - Madurai

8. Sattai Muni SIththar - Thiruvarangam

9. Agathiyar - Thiruvananthapuram, Kumbeswar temple at Kumbakonam

10. Theraiyar - Thoranamalai (Malayala Naadu)

11. Korakkar - Perur

12. Paambaatti Siththar - Marudhamalai, Dwaraka, Virudhachalam

13. Siva Vaakkiyar - Kumbakonam

14. Roma Rishi - Thirukailai

15. Kaakapusandar - Trichu, Uraiyur

16. Idaikkaattu Siththar - Thiruvannamalai

17. Kuthambai Siththar - Mayiladuthurai

18. Patanjali Siththar - Chidambaram, Azhagar koil, Rameswaram

19. Pulasthiyar - Paapanaasam, Thiru aalavudaiyar koil

20. Thirumoolam Noakka Siththar - Melai Chidambaram

21. Azhaganna Siththar - Nagapattinam

22. Naradhar - Thiruvidaimaruthur, Karuvai nallur

23. Ramadevar - Azhagar malai

24. Markandeyar - Karuvai nallur

25. Pinnakkeesar - Nangunaaseri

26. Kaasibar - Rudhragiri

27. Varadhar - Thenmalai

28. Kanni Siththar - Perungaavoor

29. Danvanthiri - Vaitheeswaran koil

30. Nandhi Siththar - Kaasi, Thiruvaavaduthurai, Kaalangi

31. Kaduveli Siththar - Thirukaanjipuram

32. Viswamithirar - Kaasi, Thirivaavaduthurai, Kaalangi

33. Gowthamar - Thiruvarunai, Thiruvidaimaruthoor

34. Kamala Muni - Aaroor

35. Chandiranandhar - Thiruvaanjiyam

36. Sundharar - Vaaritcham, Thiruvaarur

37. Kaalangi Nathar - Thirukadavoor, Thiruppananthaal

38. Vaanmeeki - Ettikkudi, Thiruvaiyaaru

39. Agapey Siththar - Thiruvaiyaaru, Ettikkudi

40. Pattinaththar - Thiruvotriyur

41. Vallalaar - Vadalur

42. Sennimalai Siththar - Naangunaaseri, Kerala

43. Sadasiva Brahmenthirar - Neroor

44. Ramakrishnar, Sarada Deviyar - Belur madam

45. Ragavendra - Manthiralayam

46. Ramana Maharishi - Thiruvannamalai, Maathrupootheswar temple

47. Kumarakurabar - Kaasi

48. Nadana Gopala Nayagi Swamigal - Kaathakkinaru

49. Gnanandha Swamigal - All Thabovanas

50. Shridi Saibaba - Shridi

51. Sekizhar Perumaan - Madurai Meenatchi Amman

52. Ramanujar - Srirangam

53. Paramahamsa Yoganandha - California

54. Yuktheswar - Poori

55. Judge Swamigal - Pudhukottai

56. 21 Siththars sepulcher was in Aadi Parasakthi temple

57. Kannappa Naayanaar - Kalahasthi

58. Sivapragasa Adigal - Thirupazahaiyaarai Vadathali

59. Guru Baba Ramdev - 13 km from Boharan

60. Rani Sennammal - Pithanoor, Koppulimadam

61. Poojya Sri Siththa Narahari Guruji - Siththasiramam near Madurai Mariamman

62. Kuzhanthaiyaanandha Swamigal - Madurai Kaalavaasal

63. Muththu Vaduganathar - Singam Punari

64. Ramadevar - Nagapattinam

65. Arunagirinathar - Thiruvannamalai

66. Padakacheri Thavathiru Ramalinga Swamigal - Thanjai Punnainallur Maariyamman thirukovil

67. Mouna Saami Siththar - In the way towards Sengottai from Thenkaasi

68. Siruthondai Naayanar - Thiruchettangudi

69. Odakkathoor Swamigal - Lake side of Alsur, Bengaluru

70. Vallanaattu Mahasiththar - Vallanaadu

71. Subramaniya Siththar - Rettiyapatti

