Siddha is a theological term that can apply to a person who has transcended boundaries and is close to divinity, a form of Alchemy (the Siddha Medicine System), Saiva Siddhantham and Yoga with Pranayama traditions and disciplines. It is generic and can come to denote anything as per the context as all are absolutely inter-related.

Who is a Siddha or a Siddhar?

A Siddhar is essentially a non-conformist and a revolutionary who is considered as someone above a Rishi (Sage) but below God Almighty (Lord Siva). They are Saints, Medical Practitioners, Alchemists and Mystics with supernatural powers who have attained enlightenment. They never withdrew from the worldly affairs. As a matter of fact, their literature on Siddha Medicines throws light on their nature of caring for the wellness of human beings. They practiced a type of spirituality where they firmly held that the human body is a microcosm of the elements of the universe. In relation to this, they strongly believed that a strong mind is possible only when there is a sound body that is disease-free. So the Siddhas propounded that perfect body and mind can be achieved by medicines which they gave to themselves like Karpam. They laid great emphasis on strict observance of discipline (daily activities according to a well laid-out schedule), seasonal discipline and food regulations.

Lord Siva is the first Siddhar followed by Umayal, his consort, and Nandi. The tradition of Siddhars starts with Sage Agathiyar or Agastya. The original Tamil Siddhars are eighteen in number, referred popularly as “Pathinenmar” in Classical Tamil or “Pathinettu Siddhargal” in Spoken Tamil, all meaning, “The Eighteen Siddhas”.

The Siddha Medicinal System 

Siddha system is a holistic medical system preaching a codified lifestyle with care to health as an essential primary element. The medical system was perfected many thousands of years ago in Tamil-speaking peninsular India, referred to as Tamizhagam or Tamilakam. This medicinal system is also popularly referred to as Tamil Maruthuvam, Chinthamani Maruthuvam or Arivan Maruthuvam. Since the days of Thirumoolar, this system is popularly called as the Siddha Medicine or simply Siddha system.

Siddha system clearly lays down that even human body is made of the same five primordial elements of the universe, the Panchaboothas or Panchaboothangal, viz, Nilam (Earth), Neer (Water), Neruppu (Fire), Vali (wind) and Veli (space). It emphasizes that the human body is the microcosm of our Universe and hence the human body and its mind interact with the cosmic energy.

The Siddha Medical system has three major divisions and all are completely interwoven.

• Kaappu or Noyilla Neri (Prevention and protection)
• Neekkam or Noy Neekka Neri (Curative – Removal of diseases and disability)
• Niraippu or Uramaakku Neri (Restoration of people to their full strength or potential)

A specific feature in Siddha care is the Kalpamurai also called as Kayakalpa or Karpam where the human being from its fetal stage can be fortified to hold rock-like strength through a series of efforts. The efforts outlined are nothing but admixtures of a disciplined lifestyle and strengthening the body with drugs and formulations. As part of the disciplined lifestyle, Siddha propagates regular dietary habit, early rising, and physical activities.

In this fast-moving world where many body conditions are also attributed to growing stress, Siddha rightly goes one step further and declares that diseases not only manifest due to improper and excessive food but also due to the derangement in basic character of human being. By its own definition, Siddha system characterizes the basic guna of human beings as              Sathuva Gunam (a Saint-like attitude), Rasathuva Gunam (a King-like attitude) and Thamova Gunam (a person with lower level of mental and material attainment).