1.

Agathiyar

• He is considered as the Father of Tamil Literature. He compiled first Tamil grammer called
Agathiyam.
• It is believed that he has lived in the 6th or 7th Century BC. He is direct dispels of Lord Siva.
• Specialized in language, alchemy, medicine, meditation & spirituality (yogam & gnanam).
• 96 books in the name of Agathiyar – Vaidiya Sigamani, Chendhooram - 300, Mani-400,
Sivajalam, Sakthijalam etc.

• Still it is believed that the healings spirit of Agathiya hovers in the mountains of the Courtalam
is the southern end of Tamil Nadu.
2.Thirumoolar

• The Prince of Mystics is said to be the disciple of Nandhidevar.

• His age is fixed approximately between 5th and 8th centuries.

• His work Tirumandiram, deals with the body and soul.

• Thirumanthiram is considered as a Bible for Thanthrik Yoga.

Thirumoolar is considered as the Emperor of Siddha system of medicine who is the prime author for
the famous literary works of THIRUMANTHIRAM and SAIVA SIDDHANTAM which framed the basic
principles of Siddha system. A hypothesis of Thirumoolar in Atomic theory has been reinstated as
Nanotechnology in this decade. His principles on Physiology in Siddha system are astonishing.
Thirumoolar is the only Siddha who emphasized more on sound mind in a sound body by which one
can achieve the mortality by kalpa yoga procedures. Versions of Thirumoolar are certainly appropriate
for this present / modern, stressful world. It is helpful in combating non-communicable diseases such
as myocardial infarction, degenerative diseases and depressive disorders. Regular practice of yoga will
undoubtedly improve the over-all health and human character for the better.
3.Bogar
• His period is ascribed 4th Centuries B.C. It is believed that he has traveled China and
propagated the spiritual philosophy in China.
• He is considered as the descendant of Thirumoolar.
• He has attained samathi at Palani.
• It is considered that the statue of Lord Muruga was concocted with Nava pasana (Nine
arsenical compounds).
• He has contributed on the field of alchemy, medicine and yoga.
• His contribution on the synthesis of mercury, mercurial compounds and arsenical compounds
are note worth.

• More than 42 works on Siddha medicine are found to be available on his name.
4.Konganar

• Konganar is considered as the son of Bogar. His period is said to be 4th and 5th centuries B.C.
• He has lived probably in Koganagiri of Kongunadu in Tamil nadu.
• Out of all his works more than 40 deal with the alchemy and the elixir (muppu) of life.

• He has also contributed more on philosophy, medicine and spiritual practices.

5.Therayar

• He is the latest siddhar lived. His period is fixed between 14th & 15th Centuries.
• He is considered to be the master of all the fields like astrology, mysticism, alchemy, medicine
and language.
• The degree of his scholarship is considered to be the supreme.
• The style of the language is considered as the best as any contemporary Tamil poets.
• He has mastered all the languages like Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Thulu and
Sanskrit.
• His Guru (Master) was Dharmasowmiyar.

• His work on medicine especially on classification of diseases with their managements and
prognosis are highly praise worthy.
 6.Korakkar

Place of birth : Trikonamalai/ Sathurakirimalai

• Synonyms : korakkanathar
• Guru : Allama prabu
• Disciple : Siddha Nagarjunar
• Contributions : Korakkar brahma gnanam 1 - Korakkar kalai gnanam
500(endangered) - Korakkar vaippu (Endangered) -
Korakkar brahma gnana soothiram
Korakkar karpa soothiram

• Special notes : He has specially used kanja (Indian hemp) in his preparations
poorana lehyam/chooranam and so that herb is named after him.
7.Karuvurar

• Period - 11 th century AD
• Synonym - karuvur thevar
• Place of birth - Karuvur
• Guru - Bogar/ Kamalamuni
• Disciple - Edaikkadar
• Contributions - Karuvurar vadha kaviyam

Karuvurar siva gnana bodhakam

Thiru isaippa

• Samadhi - Karuvur
• Special notes - His contribution in construction of Tanjore temple is enormous. There is a
special siddhar sannidhi for him even now at Tanjore big temple
 8.EDAIKKADAR

• Period - 11 th and 12 th century AD

• Synonym - Edaikkadu siddhar
• Place of birth - Thiruedaikkodu
• Guru - Karuvurar/ Bogar/Navanatha siddhars
• Disciple - Alukanneesar /kudhambai/kaduveli
• Samadhi - Thiruedaikkodu

• Special notes-His contribution towards Rasavatham/Kayakalpam is remarkable

9.Chatta muni

• Period - 11th century AD

• Synonym - Kamblichattamuni/kailasa chattamuni/sattanadar
• Place of birth - An srilankan nationality is assumed
• Guru - Dakshinamoorthy/ Nandhi
• Disciple - Sundarandhar

• Contributions - Satta muni pin gnanam 100

Sattamuni vadha kaviyam 1000

Sattamuni vatha soothiram 200
Sattamini gnana vilakkam 51
Thiru isaippa

• Samadhi - Srirangam or Sirkali

• Special notes- His contribution as guru for Alchemy is noteworthy.