72. Sivagnana Bala Siththar - Mayiladuthurai Murugan sannidhi

73. Kambar - Nattarasan kottai

74. Nagalainga Swamigal - Ambalathaadaiyaar madam, Pondy

75. Azhagar Swamigal - Thennambakkam

76. Sivagnana Balaiya Swamigal -  6 kms North of Pondy

77. Siththanandha Swamigal - Karuvadikuppam, Pondy

78. Sakthivel Paramanandha Guru - Mudaliyarpet, Pondy

79. SriRama Paradhesi Swamigal - Right to the way towards Villiyanur

80. Akkaa Swamigal - Nerar Kuthiraikalam, Pondy

81. Mahaan Padae Swamigal - Sinnapaappu Samuthiram

82. Kambalai Gnanathesiga Swamigal - Ruththira bhooi near Pondy

83. Baghavantha Swamigal - In the shore of Gedilam river, Pudhupalayam

84. Kathirvel Swamigal - Srilanka, Siththan kudil near Pondy

85. Santha Nandha Swamigal - Near Sri Saradha Sivagangai peedam

86. Dhayanandha Swamigal - In the shore of Gedilam river, Pudhupalayam

87. Dhakshinamoorthy Swamigal - Palli Thennal next to Pondy

88. Gnaguru Kulla Swamigal - Pondy

89. Vedantha Swamigal - Thiru Muthukumar Swamigal Garden, Pondy

90. Lakshmana Swamigal - Pudhupatti, Pondy

91. Mannurutti Swamigal - Opposite to Sudhesi cotton mill, Pondy

92. Subramaniya  Abinaya Sachidhanandha Bharathi Swamigal - Ellapillai, Pondy

93. Yogi Ram Surathkumar (Visiri Swamigal) - Thiruvannamalai

94. Kottur Swamigal - Kottur near Saathur

95. Thagappan Magan - Panaiyur near Girivalam vantha nallur

96. Narayana Saami Ayya - Nagarcoil

97. Bodhenthira Swamigal - Marudhanallur, Tanjore district

98. Avathoora Roga Nivartheeswarar Swamigal - Poonamallee, Chennai

99. Vaanmeega Nathar - Ettikkudi

100. Thambikalaiyan Siththar - United with the second linga of 108 lingas in Thiruvanmiyur

101. Meyvara Thambiraan Swamigal - Trichy, 25 kms from Jeyangonda Sozhapuram

102. Kugai Namachivayar Swamigal - Thiruvannamalai

103. Vaalai Guruswamy - Kommadikottai, Chidambaram

104. Pamban Swamigal - Thiruvanmiyur

105. Kumarasaamy Siththar Swamigal - Poorandan Palayam, Coimbatore

106. Periyazhvar Swamigal - Azhagar Kovil, Madurai

107. Maayamma - Kanyakumari

108. Paramacharyar - Kanchipuram

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Machchendhirar, the Siththar, had a disciple named Korakkar. One day they both went through the forest. Machchendhirar asked his disciple, “Are there any disturbances of thieves here?”

Without answering his guru, Korakkar was just thinking about the question. Meanwhile they both reached the shore of a pond. Machchendhirar gave his luggage to Korakkar and went to attend nature's call.

Korakkar checked his guru’s luggage. He found a golden bar.

Korakkar thought, ‘So because of this Guru was afraid about thieves?’ He threw the golden bar in pond.

Then they continued their journey.

Machchendhirar asked, “Still you didn’t replied my question, right?”.

Korakkar replied, “The fear about thieves was passed over in the shore of a pond itself.”

