A Sage from a layman's language can said to be enlightened and elevated mystical beings possessing intense spiritual powers. They are said to have lived during the times of the Gods and hold supernatural abilities on account of undertaking deep spiritual penance. They can almost be reckoned to be an equivalent form of God just that they are not as widely reverent and don't have the adulation that the divine commands in places of worship. A Sage can also be termed by other names such as Rishi/Siddhar/Munivar/Seer etc. Sages in general are known to have made uncharted progress in fields such as Medicine, Science, Alchemy, Astronomy, Astrology, Manuscripts, Fine Arts like Literature, Music, Dance, Drama, Artistry, Sculpture etc. They have transcended across time & space and many of the Sages are said to have lived on the earthly realm across yugas spanning far upwards of more than 1000 years.
In the Tamil Siddha tradition, 18 sages are mentioned as prominent and are said to have lived during the times of the Gods dating way back to the time when the epics Ramayana & Mahabharatha were scripted. There are some minor differences with regard to the lists but sharing below the most prominent 18 Siddhars mentioned in scriptures
1) Agathiyar
2) Patanjali
3) Thirumoolar
4) Kamalamuni
5) Kudambai
6) Korakkar
7) Dhanvantri
8) Sundaranathar
9) Konganar
10) Sattaimuni
11) Valmiki
12) Ramadevar
13) Agapeyar
14) Idaikadhar
15) Machamuni
16) Karuvurar
17) Bhogar
18) Pambatti
Other than these 18 Siddhars, some lists tend to specify few other names of Siddhars by replacing a few from the above list. Some names missing from the above roster includes Kalangi Nathar, Nandi Devar, Kanja Malai, Punnakesar, Azhugani etc. Among the 18 Siddhars, Agathiyar is said to be the foremost figure of them all and considered as the Father of Siddha tradition.
18 Siddhars Birth Information
There are some additional information related to the above 18 Siddhars pertaining to the Nakshatra in operation when they were born, solar month at birth, their total life span and also the place of Jeeva Samadhi. Lets look at this information for all of the above sages.
1) Agathiyar (aka Agasthya)
Nakshatra at Birth: Ayilyam (Ashlesha)
Solar Month: Margazhi (Approx mid December to mid January)
Life Span: 4 Yugas & 48 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Tiruvananthapuram
Information: Considered as the father of tamil literature and pioneer of Siddha medicine. Authored 'Agattiyam', an early Tamil Grammar treatise and Sanskrit works like Agastya Gita & Agastya Samhita.
2) Patanjali
Nakshatra at Birth: Moolam (Moola)
Solar Month: Panguni (Approx mid March to mid April)
Life Span: 5 Yugas & 7 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Rameshwaram
Information: Authored many yogic texts including compilation of Yoga Sutra. Considered as an incarnation of Serpent Adishesha and made major strides in the field of Yoga.
3) Thirumoolar
Nakshatra at Birth: Avittam (Dhanishta)
Solar Month: Purattasi (Approx mid September to mid October)
Life Span: 3000 Years & 13 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Rameshwaram
Information: Author of “Thirumandiram” a spiritual classic merging yogic, philosophical, and Siddha principles. He is also considered as one of the 63 Nayanmars.