He took kalpam to change the body thathuvas and by which he evolved 96 thathuvas.
10.Sundaranandar
• Period - 11th century AD
• Synonym - Sorupamendra siddhu
• Place of birth - Mahendra hills/Podhigai hills
• Guru - Chattamuni
• Disciple - Tamarakar
• Contributions - Sundaranandar siva yoga gnanam 32
• Sundaranadar vakkya sutram 64

• Samadhi - Kudal/Thiruvarur/Varaka kundram

Special notes - His expertise in preparation of chunnam is of great

astonishment
11.Ramadevar

• Period - 6-8 century AD

• Synonym - Yacob
• Place of birth - Mahendra hills/Podhigai hills
• Guru - Pulathiyar
• Disciple - Tamarakar

• Contribution - Rama devar 1000

• Samadhi - Alagar malai

Special notes - His contribution in conversion of Sthula sariram into sukkuma

Sariram and devlpment of kayakalpa as art and science was
Initiated by Ramadevar
12.Pambatti
 • Period - 11th century AD
• Synonym - No references
• Place of birth - Marutha malai in kongunadu
• Guru - Chattamuni
• Contributions - All the versions related with gnana siddhi starting with

Aadu Pambe
Samadhi - sankaran koli
Special notes - Atta maa siddhis of siddhars are mentioned by him
13.Macha muni

Period - 11th century AD

• Synonym - Nondi siddhar

• Place of birth - Machai desam in pandya kingdom
• Guru - Kakapusundar/agasthiyar/pinnakkesar
• Disciple - Sundarandhar
• Contributions - Machendra nadhar endra nondi siddhar padal
• Samadhi - Thiruparankundram/Thiruvanaikkavu

• Special notes - He is called as samayathitta siddhar as he retained Sivabakthi

14.Kudambai

Period - 11 th century AD

• Place of birth - Mayavaram

• Guru - Alukaneesar

• Contributions - Kudambai siddhar padalkal on philosophy of Siddhars

 • Samadhi - Mayavaram

• Special notes- His works are more towards spirtiual bliss and gnanayoga
15.Azhuganni siddhar

• Period - 11 th and 12 thcentury AD

• Synonym - Azhugai siddhar
• Place of birth - Vaira giri
• Guru - Edaikkadar
• Contributions - Siddhar gnanakovai
• Samadhi - Nagapattinam

• Special notes - All his poems are pathetically melodious adressing the lady
16.Ahappei

Period - 11 th century AD

• Synonym - No references
• Place of birth - Marutha malai in kongunadu
• Guru - korakkar
• Contributions - All the versions related with Gnana siddhi starting with
Devil mind-Endangered
• Samadhi - Thiruvalankadu

• Special notes - He is different from other siddhars mentioning search

inside for peace instead of yoga
17.Nandhi devar

• Period - 11th century AD

• Synonym - No references
• Place of birth - Marutha malai in kongunadu
• Guru - Lord Siva
• Disciples - Thirumoolar/Romarishi/Dakshinamoorthy
• Contributions - Nandhi kalai gnanam 1000
• Samadhi - Sri sailam at kalahasthi

• Special notes - GURU OF GURUS

18.Kakapusundar
 • Period - 11th century AD
• Synonym - Pusundar
• Place of birth - Vadasalai
• Guru - Agasthiyar
• Disciple - Romarishi / Vasinathar
• Contributions - Pusundar mei gnana vilakkam-80/pusundar gnanam-19
• Samadhi - Kailaya padayam /Nagamalai nadu vattaram