So far, we have seen a brief introduction about Siththars. At some other time I will share about few more Siththars. In next post, I shall come up with a new information.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

*Samidhi - Intense Yogic contemplation of becoming oneness with God.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Sundaranandhar was the grand-son of Navakanda Rishi who lived in Kishkinthai. He was born in agamudaiyar caste. These were said about Sundaranandhar by Bogar. He was called as Sundaranandhar since he had got a handsome look (Sundaram – beauty).  He was also called as Vallaba Siththar. In his early days, as per his parents wish, he underwent a normal life. After overwhelmed by Sattai Muni, he went with him. He received the linga, which was worshipped by Agathiyar, and enshrined it in Sathuragiri  and had worshipped it.

“சொல்லவே சுந்தரானந்த ரப்பா

sollave Sundaranandha rappa

தொல்லுலகில் கேசரியாம் வித்தை தன்னை

thollulagil kesariyaam viththai thannai

புல்லவே அதீதமென்ற மாண்பருக்கு

pullave atheethamenra maanbarukku

புகழுடனே புகட்டியதோர் சித்துமாகும்

pugazhudane pugattiyathore siththumaagum.”

 - போகர் (Bogar). 

Sundaranandhar sothida kaaviyam, Sundaranandhar vaithiya thirattu, Sundaranandhar thaandagam, Sundaranandhar mooppu, Sundaranandhar sivayoga gnanam, Sundaranandhar athisiya kaaraanam, Sundaranandhar pooja vithi, Sundaranandhar theetchavithi, Sundaranandhar suththa gnanam, Sundaranandhar kesari, SUndaranandhar vaakiya soothiram, Sundaranandhar kaaviyam, Sundaranandhar visha nivaarani were the books said to be written by him. 

His sepulcher was said to be in the premises of Madurai Meenatshi temple. 

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Pinnakkeesar had dual tongue, which means his tongue was cleaved, and hence he was named after it. Pinnakkeesar, who was born to Idaiyachi, was a great scholar in Tamil. He was born in Karnataka. These were said by Bogar.  Pinnakkeesar was disciple of Pambaatti Siththar and Machcha Muni was disciple of Pinnakkeesar.

 “கோவணமும் இரவல் கொண்ட தூலம் இரவல்

kovanamum iraval konda thoolam iraval

தேவமாதா இரவல் - ஞானம்மா

devamaathaa iraval - gnanamma

தெரியா அலைவாரே!

theriyaa alaivaare!”

இட்டர்க்கு உபதேசம் எந்நாளும் சொல்லிடலாம்

ittarkku ubathesam ennaalum sollidalaam

துட்டர்க்கு உபதேசம் - ஞானம்மா

thuttarkku ubathesam - gnanamma

சொன்னால் வருமோசம்!

sonnaal varumosam!”

 - பிண்ணாக்கீசர் (Pinnakkeesar).

In his songs, the word 'gnanamma' was mostly used. Pinnakkar meygnanam, Pinnakkar gnanapaal, Pinnakkar mooppu sunna seyaneer were the books said to be written by him. 

His sepulcher was said to be in Nangunaaseri, Kerala.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Pulasthiyar was the grand-son of the Kamalamuni and also the favourite disciple of Agathiyar. Pulasthiyar, a Sivaraj Yogi, was directly overwhelmed by his guru. These were said by Bogar about Pulasthiyar in his book Bogar 7000.

Pulasthiyar married Aaviruppu, who was the daughter of Thiranpindhu. It was also said that Pulasthiyar had a son named Visithira Vaasu.

“உருவான புலஸ்தியரின் மார்க்கம் கேளு

uruvaana Pulasthiyarin maarkkam kelu

ஓகோகோ நாதர்கள் அறிந்ததில்லை

ohoho naatharkal arinthathillai

கருவான தேவரிஷி தன் வரத்தால்

karuvaana devarishi than varaththaal

கமலமுனி தன் வயிற்றில் பிறந்த பேரன்

kamalamuni than vayitril pirantha peran

திருவான அகத்தியருக் உகந்த சீடன்

thiruvaana agaththiyaruk ugantha seedan

தீர்க்கமுள்ள சிவராஜ புனித யோகன்

theerkamulla sivaraaga punitha yogan

பருவான திருமந்திர உபதேசந்தான்

paruvaana thirumanthira ubathesanthaan

பாருலகில் புலஸ்தியர் என்றறைய லாமே"

paarulagil Pulsthiyar enraraiya laame.”