4) Kamalamuni
Nakshatra at Birth: Poosam (Pushya)
Solar Month: Vaigasi (Approx mid April to mid May)
Life Span: 4000 Years & 48 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvarur
Information: Said to be a renowned disciple of Sage Thirumoolar. Known for spreading Siddha tradition widely
5) Kudambai
Nakshatra at Birth: Visagam (Vishakha)
Solar Month: Aadi (Approx mid July to mid August)
Life Span: 1800 Years & 16 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Mayavaram
Information: Known for spiritual insights and Kundalini yoga. He was named as Kudambai (meaning a woman's ear ornament) due to his beauty
6) Korakkar (aka Gorakhnath)
Nakshatra at Birth: Ayilyam (Ashlesha)
Solar Month: Karthigai (Approx mid April to mid May)
Life Span: 880 Years & 11 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Perur
Information: Known as a disciple of prominent sages such as Agasthya and Bhogar. Known for the art of telepathy and rejuvenation
7) Dhanvantri
Nakshatra at Birth: Punarpoosam (Punarvasu)
Solar Month: Aipasi (Approx mid October to mid November)
Life Span: 800 Years & 32 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Vaitheeswaran Kovil
Information: Considered as the physician of the Gods and also an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Known for healing and medicinal properties
8) Sundaranandhar
Nakshatra at Birth: Revathi (Revathi)
Solar Month: Avani (Approx mid August to mid September)
Life Span: 800 Years & 28 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Madurai
Information: Said to be a disciple of Sage Sattaimuni. It is said that he obtained the Siva Linga of Sage Agasthya, placed it at Saduragiri and worshipped it
9) Konganar
Nakshatra at Birth: Uthiradam (Uttara Ashada)
Solar Month: Chithirai (Approx mid April to mid May)
Life Span: 800 Years & 16 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Thirupathi
Information: Said to be a disciple of Sage Bhogar. He mastered Siddha medicine and known for spiritual wisdom.
10) Sattaimuni
Nakshatra at Birth: Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira)
Solar Month: Avani (Approx mid August to mid September)
Life Span: 800 Years & 14 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvarangam
Information: Named as Sattaimuni (Sattai means shirt) because of a woolen shirt provided by Lord Shiva. Known for mastery in alchemy, astrology and medicine.
11) Valmiki (aka Vaalmeegar)
Nakshatra at Birth: Anusham (Anuradha)
Solar Month: Purattasi (Approx mid September to mid October)
Life Span: 700 Years & 32 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Ettukudi
Information: Is revered as the Adi Kavi and is the author of one of the greatest epics "The Ramayana", Known for spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.
12) Ramadevar
Nakshatra at Birth: Pooram (Poorva Phalguni)
Solar Month: Maasi (Approx mid February to mid March)
Life Span: 700 Years & 6 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Azhagarmalai
Information: Known as disciple of Sage Patanjali, made major initiations in the field of herbs and medicinal properties.
13) Agapeyar
Nakshatra at Birth: Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira)
Solar Month: Panguni (Approx mid March to mid April)
Life Span: 700 Years
Jeeva Samadhi: Manavalanallur
Information: Known for using the mind as a ghost to guide people towards realisation. Is revered for his devotional songs on philosophy.
14) Idaikadhar
Nakshatra at Birth: Thiruvadirai (Arudra)
Solar Month: Purattasi (Approx mid September to mid October)
Life Span: 600 Years & 18 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvannamalai
Information: Prominent for rearranging Navagrahas in order to stop a long time famine. Said to be an expert in astrology with his calculations being used in Panchangam
15) Machamuni (aka Matsyendranath)
Nakshatra at Birth: Rohini (Rohini)
Solar Month: Aadi (Approx mid July to mid August)
Life Span: 300 Years & 62 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruparankundram
Information: He is reckoned as the Fish Sage. Known for being a master of Kundalini awakening, meditation and Siddha medicine
16) Karuvurar
Nakshatra at Birth: Hastham (Hastha)
Solar Month: Chithirai (Approx mid April to mid May)
Life Span: 300 Years & 42 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Karur
Information: Known as a disciple of Bhogar. Said to be a master alchemist and connected with herbal medicines
17) Bogar
Nakshatra at Birth: Bharani (Bharani)
Solar Month: Vaigasi (Approx mid May to mid June)
Life Span: 300 Years & 18 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Palani
Information: Responsible for installing the Navapashanam idol of Lord Muruga at Palani. Known widely for his works in China and said to be a pioneer in the field of medicine, yoga, spirituality.
18) Pambatti
Nakshatra at Birth: Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira)
Solar Month: Karthigai (Approx mid April to mid May)
Life Span: 123 Years & 14 Days
Jeeva Samadhi: Shankaran Kovil
Information: Known as the snake charmer based on his name. He is widely known for his Kundalini energies and knowledge of various herbs and medicines.
