The Siddhars, Rishis and their connection with Nakshatras & Navagrahas

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 Kaga Bhujandar, Pulippani, Kalangi Nathar, Nandi Devar, Kanjamalai, Sennimalai, Punnakesar, Azhugunar, Theraiyar, Pulastya 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 (aka Sundaranathar)
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) Bhogar
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.

From the above list, it is worth noting that only Sage Agasthya and Sage Patanjali's life span spreading across Yugas whereas all other Siddhar's life time spanning in the range from centuries to thousands of years. However the Sage who's believed to have the highest lifespan of all is Siddhar Kaga Bhujandar who is believed to have lived for millions of years across multiple cycles of creation and destruction. He is said to lived in the form of a crow and gets his name from 'Kagam' which translates as Crow in Tamil. He is termed as the "Immortal Sage" due to his perpetual timeline. Sage Kaga Bhujandar is believed to have given instructions to Sage Vasishta and obtained initiation from Lord Shiva in multiple eras.  

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 (aka Sundaranathar)
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.

Nakshatra relation to the Rishis
There is also believed to be a Nakshatra related with a particular Rishi. There are no repetitions here and each of the Nakshatras including Abhijit has one Rishi linked to its constellation. Thus praying to one's Rishi in relation to their birth star can be beneficial. This is most probably derived from Gothra or lineage of a Rishi connected to a particular Nakshatra. The names here are very different from the Nakshatras connected with Siddhars. In fact from the list of Siddhars, only Agasthya Munivar sees a mention in this list as well though he is connected to a different Nakshatra as per the lineage. Listing below the Rishis for all the 28 Nakshatras including the intercalary star of Abhijit.

1) Ashwini - Katyayana
2) Bharani - Rishibadhanya
3) Karthigai (Krithika) - Agnivesha
4) Rohini - Anurohi
5) Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira) - Swethayi
6) Thiruvadirai (Arudra) - Bhargava
7) Punarpoosam (Punarvasu) - Vatsyayana
8) Poosam (Pushya) - Bharadwaja
9) Ayilyam (Ashlesha) - Jatukarna
10) Magam (Magha) - Vyaghrapada
11) Pooram (Poorva Phalguni) - Parashara
12) Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni) - Upashiva
13) Hastham (Hastha) - Mandavya
14) Chithirai (Chitra) - Gauthama
15) Swathi - Kaundinya
16) Visagam (Vishakha) - Kapi
17) Anusham (Anuradha) - Maitreya
18) Kettai (Jyeshta) - Kaushika
19) Moolam (Moola) - Kutsa
20) Pooradam (Poorva Ashada) - Haritha
21) Uthiradam (Uttara Ashada) - Kashyapa
22) Abhijit - Saunaka
23) Thiruvonam (Shravana) - Atri
24) Avittam (Dhanishta) - Garga
25) Sadayam (Shatabisha) - Dakshayana
26) Pooratathi (Poorva Bhadrapada) - Vatsa
27) Uttirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada) - Agasthya
28) Revathi - Sankyayana

Siddhars associated with the Navagrahas
Other than the renowned 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, Agapeyar
Venus - Kanjamalai, Sennimalai
Saturn - Kapilar, Karuvurar
Rahu - Alugunar, 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.

Vasishta's Ancestral History and Linkage with Other Sages
The Puranas state Sage Vasishta to be one of the mind born sons of Lord Brahma. Vasishta along with his consort Arundathi are mentioned to have given birth to Maharishi Shakti who has been referred to in the epic Mahabharat. Sage Shakti subsequently gave birth to Maharishi Parashara who is well known as the author of many hindu texts and considered a father figure of Astrology having written the eternal classic "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra". From Parashara, was born Maharishi Vyasa who is traditionally credited to being the author of the greatest epic "Mahabharat". From Vyasa was born Maharishi Sukar in the form of a parrot face who is recognised as the foremost narrator of the scripture "Bhagavata Purana".

Inset Left to Right: Lord Brahma -> Sage Vasishta -> Sage Shakti -> Sage Parashara -> Sage Vyasa -> Sage Sukar

Sanakadi Munis (Four Kumaras) and the Association with Lord Brahma & Guru Dakshinamurthy
Speaking of Lord Brahma and mind born sons, there are also 4 other mind born sons created by Brahma whose names are Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumara. They are commonly termed as the Four Kumaras and also known as Sanakadi Rishis. They are described as the first ever mind born creations and believed to have undertaken lifelong celibacy with their purpose being forever learning and being in the spiritual realm through devotional services with no desire whatsoever towards anything materialistic. In many iconographies, you would see these 4 Sages being under the tutelage of Lord Dakshinamurthy to seek the ultimate truth and get imparted with supreme knowledge.

