18 Siddhar Temple, Madambakkam – The Temple
The temple has vast area. The east facing temple does
not have tower. The main shrine enshrines Maha Meru, the great divine mountain.
The Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari is installed within the Meru idol. It is believed
that Sadasivam is present in invisible form inside the main shrine. All the famous
18 Siddhars are found in separate shrines in the outer prakara. This temple is
called as Universal Shrine was constructed as instructed by the Sathguru
Seshadhri Swamigal of Thiruvannamalai. The main temple has the shrines of
Jatamuneeswarar and Soolini Durga who are the Kaval Deivam of the temple.
Special prayers are offered to remove the effects of the cast of an evil eye
and when new vehicles are purchased.
A majestic Lord Nandikeswara is seated at the entrance
facing the Mahameru. Goddess Lalitha Maha Tripurasundari is consecrated as Maha
Meru. The goddess is seated on Sadasiva (Kameshwaran) who is found as a cot
(Manjapalagai). Shiva Shakthi Sri Chakra Maha Meru stands four feet tall,
symbolizing the universal cosmic power evolved from a single block of green
granite, the only one of its kind in the world.
The Divine Cow Kamadenu, the bestower of all boons,
adorns the Artha Mandapam in front of the Maha Meru. The idols of Sundara Ganapati
and Subramanya are found at the entrance of the main shrine. There is a Shrine
for Lord Rama with Lakshmana, Sita & Hanuman and Nagaraja (Rahu) with his
two consorts are situated at the entrance of the temple. Lord Rahu is present
with his consorts Nagavalli and Nagalakshmi built in the lines of
Thirunageswaram.
Sundara Ganapathy is also known as Runahara Ganapathy, takes
care of issues related to debts. Special prayers can be offered to him on
Sankatahara Chaturthi by offering 'Arugam' grass. Sri Subramanian with
his consorts Vali and Devasena is present here. Like in Thiruchendur,
Satrusamharatrisathi is done here. There are shrines of Lord Dakshina Moorthy,
the four Shaivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manikkavacakar, Lord
Vishnu and Lord Ayyappa around the main shrine of the Goddess.
Seshadri Swamigal is present in a prominent shrine near
the main shrine. Special prayers are offered on Hastham star, full moon and new
moon days. Golden padukas of the Sathguru adorn the shrine. Sukshma Meda is a
specially designed dais. Devotees can kneel down and place their hands on the
dais and have a direct communion with the Sathguru to find answers to their problems
through his grace.
There is a shrine for Goddess Raja Kali Amman. Devotees
can perform 'Senkolpuja'; any problems faced with government bodies or request
for sanctions will be answered through this prayer. She is the chief
administrator for Goddess Lalita Thirupurasundari and has found her way here on
her own request.
There is a shrine for Lord Guruvayurappan in the Temple
premises. This is built as a replica in the lines of Lord Krishna at
Guruvayoor. There are Five Sthala Vrikshams symbolizing the five elements
(Pancha Sakthis). There is a shrine of Arupalakshmi in the inner corridor of
the Temple. Prayers can be offered for prosperity and removal of all financial
problems. A big Gosala as well as a book store also present here.
18 Siddhar Sannidhis:
Separate Shrine for each of 18 Siddha Purushas are
constructed at this temple. Every sanctum appears very natural, real and
vibrant. For those interested in Pariharams, every two siddha purusha represent
one planet and hence this place is considered as Navagraha Parihara Sthalam.
1. Sri Sivavaakiyar
Siddhar:
He is referred to as Siva Vakkiyar as he kept uttering
the name of Shiva right from his birth. He was a disciple of Konganar
Siddhar. He gave up the material world and is believed to have lived for
over 4,000 years. His works include Naadi Parikshai and Sivavakiyar 1000. He is
said to represent Moon or Chandra Graha and his auspicious day is Monday.
2. Sri Kailaya Kambali Chattai
Muni Siddhar (Roma Rishi):
He is referred to as Roma Rishi as he is believed to
have come from Rome and also, since his body was covered with hair (Romam in
Tamil). He mastered all the eight siddhis. His works include Vroma Rishi
Vaithyam 1000 and Naago Roodam. Roma Rishi also represent the Moon or Chandra
Graha and his auspicious day is Monday.
3. Sri Maha Bhogar
Siddhar:
He is said to have born in China and was known to have
uttered mantras even as a child. He turned into an eminent siddha and was
graced by Lord Dhandayuthapani (Muruga), who entrusted him with the work of
carving the statue of Lord Muruga out of Nava Pashanam (nine rare herbs which
is said to cure diseases). This statue is present even today as the main statue
at Palani. His main works include Bogar Vaithyam 1000 Bogar 12000. Bhogar
Siddhar represent Planet Mars (Sevvai) and his auspicious day is Tuesday.
