Tamil Siddhars

With a deeply revered approach, we take inspiration from the ancient Tamil Siddha Tradition rising from the southern part of India, in present-day state of Tamilnadu. The Tamil Saints are called Siddhas which comes from a Tamil term derived from the root word ‘Chit’ (pure consciousness). One that abides as consciousness is called “Chittar” or Siddhar. They are Immoral Masters, having attained Mastery over the very basis of Existence. They are the spiritual scientists or “Yogis” of ancient Tamilnadu. Their sacred teaching was passed down solely by oral tradition before being gradually folded into the twilight language of mystic poetry. The several thousand documented words of these compassionate sages speak on medicine, yoga, inner and external alchemy, vastu sastra, astrology, occult science, martial art, lifestyle and ethics, tantric knowledge, gnana (path of wisdom), etc.

Of its numerous dimensions, only a part of the medicinal aspect is more known and remembered. Even after being aware of the physical body as transient, they honoured it as the only instrument by which a person can attain the ultimate goal. Thus, the system of Siddha medicine can be rightly called a by-product of the Siddha’s practice to read the Ultimate. This explains why this science, though perfected, appears to be a mingling of art, philosophy and science.

These words are taken directly from Siddhas: Masters of Nature, a book written by Thiru Palpandian to inspire the reader towards himself rather than a study of ancient science. The book, like our offerings at A Sunlit Path, offers an invitation; indicates where you stand and reminds you of Home.