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 Saptharishi 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

Mrigaseerisham (Mrigashira)
Siddhar: Pambatti & Sattaimuni (aka Sattainathar)
Jeeva Samadhi: For Pambatti it is Sankaran Kovil and Sattaimuni it is Thiruvarangam

Thiruvadirai (Arudra)
Siddhar: Idaikadhar
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvannamalai

Punarpoosam (Punarvasu)
Siddhar: Dhanvantri
Jeeva Samadhi: Vaitheeswaran Kovil

Poosam (Pushya)
Siddhar: Kamalamuni
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvarur

Ayilyam (Ashlesha)
Siddhar: Agathiyar (aka Agasthya)
Jeeva Samadhi: Thiruvananthapuram. His glow of light (Oli Vattam) is said to be in Podhigai Mazhai at Kutralam

Magam (Magha)
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

Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni)
Siddhar: Kaga Bhujandar 
Jeeva Samadhi: Uraiyur in Trichy District

Hastham (Hastha)
Siddhar: Karuvurar 
Jeeva Samadhi: Karur. His glow of light (Oli Vattam) is said to be in Periya Kovil at Thanjavur

Chithirai (Chitra)
Siddhar: Punnakeesar 
Jeeva Samadhi: Nannaser

Swathi
Siddhar: Pulippani
Jeeva Samadhi: Vaigavur near to Pazhani

Visagam (Vishakha)

Siddhar: Nandeesar (aka Nandi Devar) & Kudambai
Jeeva Samadhi: For Nandeesar it is Kasi Nagar and Kudambai it is Mayavaram

Anusham (Anuradha)
Siddhar: Valmiki aka Vaalmeegar 
Jeeva Samadhi: Ettukudi

Kettai (Jyeshta)
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

Pooradam (Poorva Ashada)

Siddhar: Ramadevar aka Yagopu
Jeeva Samadhi: Azhagar Malai. There is also a Samadhi believed to be in Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Uthiradam (Uttara Ashada)
Siddhar: Konganar 
Jeeva Samadhi: Tiruppathi

Thiruvonam (Shravana)
Siddhar: Dakshinamurthy
Jeeva Samadhi: Pallithennal near Pondicherry

Avittam (Dhanishta)
Siddhar: Thirumoolar
Jeeva Samadhi: Chidambaram

Sadayam (Satabhisha)

Siddhar: Kowbalar
Jeeva Samadhi: No information is available. However it is believed that just thinking of him will enable him to grant his grace

Pooratathi (Poorva Bhadrapada)
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

Uttirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada)
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

Note: For Pooratathi (Poorva Bhadrapada) star, the Siddhar is Jyoti Muni who is said to have appeared in the form of a jyoti (light), hence there is no traditional Siddhar picture. Thus any invocation of the divine with the background of the light of Diya can be used as a methodology for Siddhar worship. For Uthirattathi (Uttara Bhadrapada) also, there is not much information available on Sage Damaragar hence the image may not be of the correct Siddhar. For this star it is suggested to pray to the Siddhar through the medium of bell sounds. However irrespective of the pictures, just thinking of one's respective Siddhar and praying to them will have the same effect and its not required to always only see an image and pray to them. A majority of the pictures in this article have been sourced from the web.

Navagraha Siddhar Information
Summarising list of all the 9 Navagrahas connected with the respective 2 Siddhars linked to each of the planets Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.

Sun:
Siddhar: Pattinathar & Kaduveli

Moon:

Siddhar: Siva Vakiyar & Kambili

Mars:

Siddhar: Bhogar & Pulippani

Mercury:

Siddhar: Vallalar & Idaikadhar

Jupiter:

Siddhar: Kaga Bhujandar & Agapeyar

Venus:

Siddhar: Kanjamalai & Sennimalai

Saturn:

Siddhar: Kapilar & Karuvurar

Rahu:

Siddhar: Alugunar & Pambatti

Ketu:

Siddhar: Sattaimuni & Kudambai

The ways of the Divine - Sri Rangam Calling!🛕

There is something intrinsically sacrosanct about last minute plans especially when invoking the divine. Our decision to go to Sri Rangam was impromptu and took place at the eleventh hour. Now looking at it in hindsight, it was certainly one of the best decisions ever made as the Lord arranged everything for us at his own accord which we savoured to our heart's content. 

