SAGE AGASTHIYAR

Agasthiyar is one among the seven Holy Rishis (Saptharishis). He is the son of Sage Pulasthya and Urvashi, the celestial damsel. Lopamudhra, his consort is the embodiment of all the desirable feminine qualities of character and personality. She is considered one of the Maha Pativratas (Noble exalted wives) along with Mandodari and the others.

Siddhars were spiritual adepts who possessed the ashta siddhis, or the eight supernatural powers. Sage Agasthiyar is considered the guru of all Siddhars, and the Siddha medicine system is believed to have been handed over to him by Lord Muruga Himself.

Siddhars are the followers of Lord Shiva. Agasthiyar is the first Siddhar. His disciples and other siddhars contributed thousands of texts on Siddhar literature, including medicine and form the propounders of the system in this world. He is considered as the Father of Tamil literature and compiled the first Tamil grammar called Agathiyam. He is regarded to have lived in the 6th or 7th century B.C and specialized in language, alchemy, medicine and spirituality (yogam and gnanam).

Agasthiyar explained to the people about meaning of "Siddhas" and also explained that the human body is controlled by "Pancha boodhams". He is also called Kurumuni, meaning short (kuru) saint (muni). He made contributions to the field of Medicine and Astrology - especially Nadi astrology. He is said to have lived for over 5000 years, and that one of his medicinal preparations, Boopathi Kuligai, is so powerful that it can even bring the dead back to life. Two of his students and disciples were Therayar and Tholkappiar.

Auspicious days for worship : Sadhayam star