- போகர் 7000 (Bogar 7000).

Pulasthiyar vaithiyavaatham, Pulasthiyar vaatha soothiram, Pulasthiyar vazalai surukkam, Pulasthiyar gnana vaatha soothiram, Pulasthiyar vaithiyam, Pulasthiyar karpa soothiram were the books said to written by Pulasthiyar.

Pulasthiyar's Samadhis were said to be at Papanaasam and also at Aavudaiyar temple. To preach Theraiyar, he came out from his sepulcher. After preaching Theraiyar, for the second time, it was said that he had attained his Samadhi at Aavudaiyar temple.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

He was named as Idaikaadar since he was born in the place called Idaikaadu near to Madurai. He was also said to be born in aayar caste.

In his songs, words like thaandavakonae, paalkara, konaare, pasuvae, kuyile were mostly used.

It was said that Idaikadar gained his wisdom from the preachings of Bogar. Before Bogar attained Samadhi*, he obliged Pulipaani to carry on the rituals in Pazhani temple and Idaikaadar to carry on the rituals in Thiruvannamalai temple.

Idaikaadar gnana soothiram 70, Idaikaadar vaithiyam 64, Idaikaadar pooja vithi 27 were said to be books wriittrn by him.

His sepulcher was said to be in Thiruvannamalai.

*Samidhi - Intense Yogic contemplation of becoming oneness with God.

 Agam = the inner part/self; pey = ghost.

Since he metaphorized the overweening self as ghost in his songs, he was called as Agapey siththar.

He was said to be born in vellalar caste and also there was a controversy that he was born in vanigar caste.

Agapey siththar paadal 90 and Agapey siththar poorana gnanam 15 were said to be written by him.

His sepulcher was said to be in Thiruvaiyar.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்

Pathirakiriyar was the king of one of the Northern states. When Pattinathar was traveling through Northern states, by mistake, he was caught as thief. King Pathirakiriyar, without investigating properly, had ordered to punish Pathinathar in impaling stake. Pathinathar sung a song and impaling stake started to burn. Pathirakiriyar had attained enlightenment at that moment. Pathirakiriyar, leaving all his wealths, started to follow Pathinathar and became his disciple.

One day he gave food to the dog which had came near to him. From that day, dog started to follow him and got liberated because of him. Later that dog was reborn as daughter of Kasi King. It is said to be that she had remembrance of her previous birth and get married to Pathirakiriyar.

Most of the Pathirakiriyar songs end with ‘ekkaalam?’, means ‘which time?’.  For example, in one of the above song, he had questioned that at which time he would leave all philosophies and would enjoy the solitude in meditation.

His sepulcher was said to be in Thiruchettaangudi.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Azhagu ani siththar, in course of time, was modified as Azhugani siththar.

Azhagu = beauty , ani = rhetoric..

He was capable of composing songs which were rhetorically rich and hence he was named after it as ‘Azhagu ani siththar’

‘I ate screwpine instead of banana and hence I suffered. Won't I get a life if I chose Banana?’ was the direct meaning to the above given song. His songs were mostly about Yogic ideologies. This ideologies were hard to understand but readers would definitely fell in love with the rhythm of those Tamil songs.

Basically, in his songs, we could see that he emphasizes an idea that there was no use of knowing Worldly things than knowing oneself.

Azhugani siththar paadal 200, gnana soothiram 24, azugan vaithiyam, azhugan yogam, azhugam gnanam were said to be books written by him.

His sepulcher is in the premises of Neelayathaatchi amman koil, Nagapattinam.