Even though a thought had been looming to visit Sri Rangam for almost a week, the action to eventually go was implanted only around the early hours of the evening when we boarded the bus and decided to walk the tightrope. The divine was calling and we just followed its ways and everything crystallised as per his beck & call. We reached Sri Rangam in the wee hours of the morning on 10th Aug 2025 without having an accommodation and he just magically led us to stay at a comfortable place within striking distance of the iconic Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. No amount of planning would have ever resulted in getting us a place in the proximity of a sanctorum circulating the pure air of divinity around for us to breathe and get purified.

Appended below is the list of temples that were visited in and around Sri Rangam (Trichy) on 10th & 11th August 2025

Divya Desams:
1) Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Rangam
2) Sri Purushottaman Perumal Temple (Uthamar Kovil), Thirukkarambanoor
3) Sri Appakudathan Perumal Temple, Thirupper Nagar
4) Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, Thiru Anbil
5) Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai

Pancha Bhoota Element: (Water)

6) Jambukeshwarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

Amman:
7) Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram

Krishna:
8) Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Footprints, Sri Rangam
9) Sri Jagannath Mutt, Sri Rangam

Narasimha:
10) Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple, Sri Rangam

Divya Desam: 
Divya Desams are special 108 temples of Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi which have been mentioned in the works of the 12 Alwars (Poet Saints of Vishnu) who are known for their meticulous devotion having compiled the Divya Prabandham consisting of 4000 verses. Out of 108, only 106 are in the physical realm belonging in Planet Earth with 105 of these located in India and the one located outside India happens to be at Saligramam in Nepal. The two Divya Desams not located on Earth happen to be Kshira Sagara - the divine ocean in Heaven and Vaikunta - the heavenly abode of Vishnu & Lakshmi. Out of the total 108 Divya Desams, 6 of them happen to be around theTrichy border.

We managed to cover 5 of these 6 having our base location just about a stone's throw away from the magnificent Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple. Listed below are brief insights on the 5 Divya Desams that were covered during our yatra.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Sri Rangam
This is a dazzling architectural marvel alluring in form and glittering in structure. It is considered as one of the foremost Vaishnava temple. It is the numero-uno in the list of the 108 Divya Desam temples and thronged by people all over the globe with it being listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. The temple tower known as Gopuram in Srirangam is termed as the "Raja Gopuram" and is said to be the largest Gopuram in the whole of Asia. Sri Rangam hosts tonnes of deities across Hindu mythology with the main deity being Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu. He is seen along with his primary consort Ranganayaki and two secondary consorts besides to the left & right of her viz Bhu Devi and Nila Devi. The most interesting fact about Sri Rangam temple is that it would not even have seen the light of the day. As legend goes, it is believed that this deity rose from the Ocean (Paarkadal) as a result of Brahma’s penance after which Ikshvaku, a descendant king of the Sun God (Surya), brought this idol to his capital in Ayodhya. This was then handed over to Lord Rama who is said to have received the idol by way of inheritance and worshipped it with great reverence. He had then requested Vibheeshana, the brother of Ravana, to install this deity in Sri Lanka with instructions to not rest the idol elsewhere. Vibheeshana, being a devout Brahmin, performed daily rituals at dusk and dawn every day. It so happened that he could not return to Lanka before sunset and set the deity down before commencing his evening ritual. It is then inferred that the idol bonded to the soil of the earth and could not be displaced by anybody and from then on it has stayed put right here in our very own Sri Rangam. The best way to worship the idols at Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is by taking all the time in the world by traversing through the acres of land consisting of towers aplenty with multitude of shrines. One should definitely ensure not to miss the Ramanuja Shrine (Udayavar Sannidhi) where the mortal remains of the holy saint is preserved to this day using natural substances such as sandalwood and saffron. Ramanujacharya was said to be born in 1017 and died at the ripe age of 120 in 1137. Since then for the last 888 years as of 2025, his soul has remained still intact in a seated position. Application of camphor & vermilion on his body twice a year gives his holy presence an ochre (orangish yellow brown) tint. It is gravity defying and has to be seen to be believed.
Divya Desam # - 1
Vishnu Name - Ranganatha Perumal
Lakshmi Name - Ranganayaki Thayar