Special notes - He is expertise in Thailatham,Anjanam,Vaidyam,&Vatham

ABOUT SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

The different cultural traditions in the world had profounded their medical system to cater the needs of their society
suitably like, Greek, China, Arabs and India. In India we had two distinct cultures one is Vedic and the other one is
Thanthric.
The sages of south India, who practised Thanthrism contributed and established a Medical system to serve the
humanity in general and their own society in particular. Those sages were called as Siddhars and the medical
system profounded by them is called as Siddha system of medicine. Though the creation of this system is ascribed
to Lord Siva the creator of the universe, the sage Agasthiya is considered as father figure of this medical system. He
is also considered to be the father figure to the Tamil language and culture. Even today Lord Siva is named as
Vaitheeswaran, Maruntheeswarar. You all know that Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world, which has got
greater antiquity. It was nurtured and developed in different point of times by three Tamil academies (Tamil Sangam)
of which the First Tamil Sangam dates back 3000 BC. The oldest Tamil book ‘Tholkappiam’ is also considered to be
written in 3000 BC. As RSH Risely rightly puts ‘Decon itself is one of the ancient geological formations in the world’
and the great Tamil scholar K.A.Appadurai states that the culture of the Tamils is the cradle of civilization. The third
Tamil Academy (Kadai Sangam) was established in the 2000 BC. The books like “Thirukkural” and others are the
monumental evidences to evince their antiquity. The philosophy and the medicine are like two sides of the coin. The
great philosophers like Aristotle, Galen were the great philosophers and also physicians. The siddhars were also the
great philosophers and physicians. Some of the treatises in Tamil have been named in the names of medicine like
Thirikadugam (Three pungent) and Elathy (Cardomom), though there is no relevancy with the medicine.
It is indisputable truth that the rich Tamil heritage, the culture and the medical system have got greater antiquity.
The Siddha and Ayurvedha are twin systems of India and have got greater similarities and both the systems are the
great heritage and pride of India.

Antiquity of Siddha Medicine

Siddha medicine has a background of mythology and geneology.

The first profounder of the system God Siva has transmitted the science to Uma Devi .She in turn passed it on to
Nandi Deva. He has taught Sage Agathiya and Agasthya to Pulathiyar, Bogar, Theraiyar and others of Pothigai Hills.
HISTORY
There are so many theories to explain the Origin of Siddha Science and its antiquity. According to Lemurian
Continental origin theory – Based on the literary work – It is believed that the Kumari-k-kandam was lost in the Indian
Ocean.
Mediterranean Origin theory explains that Dravidians belong to Mediterranean stock and due to Aryan invasion
moved towards south. South Indian Origin theory evinces that Tamilnadu is the homeland of Tamils.
DEVELOPMENT OF SIDDHA MEDICINE

Ancient Period

• Archaeological Evidences:
There are very few monumental evidences available to know the history. There are
evidences to prove that Pallava ruler Nandivarman donated a village – Kumaramangala
vellattu to Physician.
 Chidambaram temple inscription of 13th century gives a list of grants to Vaidyar
(physician), Jatyambashtha, Barber and Surgeon & Mid-wives.
Thiruvavaduthurai inscription of Vikrama Chola dating back to 121 A.D refers to medical
school.
• Princess Kundavai Nachiar established a free dispensary in the name of her
father Sundara Chola

MARATHA RULERS PROMOTED MEDICAL SCIENCE

King Shahji 1684 – 1712 A.D – Constructed a hospital & employed physicians
from Hyderabad & Arabia.
King Serfoji – Took interest in the preservation & propagation of Indigenous
medicines. He published ‘Sarabendra Vaidya Muraigal’
The Dhavantri Mahal – Research was practiced in a tantra system like Siddha,
Unani & Ayurveda
BRITISH PERIOD
In 1919 the Madras Mahajana Sabha wrote to Govt about the importance of Indigenous medicines
Objectives
Sound Vernacular indigenous medical education to the children of this country.
Afford cheap and good medical help to the public.
Systematizing the existing indigenous medical help.
Funds allotted to up-keep of libraries consisting of books relating to Ayurvedic, Unani & Agastyar traditional medicine.
DOCTOR KOMAN COMMITTEE REPORT