Sivavaakkiyar was considered as the greatest one amongst all the siththars. He was praised by saints like Thaayumaanavar, Pattinathar,. Sivavaakkiyar was born to interracial parents.

The above song was one of his famous songs in which, he questions the practice of idol worship.

Unlike other children, he uttered ‘Siva.. Siva’, immediately after his birth and hence named as Sivaakkiyar.

Bogar in his saptha kaandam mentioned that Sivavaakkiyar was born on Tamil month ‘Thuy’ (equivalent to Jan 15. - Feb 15. approximately) and his birth star was ‘Magam’.

The book ‘Naadi Pareetchai’ was said to be written by Sivavaakkiyar.

Sivavaakkiyar’s sepulcher is believed to be in Kumbakonam.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Boganathar, who had worshipped Pazhani’s Dandayuthapaani was considered to be born in Vetkovar caste. The Dandayuthapaani statue presently at Pazhani temple was said to be made by him, using combinations of nine arsenic materials.

Bogar had invented a vehicle which can travel in space. He went to China where he did preaching and was called as “Po-Yang” by them.

சித்தான சித்து முனி போக நாதன்
siththaana siththu muni Boga Nathan
சிறந்த பதினெண் பேரில் உயயர்ந்த சீலன்
sirantha pathinen peril uyarntha seelan
கத்தநேனும் காலாங்கி நாதர் சீடன்
kaththanenum kaalaangi naathar seedan
கனமான சீனபதிக் குகந்த பாலன்
kanamaana seenapathik ugantha baalan
முத்தான் அதிசயங்கள் யாவற்றும்தான்
muththaana athisayangal yaavatrumthaan
மூதலகில் கண்ட முதல்வன் சித்தன்
moothulagil kanda muthalvan siththan
நித்தமுமே மாசில்லாக் கடவுள் தன்னை
niththamume maasilla kadavul thannai
மாநிலத்தில் மறவாத போகர் தானே
maanilaththil maravaatha Bogar thane.

“Siththar Boganathar was greatest of all the 18 siththars and who never forgets God. He was the disciple of Kalangi Nathan. He was closely in touch with Chinese King and was capable of doing all types of magics” was said by Agathiyar proudly about Boganathar.

The 7000 songs written by Bogar, while he stayed in Himalayas, was later called as ‘Bogar saptha kaandam’.

Bogar 12000, Bogar nigandu 1700, Bogar vaithiyam 1000, Bogar vaithiyam 700, Bogar sarakku vaippu 800, Bogar jenana sagaram 550, Bogar karpam 360, Bogar karpam 300, Bogar ubathesam 150, Bogara rana vagadam 100, Bogara nana saramsam 100, Bogar karpa soothiram 54, Bogar vaithiya soothiram 77, Bogar moopu soothiram 51, Bogar gnana soothiram 37, Bogar attanga yogam 24, Bogar pooja vithi 20, Bogar maanthreegam 74 were other books said to be written by him.

Bogar finally stayed at Pazhani. Now his sepulcher is inside the temple premises of Pazhani.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்.

Those who follow yogic way and those who are in search of spiritual knowledge will definitely know about Thirumanthiram. Thirumanthiram was written by Thirumoolar. There are many folk stories about Thirumoolar. It's natural that we will doubt those stories. So we can better leave that research. But it's true that there lived a Siththar named Thirumoolar.

Thirumoolar was a disciple of Nandheesar.

"Let the World rejoice the bliss I've realised

Recitation of mantras will lead to ultimate bliss."