Nakshatra Connection of the Siddhars
Apart from these hallowed 18 Siddhars of the South, each of the 27 Nakshatras are also said to be associated with a Siddhar and in selective cases even 2 Siddhars. It is interesting to note that majority of these 18 fall as part of the Nakshatra list but since the Number of Nakshatras (27) are more than the prominent Siddhars of the South (supposedly 18), you will find few additional well respected Siddhars having born in particular Nakshatras and invoking them is said to be beneficial. Lets now look at all the Nakshatras and the Sages connected to them.
1) Ashwini - Kalangi Nathar
2) Bharani - Bhogar
3) Karthigai (Krithika) - Romarishi
4) Rohini - Machamuni (aka Matsyendranath)
5) Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira) - Pambatti & Sattaimuni
6) Thiruvadirai (Arudra) - Idaikadhar
7) Punarpoosam (Punarvasu) - Dhanvantri
8) Poosam (Pushya) - Kamalamuni
9) Ayilyam (Ashlesha) - Agathiyar (aka Agasthya)
10) Magam (Magha) - Siva Vakiyar
11) Pooram (Poorva Phalguni) - Rama Devar (aka Yakobu)
12) Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni) - Kaga Bhujandar
13) Hastham (Hastha) - Karuvurar
14) Chithirai (Chitra) - Punakeesar
15) Swathi - Pulippani
16) Visagam (Vishakha) - Nandeeswarar (aka Nandi Devar) & Kudambai
17) Anusham (Anuradha) - Valmiki (aka Vaanmeekar)
18) Kettai (Jyeshta) - Vyasa
19) Moolam (Moola) - Patanjali
20) Pooradam (Poorva Ashada) - Rama Devar (aka Yakobu)
21) Uthiradam (Uttara Ashada) - Konganar
22) Thiruvonam (Shravana) - Dakshina Murthy
23) Avittam (Dhanishta) - Thirumoolar
24) Sadayam (Shatabisha) - Kowbalar
25) Pooratathi (Poorva Bhadrapada) - Jyoti Muni
26) Uttirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada) - Damaragar
27) Revathi - Sundara Nandhar
Thus, if one observes from the above list, each of the Nakshatra's are associated with at least one siddhar but in case of 2 of the Nakshatras viz Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira) and Visagam (Vishakha), 2 Siddhars are casted along side them. Also for both Pooram (Poorva Phalguni) and Pooradam (Poorva Ashada) - the same Siddhar Rama Devar is provided for both. Though technically it has to be noted that Rama Devar also belongs as part of the 18 Siddhars and was said to have taken birth in Pooram (Poorva Phalguni) Nakshatra only. It could be that since Pooradam (Poorva Ashada) doesn't have a singular sage, Rama Devar is linked to it. The reason could also be that its the 10th Nakshatra from Pooram indicated as Karma Nakshatra as per the holy astrological text Kumaraswamiyam. Pooram also sometimes takes into account Sri Andal - the divine poet saint (Alwar) from Vishnu clan but however Andal cannot distinctively be equated to a Sage and hence may not be considered in this Sages list. Among the 18 Siddhars provided on top, some of them don't find their way in the Nakshatra list. For instance Korakkar Siddhar was born in Ayilyam (Ashlesha) but he is not linked directly to this star and only Agathiyar is linked. Similar is the case of Agapeyar Siddhar who also could technically be considered as a Sage to worship for Mrigaseerisham (Mriga) born natives.
Siddhars associated with the Navagrahas
Other than these 18 Siddhars, there is another list of 18 Siddhars representing the Navagrahas with each of the 9 planets being provided 2 Siddhars each. Lets take a look at the Siddhars for each planet.
