Siddha Vaidyam - " The Saga of Tradition "

The Siddha System of medicine is the oldest traditional treatment system generated from Dravidian culture. Siddha system of medicine is believed to be the oldest medical system in the known universe. The system is believed to be developed by 18 Siddhas in the south called siddhar. They are the ancient supernatural spiritual saints of India and the Siddha system is believed to be handed over to the Siddhar by the Hindu God - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Siddhars were of the concept that a healthy soul can only be developed through a healthy body. So they developed methods and medication that are believed to strengthen their physical body and thereby their souls. Men and women who dedicated their lives into developing the system were called ‘Siddhars’. They practiced intense yogic practices, including years of fasting and meditation. And believed to have achieved super natural powers and gained the supreme wisdom and overall immortality. Through this spiritually attained supreme knowledge, they wrote scriptures on all aspects of life, from arts to science and truth of life to miracle cure for diseases.

The word Siddha comes from the word Siddhi which means an object to be attained perfection or heavenly bliss. Siddha focused to "Ashtamahasiddhi" that is the eight supernatural power. Those who attained or achieved the above said powers are known as Siddhars. There were 18 important siddhars in olden days and they developed this system of medicine. Hence, it is called Siddha Medicine.

The Siddhars wrote their knowledge in palm leaf manuscripts, fragments of which were found in different parts of South India. It is believed that some families may possess more fragments, but keep them solely for their own use. There is a huge collection of Siddha Manuscripts kept by Traditional Siddha Families.

Today there are recognized Siddha Medical Colleges, run under the government universities where Siddha medicine is taught. But they are running the course with average syllabus compare to the knowledge of traditional Vaidyas. In Siddha Vaidyam there are many toxic drugs and heavy metals are using for manufacture bhasmas and chindooras. Lake of proper purification will cause major draw-backs in health. Traditional Siddha Physicians are doing effective purification process. But they hide it as traditional secret and transfer only to the next generation.