Thirumoolar kaviyam 8000, Thirumoolar sirpa nool 100, Thirumoolar sothidam 300, Thirumoolar mandhreegam 600, Thirumoolar salliyam 1000, Thirumoolar vaithiya saaram 600, Thirumoolar vaithiya kaaviyam 1000, Thirumoolar vaithiya karukidai 600, Thirumoolar vaithiya surukkam 200, Thirumoolar sukkuma gnanam 100, Thirumoolar perungaviyam 1500, Thirumoolar theetchai vithi 100, Thirumoolar theetchai vithi 8, Thirumoolar theetchai vithi 18, Thirumoolar yoga gnanam 16, Thirumoolar korvai vithi 16, Thirumoolar vithi nool 24, Thirumoolar araatharam 64, Thirumoolar pachai nool 24, Thirumoolar gnanam 84, Thirumoolar gnanopathesam 30, Thirumoolar naduvanai gnanam 30, Thirumoolar gnana kuri 30, Thirumoolar sodasa gnanam 16, Thirumoolar gnanam 11, Thirumoolar kuligai 11, Thirumoolar poojavithi 41, Thirumoolar viyathi kooru 100, Thirumoolar muppu soothiram 200 are the said to be books written by Thirumoolar.

Thirumoolar’s sepulcher was said to be in Melai chidambaram.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்

Among the eighteen Siththars, Agathiyar was the most renowned Siththar. He was known to have links with Gods and kings. He was also a legend in Sidha Maruthuvam.

Many references about Agathiyar can be seen in ancient Tamil songs, devotional literature like Devaram, and Vedas. He was also known as one of the seven rishis of Vedic period. Apart from this there are also several folk stories about him.

He managed to lead austere life inspite of being married. His wife name was Lobamuthirai and his son name was Sankaran.

In his book Samarasa Gnanam, he clearly explained about the important nerve knots of human body. Agathiyar ainthu saathiram, Agathiyar kiriyai nool, Agathiyar attamasithu, Agathiyar vaithiyarathna surukkam, Agathiyar vagada venba, Agathiyar vaithiya koumi, Vaithiya rathnakaram, Vaithiya kannadi, Vaithiyam 1500, Vaithiyam 4600, Senthooran 300, Mani 400, Vaithiya Sindhamani, Karisilpachyam, Naadi sasthira pasani, Pasmam 200 and medicinal books Perunthirattu, Sivasaalam, Dakthisaalam, Shanmugasaalam, Aarezhuthu andhadhi, Karmaviyaapagam, Vithi noon vagai kaandam, Agathiyar pooja vithi, Agathiyar soothiram 30, Agathiyar gnanam are some important books written by him.

Agathiyam, a book on Tamil grammar and Agathiya samhithai, a north Indian book was also said to be written by him.

Agathiyar’s sepulcher was said to be in Trivandrum.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்

Nandheesar is one of the Siva ganas. There are many stories about him that he was born as Human and lived in Earth. We will see one such story.

Nandheesar was protecting Parvathi Devi’s boudoir. A king named Adilagan came to see Devi. But Nandheesar stopped him saying that he won't let anyone in without Devi’s prior permission. Knowing this Lord Siva fell in anger and cursed Nandheesar to live in Earth for twelve years.

When Saint Siladhar ploughed the Yaaga bhoomi, he found Nandheesar as a baby inside a box. They named the baby as Veeragan. But Siladhar couple was worried that his son will die in his twelfth age.

Veeragan (Nandheesar) knew his parents were worried about him and he convinced them. Then Veeragan left to do severe penance. Lord Siva shown his presence admiring Veeragan’s penance and blessed Veeragan to be the leader of Siva ganas and also blessed him with immortality.

Nandheesar married Devarsanjai (daughter of Pithrudeva).

Nandheesar was the guru of Thirumoolar.

We came to know that vaithiya kaaviyam, kalai gnanam, kalai gnana soothiram, nigandu, karukidai, samvaatham, gnana soothiram were books written by Nandheesar.

Nandheesar’s sepulcher was said to be in Thiruvaaduthurai.

Original - www.siththarkal.com
Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்

It has been always believed that Siththars are 18 in count. But they are still many more.

From Agathiyar to Vallalar, there have been many Siththars lived in various time period. Without our knowledge, still Siththars live among us.

If we try to search, who is first and chief of these Siththars means..