4. Sri Kaga Bhujandar
Siddhar:
Kagam means crow in Tamil. He is said to have been
present in various Yugas witnessing the Pralayam (According to Hindu mythology
a Pralayam is the Great Dissolution or destruction of various realms) as a crow
standing on a mountain top. His famous works include Kaaga Bujanda
Gnyanam, Kaaka Kaiveeyam 33 etc. Kaga Bhujandar represent the Planet Jupiter
(Guru) and his auspicious day is Thursday.
5. Sri Pullipani Siddhar:
Puli means Tiger in Tamil. He is the foremost disciple
of Bhogar Siddhar. Once to quench the thirst of his guru, Pulippani rode on a
Tiger and fetched water with his hands cupped. Hence, he is referred to as
Pulippani. He helped Bhogar Siddhar to carve the statue of Lord Muruga at
Palani using Navabhashanam, by getting all the necessary herbs. His famous
works include Pulippani Jaalam 325, Pulippani Vaidyam 500 etc. Pulippani
Siddhar represent the planet Mars (Sevvai) and his auspicious day is Tuesday.
6. Sri Chataimuni Siddhar:
Chatai in Tamil means dress. He considers this body as a
dress which should be thrown out one day. He was born at Srilanka and was a
disciple of Bhogar Siddhar. He obtained many medicinal and spiritual wisdom
from Saint Agasthiyar. His works include Sri Sattaimuni Karpam 100 and Sri
Sattaimuni Nigandu 1200. Chataimuni Siddhar represent Kethu and his auspicious
day is Friday.
7. Sri Agappei Siddhar:
He is originally a Nayanar born out of Tiruvalluvar
community. Being a weaver by profession, he could see how peoples mind wandered
and yearned for worldly attachments. Agam means inside in Tamil. He considered
this mind as a Pei (Ghost), Agappei (a ghost within our body) and wanted
to destroy it. Hence, he was referred to as Agappei Siddhar. He was a disciple
of Saint Vyasa. His writings include Agappei Siddharpaadal 90 and Agappei Poorna
Gnyanam 15. Agappei Siddhar represent the Planet Jupiter (Guru) and his
auspicious day is Thursday.
8. Sri Azhugani Siddhar:
He had mastered in herbs such as Azhugani and Thozhugani
and hence the name. He could as well sing wonderful hymns in beautiful poetical
language. His famous works include Azhugani Vaithyam and Azhugani Yogam. Azhugani
Siddhar represent Raghu Bhagavan and his auspicious day is Saturday.
9. Sri Kudhambai Siddhar:
Born into the Yadava clan Sir Kudumbai Siddhar was an
attractive child. His mother used to adorn his ears with Kudumbai an ornament
and hence his name. At the age of 16, a saint blessed him with the knowledge of
the Self. There after he retired from the materialistic world and wrote of God
and self in simple language. His works include Kudumbai Gyana Soothram 18 and Kudumbai
Siddhar Padalgal. He gained spiritual wisdom even from this previous birth and
had written many divine songs. Kudhambai Siddhar represent Kethu Bhagavan
and his auspicious day is Friday.
10. Sri Vallalar Siddhar:
Ramalinga Adigalar was also known as Arul Prakasa
Vallalar. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Muruga and believed in Jyothi
(light) as a form of worship. He established the Sudha Sanmarga Sangam
and endeavored to remove caste system. His notable work was
"Thiruvarutpa" and his teachings were service to mankind was a way of
achieving moksha. His famous quote was "Arul Perum Jyothi, Thani Perum
Karunai". Ramalinga Adigalar attained Mahasamadhi at Vadalur where he
transformed his physical body into light to merge with the supreme Lord. His
famous works include Maha Deiva Malai and Deiva Madini Maalai. Vallalar Siddhar
represent the Planet Mercury (Budhan) and his auspicious day is Wednesday.
11. Sri Idai Kadar
Siddhar:
He was born as a shepherd in a place called
Idaikaadu. Seeing his deep affection even towards a goat, a Siddhar
who was flying by, gave him divine powers and knowledge on astrology medicine
etc. There is an interesting story about him. Once he became aware of an
upcoming famine and had trained his goats to eat thorns and had covered his
house with grain and clay. Hence, he survived the famine by eating the grains
and drinking goats milk. Seeing this the Navagrahas (Nine Planets) were
astonished and visited him. Idai Kadar offered goats milk and wheat made out of
the grains in the house to Navagrahas, who soon fell asleep after a heavy meal.
In the meantime, Idaikadar changed the positions of these planets and brought
heavy rains to the village. Thus, he fooled even the Navagrahas. His
famous works include Idaikadar Gyana Soothram 70 and Idaikadar Kanida Nool. Idai
Kadar represent the Planet Mercury (Budhan) and his auspicious day is
Wednesday.