Sun - Pattinathar, Kaduveli
Moon - Siva Vakiyar, Kambili
Mars - Bhogar, Pulippani
Mercury - Vallalar, Idaikadhar
Jupiter - Kaga Bhujandhar, Agapeya
Venus - Kanjamalai, Sennimalai
Saturn - Kapilar, Karuvurar
Rahu - Aluguni, Pambatti
Ketu - Sattaimuni, Kudambai
Saptharishis
Apart from the 18 hallowed Siddhars from South, there is also a Rishi tradition termed as 'Saptharishis' known as the 7 divine sages of Hinduism. They are said to be seers embodying divine wisdom and cosmic order. The names of these Rishis keep changing across different cosmic cycles. As per the current age in existence, the 7 Rishis are listed as below:
- Atri
- Bharadwaja
- Gautama
- Jamadagni
- Kashyapa
- Vasishta
- Vishwamitra
A Manvantara is a cyclic period of time consisting of 71 Maha Yugas. There is said to be a total of 14 Manvantaras and currently the 7th Manvantara termed as Vaivasvata Manvantara is in operation. The first ever creation cycle known as the Svayambhuva Manvantara lists the Saptharishis as Atri, Angiras, Kratu, Marichi, Pulaha, Pulastya and Vasishta. Few other renowned Sages who have been part of Saptharishis as per different Manvantaras include Bhrigu, Kutsa, Gungu etc. There is also the name of Sage Agasthya in some lists of the Saptharishis.
Agasthya & Vasishta Connection
It is difficult to say who the most prominent Sage of the Saptharishis is in similar lines to Sage Agasthya's reverence among the 18 Siddhars. However it is to be noted that among the Saptharishis across most of the lists tend to have Maharishi Vasishta as probably the most notable Rishi. Incidentally Sage Agasthya and Sage Vasishta are also considered to be twin brothers as per Hindu Mythology having born from the semen of the deities Mitra and Varuna. There is also a reference in Yoga Vasishta that Sage Vasishta was born for the 8th time in this particular era. There is not much information on birth details of the Saptharishis as compared to the Siddhars but however it is believed that Rishi Vasishta was born in the lunar month of Vaisakh in Shukla Paksha Navami Tithi which is believed to be the same Tithi as that of his disciple Lord Rama. Another revered Rishi connected closely to Vasishta viz Brahmarishi Vishwamitra is said to be have been born in the lunar month of Karthik during the waxing phase of the Moon in Tritiya Tithi.
Janma Nakshatra of the Saptharishis and the Great Bear Constellation
Unlike the 18 Siddhars of the South who are all associated with a specific Nakshatra in which they are born, there is no explicit mention of the Birth Nakshatra of the Saptharishis. There is however a connection with the constellation of Great Bear also known as Ursa Major forming 7 bright stars in the Sky known as the Big Dipper. Sage Vasishta is linked to the star of 'Mizar' and his consort Arundhati is connected to the nearby star of 'Alcor'. They are said to be double stars bonded together and is said to represent closeness, loyalty and harmony. In Hindu tradition, Vasishta & Arundhati are seen as a perfect couple from a marriage perspective embodying respect, devotion and marital bliss. The 7 star names as part of the Big Dipper comprise of Alkaid, Mizar, Alioth, Megrez, Phecda, Merak and Dubhe. Mizar & Alcor are said to be tied together. However it should be noted that these stars belonging as part of the Big Dipper do not exactly correspond to the Hinduism structure of 27 Nakshatras (or 28 inclusive of Abhijit).
Nakshatra Rishi Lineage
The only direct reference to Nakshatras is for one set of the Saptharishis where the 28 Nakshatras are assigned as 4 each among the Saptharishis. This is more in line with saying that one born in a particular Nakshatra will be coming under the lineage of that Rishi. Let's look at the list of the Nakshatras and the Kula Gothra Rishi associated with it.