Like the above, we can quote many Siththar scripts as reference. They all conclude Lord Siva as first Siththar. The places where Siththars believed to be lived were enshrined with Siva Lingas, which can be seen as the token of respect to the first Siththar.

Those who try to seek God in outer world are called devotees and those who have realised God in himself/herself or have attained Godly state are called Siththars, says Devaram.

People who develop utmost spirituality in their earthly body attain a heavenly status and become like Gods among regular people. They are Siththars, says Mee. Pa. Somasundaram.

Those who control breathing and focus mind on Mooladhara and raise Kundalini through Yoga energy are called Siththars, says The. Po.Meenakshi Sundaram.

Let this definitions be as such. What do Siththars say about themselves?

"ஆத்தாளைப் பூசித்தோன் அவனே சித்தன்" - கருவூரார்.

Aathalai poosithon avane siththan

“He who worshipped Goddess, is Siththar” says Karuvoorar.

"எழும்பாமல் வாசனையைக் கொன்றோன் ஞானி

ezhumbamal vasanaiyai konron gnani

ஏகாமல் வாசனையை யடித்தோன் சித்தன்" - சட்டை முனி.

egamal vasanaiyai yadithon siththan

“Gnani without raising the causes of His actions, kills it

Siththar without felling to the causes of His actions, controls it“ says Sattai Muni.

"சிந்தை தெளிந்து இருப்பவ ஆர், அவனே சித்தன்" என்றும்

sinthai thelinthu irupava aar, avane siththan

“The one who has purest mind, is Siththar” and

"செகமெல்லாம் சிவமென்றே அறிந்தோன் சித்தன்" - வான்மீகர்.

segamellam sivamenrae arinthon siththan

“Siththar is who realises that the entire World is Sivam (God)” says Vanmeekar.

"யோகச் சமாதியின் உள்ளே அகலிடம்

Yoga samadhiyin ulle agalidam

யோகச் சமாதியின் உள்ளே உளரொளி

Yoga samadhiyin ulle ularoli

யோகச் சமாதியின் உள்ளே உளசக்தி

Yoga samadhiyin ulle ulasakthi

யோகச் சமாதி உகந்தவர் சித்தரே" என்றும்

Yoga samadhi ugandhavar siththare

“Yoga Samadhi holds larger space (whole World),

Yoga Samadhi holds internal light,

Yoga Samadhi holds mind’s energy,

those who attained Yoga Samadhi are called Siththars” and

"சித்தர் சிவத்தைக் கண்டவர் சீருடன்

Siththar sivathai kandavar seerudan

சுத்தாசுத் ததுடன் தோய்ந்துத் தோயாதவர்

suthaasu thathudan thoynthu thoyathavar

முத்தரம் முத்திக்கு மூலத்தர் மூலத்துச்

mutharam muthiku moolathar moolathu

சத்தர் சதாசிவத் தன்மையர் தாமே" - திருமூலர்.

sathar sadhasiva thanmaiyar thaame

“Who has seen God is Siththar, and

who always immersed in God’s blessing,

who is capable of giving three types of mukthis to his disciples,

who raised fumes from mooladhara attaining eternal fecility” says Thirumoolar about Siththars.

These holy people called Siththars existed even before the period of Tholkapiyar, which we understand from his texts.

மறுவில் செய்தி மூவகைக் காலமும்

maruvil seythi moovagai kalamum

நெறியின் ஆற்றிய அறிவன்" - தொல்காப்பியர்

neriyin aatriya arivan

says Tholkapiyan in his book, ‘Purathinaiyiyal’. Nachinarkiniyar explains it as, “One who does not possess desire, hatred and illusion; and who follows normative in all the three types of times (past, present and future) is called Arivar”. He adds Agathiyar is one such Arivar. So Nachinikiniyar states that Tholkapiyar referred to Siththars as Arivar. From this we know that Siththars were called Arivars during Tholkapiyar‘s times.

Original - www.siththarkal.com

Translated by - தமிழ் தமிழானவள்