12. Sri Pattinathar
Siddhar:
Born in a rich family, he looked after his father's
business as a merchant. After a long waiting and prayers Lord Shiva himself was
born as his son. Once in one of the merchandise, the son brought a huge pack of
husks, Pattinathar got wild and scolded his son, who disappeared leaving a note
along with a needle without an eyelet, "Not even this needle without an
eyelet will follow you in your last journey". From then on, he renounced
his wealth and became a saint. There are many incidents in his life which brings
out his greatness. One day seeing a group of children playing in the sand, he
asked them to bury him and promised that he would appear elsewhere. He appeared
in many places and amazed the kids. Finally, when they buried him for the
last time, he disappeared and in his place, was a Shiva Linga. The place is
Thiruvotriyur in Chennai. His famous works include Thiruvidaimarudur
Mumani Kovai, Thiru Ekamba Mudayar Tiruvandadhi. Pattinathar Siddhar represent
the Sun and his auspicious day is Sunday.
13. Sri Kaduveli Siddhar:
He hailed from a town named Kaduveli. He performed
intense penance seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva at Irumbai. The place was
overheated and an ant hill was built around him. Only after he completed his
penance the place cooled down and it started raining. Turning wild with rage on
one of the villager’s gossips, he cursed the place to be turned into a desert.
Later on, he said, though his curse could not be taken back, the place will
turn green when people start moving in. This place is supposed to be Auroville
in Pondicherry. Though his songs are popular throughout the state, his
life is not documented. His famous works include Kaduveli Siddhar Paadal. Kaduveli
Siddhar represent the Sun God and his auspicious day is Sunday.
14. Sri Kanchamalai Siddhar:
He is believed to have been born in hills and
lived in Kanchamalai. He possessed various spiritual powers which enabled
him to even fly in the air. He wore dresses made of herbs. His famous
works include Kanchamalai Siddhar Kalakyaanam and Kanchamalai Siddhar Padalgal.
Kanchamalai Siddhar represent the planet Venus (Sukran) and his auspicious day
is Friday.
15. Sri Chennimalai
Siddhar:
Chennimalai Siddhar was born as a milkman and had split
tongue from birth. Hence, he was called Pinnakeesar. Pattinathar Siddhar was
his spiritual guru from whom he gained lot of spiritual wisdom. He found
medicines for many incurable diseases. He always lived in Athi tree and
attained mukthi therein. His writings are found in the Padinen Siddhar Kovai.
He has written the Pinnakeesar Thattuva Padalgal. Chennimalai Siddhar represent
the planet Venus (Sukran) and his auspicious day is Friday.
16. Sri Kapila Siddhar:
Siddhar Kapila incurred the curse of Lord Shiva lord and
was born in Madambakkam as a cow where he attained salvation. He worshipped
Lord Shiva at the Dhenupureeswarar Temple. His works include KadaichangaIlakiya
Noolgal. Kapila Siddhar represent the planet Saturn (Saneeswarar) and his
auspicious day is Saturday.
17. Sri Karuvoorar Siddhar:
Born in a place called Karuvur, he was a Sculptor by
birth. He gained spiritual prowess from Bhogar Siddhar. He was an
expert in sculpting and had sculpted many idols for well-known temples in
Tamilnadu. He mastered in the art of consecrating temples and
had consecrated temples which were very difficult or rather
impossible by others. Many scholars were jealous of him and wanted to
get rid of him. Seeing this he entered the temple at Karuvur and merged
with Lord Shiva. Karuvoorar is said to have sculpted in gold the dancing
Nataraja as requested by the Chola king Hiranayavarman. It was under his
guidance that the Brihadeeswarar temple was built by Raja Raja Chola at
Thanjavur. His famous works are Karuvoorar Vaidya Kaviyam 700 and Karuvoorar
Pala Thirattu. Karuvoorar Siddhar represent the planet Saturn (Saneeswarar) and
his auspicious day is Saturday.
18. Sri Paambati Siddhar:
He was a snake charmer by birth and was an expert in
controlling all the snakes. He found medicines for snake bite and knew about
every snake that lived around that area. Once while he was wandering in the
night trying to catch a rare variety of Snake, Sattaimuni Siddhar appeared
before him and said, "First, try and control the snake which is within
you, leave the rest of them free". He explained that Kundalani is the
greatest snake in a person’s body and mastering that will bring immense wisdom.
From then on Paambati Siddhar started carrying his journey inwards until he was
enlightened. He mastered several arts and preached the humanity in many ways.
His famous works are Paampatti Siddhar Gyana Soothram and Paampatti Siddhar
Padalgal. Paambati Siddhar represent the Planet Neptune (Rahu) and his
auspicious day is Saturday.