Sri Purushottaman Perumal Temple (Uthamar Kovil), Thirukkarambanoor

This is a rare Vaishnava temple dedicated to the Trimurtis of Hinduism viz Lord Vishnu - the preserver of the universe, Lord Shiva - the destroyer of the universe and Lord Brahma - the creator of the universe. This is 3rd on the list of the Divya Desams. The God Vishnu here also is in reclining form and termed as Sri Purushottaman Perumal and his consort goes by the name of Poornavali Thayar. It is also known as Bhikshandar Kovil as Lord Shiva was relieved of his doshas. This temple also talks about husband & wife living in unity and understanding termed as "Uthamba" meaning best, so it also came to be known as Uthamar Kovil. Lord Vishnu is said to have emerged as a Kadamba tree to test the devotion of Lord Bramma and hence this place also goes by the name of Kadhambanur or Karambanur.

Divya Desam # - 3

Vishnu Name - Purushottaman Perumal

Lakshmi Name - Poornavali Thayar

Sri Appakudathan Perumal Temple, Thirupper Nagar

The name of the Vishnu God here is Sri Appakkudathaan Perumal again seen in a sleeping posture and he is seen with his consort Sri Kamalavalli Thayar. This is 6th on the list of the Divya Desams. The temple is one of the five Pancharanga Kshetrams, a group of five Hindu temples on the banks of the River Kaveri. Appam is a popular sweet dish prepared here in the temple daily as Neivedya and legend has it that Perumal got the name as Appakudathan since he received a pot of Appam from King Upamanyu.

Divya Desam # - 6

Vishnu Name - Appakudathan Perumal

Lakshmi Name - Kamalavalli Thayar

Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple, Thiru Anbil

This is another Vishnu seen in a reclining avatar and here he goes by the name of Sundara Raja Perumal and the Goddess is referred to as Sri Sundaravalli Thayar. This temple comes as the 5th of the Divya Desams. Vadiva Azhagiya or Sundara means "Beautiful" and it is believed that Lord Vishnu came as a handsome young man in front of Lord Brahma and mentioned that his physical appearance is just temporary and one has to be good at heart.

Divya Desam # - 5

Vishnu Name - Sundararaja Perumal

Lakshmi Name - Sundaravalli Thayar

Sri Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai

The God Vishnu goes by the name of Pundarikakshan and the Goddess name is Pankajavalli Thayar. This is 4th on the list of Divya Desams. 'Pundari' denotes beautiful eyes and the Lord is said to be possessing enchanting eyes. Here, you would see Lord Vishnu in a standing posture with the Sun and Moon spanning the Lord on left & right and seated along on both sides are Markandeya Rishi and Bhooma Devi doing penance for the world. In this temple you would also witness Garuda in standing posture and Adishesha in a Manly avatar. This temple is said to be built by Sibi Chakravarthy.

Divya Desam # - 4

Vishnu Name - Pundarikaksha Perumal

Lakshmi Name - Pankajavalli Thayar

Pancha Bhoota Sthala

Pancha Bhoota Sthalam refers to 5 temples designated to Lord Shiva pertaining to the 5 primordial elements of nature viz Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. From the name it can be figured out that Pancha means "5", Bhoota refers to "element" and Sthala denotes "place". All these temples are located in South India with 4 of them being in Tamil Nadu (Earth, Water, Fire & Ether) and the remaining one representing Air element located in Andhra Pradesh. The 5 Pancha Sthalas are as listed below:

Earth - Ekambareshwar Temple - Kanchipuram - Tamil Nadu

Water - Jambukeshwarar Temple - Trichy - Tamil Nadu

Fire - Annamalaiyar Temple - Tiruvannamalai - Tamil Nadu

Air - Sri Kalahasti Temple - Kalahasti - Andhra Pradesh

Ether - Thillai Natarajar Temple - Chidambaram - Tamil Nadu

Jambukeshwarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

During our visit to Trichy, we got an opportunity to visit the magnificent Jambukeshwarar Temple dedicated to the Water element. 'Water' is often referred to as the universal solvent and has a major bearing to do with one's personal emotions, feelings, intuitions and flow of creativity. Hence it was a blessing to worship at this temple. Also this temple is said to be associated with Pooradam or Poorva Ashada Nakshatra because its Devata is said to be Apah - The God of Water. The main deities here are Shiva who goes by the name "Jambukeshwara" and his consort Parvathi who takes the name of "Akilandeshwari". Legend has it that the sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground water stream which in spite of pumping water out is always filled with water. The folklore goes like Parvathi mocking Shiva for his deep penance for which Shiva condemns her act and sends her to Earth in order to do penance. Goddess Akilandeshwari realising her folly is believed to have performed penance to atone her mistake. It is said that she found the Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance and made a lingam out of the water from river Kaveri under the Venn Naaval tree and commenced her worship. The lingam is said to be known as Appu Lingam. Also worth noting is that this temple exclusively hosts the Navagraha Saturn (Shani) with consort 'Jyeshta Devi'. There is also a rare deity of Moon God (Chandra) flanked by consorts Krithika and Rohini.  

Nature Element  - Water

Shiva Name - Jambukeshwara

Parvathi Name - Akilandeshwari

Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Samayapuram

Apart from all the homage towards Lord Vishnu & the Divya Desams and also visiting the Shiva water element temple, we were also fortunate to receive honourable Mariamma's blessings showered upon us at Samayapuram. It was a massive temple that was packed to the rafters. We bought the necessary essentials to gift her such as flowers, a pair of eyes stickers (known to cure eye related issues), a Thali charadu (yellow thread) and waded through the long queue to get a magical glimpse of her. The aura around the sanctum felt very energetic with a powerful vibe prevalent throughout. The deity Mariamman is said to be a supreme form of Kali/Durga/Adi Shakthi and made of sand, clay and medicinal herbs unlike many of the traditional stone idols.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Footprints, Sri Rangam

The blessings continued to pour thanks largely to my blessed friend who being a supreme Krishna Bhakt, whose bonding towards the Lord has no bounds and is unconditionally pure insisted on visiting the abode of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna during the late 15th and early 16th century. That was like the harbinger for many superlative things to follow. The Pujari there who had been maintaining this small shrine regaled us with stories glorifying on the Lord and he was also instrumental in accompanying and giving us interesting anecdotes during our visit to few of the Divya Desams. Got to learn more about the legend of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu from both my friend and the Pujari along with also receiving an English translated copy of the Bhagawad Gita which felt very gratifying. It is believed that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is strongly considered to be Krishna himself laid his footprints on the holy town of Sri Rangam spending 4 months over there in the year 1510 where he observed Chaturmasya Vrata on the banks of the River Kaveri.

Sri Jagannath Mutt, Sri Rangam

Through our conversation with the Pujari at the Chaitanya Mahaprabhu shrine, one thing led to another and we also received the information of a Jagannath Mutt being located nearby at North Chitrai street by the side of Sri Rangam temple paying obeisance to Lord Jagannath. This place also gained extra prominence and propitiousness when we heard that this was the very same place where Mahaprabhu actually spent his time in Srirangam over 500 years back in 1510. There was no way we could miss this and hence decided to pay our reverence at this holy habitat too.

Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple, Sri Rangam
As the name denotes, this translates to a "Beautiful Lion from the Forest". Lord Narasimha is well known for being depicted as a Lion and hence the moniker. This is located by the side of the Sri Rangam railway station. History states that this particular precinct was a forest area inhabited by wild animals with people being heavily frightened and also not resorting to killing since its a sin. To escape from this dilemma, this particular temple was build invoking the Lion God Narasimha. Pleased with the devotion, it is believed Narasimha stayed here along with Lakshmi Thayar and protected the devotees. This temple apparently dates back much earlier than even before the inscription of Sri Rangam temple. The Black deity of Narasimha seated along with his consort Lakshmi is indeed a breathtaking beauty.

On the whole it was a momentous, memorable and mystical Mandir yatra. We covered plethora of temples over our 2 day stay and the best part of the whole visit was that nothing at all appeared rushed. It was not just us but even the holy idols which we carried in the form of 'Adishesha' and 'Anantha' also obtained boundless blessings. We got all the time to wing our way through, soak in, immerse and feel the divine in all it's splendour without ever thinking about the time at hand. It felt like as if the divine personally accompanied us everywhere making all the necessary arrangements along the way. We just went with the flow with almost every single decision taken just at that opportune moment and it paved the way for us to get enshrined with majestic blessings all the way through his divine enclosures.

P.S: Please note that majority of the pictures and selective capsules of information pertaining to the history, lineage & culture of the temples have been sourced from the net. Credits to the original sharers and outlets.