-> Ashwini, Poosam (Pushya), Swathi, Abhijit - Rishi Marici
-> Bharani, Ayilyam (Ashlesha), Visagam (Vishakha), Thiruvonam (Shravana) - Rishi Vasishta
-> Karthika (Krithika), Magam (Magha), Anusham (Anuradha), Avittam (Dhanishta) - Rishi Angiras
-> Rohini, Pooram (Poorva Phalguni), Kettai (Jyeshta), Sadayam (Satabisha) - Rishi Atri
-> Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira), Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni), Moolam (Moola), Pooratathi (Poorva Bhadrapada) - Rishi Pulastya
-> Thiruvadirai (Arudra), Hastham (Hastha), Pooradam (Poorva Ashada), Uthirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada) - Rishi Pulaha
-> Punarpoosam (Punarvasu), Chithirai (Chitra), Uthiradam (Uttara Ashada), Revathi - Rishi Kratu
Siddhar Mantra
There is also a Mantra which is beneficial to be chanted when worshipping the Siddhar of one's Janma Nakshatra. This needs to be done with devotion reverencing your respective Siddhar thinking of the task and reciting it for 48 days at a stretch for 108 times. The Mantra goes as follows consisting of the Bheeja Aksharam as "Om Sing Rang Ang Sing" / "ஓம் சிங் ரங் அங் சிங்"
Nakshatra Siddhar Information
Summarising list of all the 27 Nakshatras connected with the respective Siddhars along with images and information on their Jeeva Samadhi location.
Ashwini:
Siddhar: Kalangi Nathar
Jeeva Samadhi: Kanchamalai and Thirukadaiyur
Bharani:
Siddhar: Bhogar
Jeeva Samadhi: Pazhani
Karthigai (Krithika):
Siddhar: Romarishi
Jeeva Samadhi: No Samadhi, it is believed he directly ascended to Kailash. It is suggested to worship him on Mondays by being seated in North direction and offering sweet jaggery
Rohini:
Siddhar: Machamuni (aka Matsyendranath)
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruparankundram
Siddhar: Pambatti & Sattaimuni (aka Sattainathar)
Jeeva Samadhi: For Pambatti it is Sankaran Kovil and Sattaimuni it is Thiruvarangam
Siddhar: Idaikadhar
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvannamalai
Punarpoosam (Punarvasu)
Siddhar: Dhanvantri
Jeeva Samadhi: Vaitheeswaran Kovil
Siddhar: Kamalamuni
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvarur
Siddhar: Agathiyar (aka Agasthya)
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvananthapuram. His glow of light (Oli Vattam) is said to be in Podhigai Mazhai at Kutralam
Siddhar: Siva Vaakiyar
Jeeva Samadhi: Kumbakonam
Pooram (Poorva Phalguni)
Siddhar: Ramadevar
Jeeva Samadhi: Azhagar Malai. There is also a Samadhi believed to be in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Siddhar: Kaga Bhujandar
Jeeva Samadhi: Uraiyur in Trichy District
Siddhar: Karuvurar
Jeeva Samadhi: Karur. His glow of light (Oli Vattam) is said to be in Periya Kovil at Thanjavur
Siddhar: Punnakeesar
Jeeva Samadhi: Nannaser
Swathi
Siddhar: Pulippani
Jeeva Samadhi: Vaigavur near to Pazhani
Jeeva Samadhi: For Nandeesar it is Kasi Nagar and Kudambai it is Mayavaram
Siddhar: Valmiki aka Vaalmeegar
Jeeva Samadhi: Ettukudi
Siddhar: Vyasa
Jeeva Samadhi: No Samadhi, it is believed that he dissolved all by himself. It is said that just thinking of him alone is enough and he will be there to support
Moolam (Moola)
Siddhar: Patanjali
Jeeva Samadhi: Rameshwaram
Jeeva Samadhi: Azhagar Malai. There is also a Samadhi believed to be in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Siddhar: Konganar
Jeeva Samadhi: Tiruppathi
Siddhar: Dakshinamurthy
Jeeva Samadhi: Pallithennal near Pondicherry
Avittam (Dhanishta)
Siddhar: Thirumoolar
Jeeva Samadhi: Chidambaram
Jeeva Samadhi: No information is available. However it is believed that just thinking of him will enable him to grant his grace
Siddhar: Jyoti Muni
Jeeva Samadhi: No Samadhi. It is believed that he took life in the form of Jyoti (Diya). Thus lighting lamps alone would invoke his grace
Siddhar: Damaragar
Jeeva Samadhi: No Samadhi. It is believed that he directly dissolved himself. Legend states that he will do service for human race in the form of music
Revathi
Siddhar: Sundara Nandhar
Jeeva Samadhi: Madurai
No comments:
Post a Comment