Notes on drugs & compounds used in these medicines should be investigated thoroughly. Summary of the notes on
medicines should be discussed in detail.
The composition & methods of preparation should be standardized.
Statement showing the diseases treated at the Govt Hospital should be maintained.
Report on analysis of drugs should be maintained.
USMAN COMMITTEE REPORT
Established the Govt school of Indian Medicine in Madras in 1925 to teach
Ayurveda, Siddha & Unani.
Establish provincial rural dispensaries, Municipal & District board dispensaries.
Established in 1926, a Govt Hospital of Indian Medicines attached to the school.
Instituted a Post-Graduate course in 1930 in Indian Medicine for the graduates of
Western Medicines
F.I.M. - Fellow of Indian Medicine
ALIM - Associated Licentiate in Indian Medicine
In 1914 - AIM (Associate in Indian Medicine) Constituted a Central Board of
Indian Medicine to act as recommending authority to the Govt for registration &
supervision of pharmacies & teaching institutions.
Established a college of Indian Medicine in 1947.
Gave sanction for starting a Research Institute in 1947.
Sanctioned ‘Village Vaidya Scheme’ in 1947.
The formation of Government Indian Medical School.
The Government Indian Medical School was formed by Dr. G. Srinivasamurthi as
its first Principal and 120 students were admitted per year. In 1933 L.I.M. course
was extended from 4 years to 5 years. The final year was devoted for special
clinical training. In 1940 Sir Mohammed Usman Committee was appointed for the
improvement of the curriculum.
Creation of Indian Medicine Department in TamilNadu
Mrs. A. Rukmani Lakshmipathi - Minister of Public Health Department- the medical school was up graded to college
of Indian Medicine.
In 1948, Col. R. N. Chopra committee- recommended for a scientific methods in the development of indigenous
system.
In 1955, Shri Dayashankar Trikanji Dave a committee recommended - uniform standards, training for P.G. and
research facilities.
Metha Committee - the University of Madras approved an Indian Medicine college at Palayamkottai in 1964.
The Indian Medical Practitioners Co-Operative Pharmacy and Stores (IMCOPS) was established in 1945 at Madras-
Mfg & Analysis of Drugs.
Later development of Siddha Medicine in Tamil Nadu
 During the II World Tamil Conference Siddha medical field came to limelight.
Then Chief Minister C. N. Annadurai sowed the seed for revival and K.
Anbazhagan nurtured it.
Siddha Scientific Development Committee was formed –Publishing rare Siddha
text books, preservation of Cudjon leaves.
Madurai Kamaraj University started a UG Course in 1966 and P.G. Course in
1972.
At present Dr.M.G.R. Medical University- gives the Siddha degree and now its
being awarded as BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery).
Role of Central Government in the development of Indigenous Medicine
In 1969- the Central Council for Research in Indian Medicine and Homeopathy
(CCRIMH) was established.
In 1970, the Central Council for Indian Medicine under L.C.I.M. Act for registering
and regulating their practice.
In 1975 Central Research Institute for Siddha in Madras for conducting scientific
research.
In 1995 Siddha Medicinal Plants Garden was developed in Mettur Dam.
In 2005 National Institute of Siddha in Tambaram was inaugurated by Honorable
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
SIDDHARS
Sages who attained ‘Siddhi’ or Heavenly bliss and super natural powers by meditation are named as Siddhas.
‘Siddha’ is a Sanskrit term, which means ‘perfection’. The known history of Siddha system of medicne began with the
sage Agathiyar who is believed to be the father figure of Tamil civilization and Tamil medicine (Siddha medicine) and
his eighteen disciples. He contributed heavily by writing treaties and manuscripts on all fields of human biology,
meditation and spirituality and also therapeutics, which later expanded by his disciples.” Dr. Rajkumar Raghunathan.
Persons who have accomplished spiritual perfection are also called Siddhas. The southern part of India gave birth to
great saints in the distant past and they had great achievements in different fields of art and science.
Siddha system of medicne is the longest living medical system in the world.
Siddha Vaidya means the "Knowledge of Health", by being one of the oldest systems for health and longevity; it
provides tried and true, time honoured remedies for prevention of illness of the body. Being a part of Indian culture,
often the scholarship between the saints of the north and south was exchanged and therefore it is very difficult to put
a demarcation line between Ayurveda and the Siddha system of medicine that was conceived, patronized and
propagated by saints [Siddhas] of South India.
Some of the basic principles of Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine are
common. However, Siddha system of medicine has made unique and significant
contribution to therapeutics and pharmacy.”
“The Tamils had a distinct and unique civilization. The recorded history of Tamils is thousands of years old. The origin
of Tamil language is attributed to the sage Agathiyar and that of Siddha medicine is also attributed to him. His name
is found in different puranaas, both in Tamil and in Sanskrit” says Dr. Bhagawan Das, Deputy Minister of Health,
India. “In considering the significant contribution that the Siddhas have made to material medical and pharmacy, one
unique feature of the system has to be borne in mind. The prevention and the cure of illness are the basic aims of all
systems of medicine. The Siddha system has, in addition a concern for the immortality of the body.”
The Siddhas have developed a discipline called Kaya Kalpa designed for longevity with complete freedom from
illness. During the time of occupation by the British, indigenous languages and practices were suppressed, but are
now seeing a revival in their use, due to their effectiveness. India‘s government recognizes and supports five major
medical systems, including Siddha Vaidya. Schools and colleges exist for most of the natural and holistic systems
such as Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, and the Arabic system, Unani, along side with allopathic medicine.
These therapies and treatments were recognized and sought after even thousands of years ago for their ability to
create younger, smoother skin and a more youthful overall appearance, and for there rejuvenative abilities. The
herbal and oil therapies from south India gained such a reputation that they were sought by Marc Anthony for his
Queen Cleopatra. The Siddha system of medicine gained its greatest recognition with the Rasayana therapies or
Rejuvenation therapies.

Siddha system of medicine defines health as a complete presence of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social
balance.

Daily regimes and diet that is appropriate for the individual are the starting point for the indigenous ways of health and
life for the people of south India. The basic theories of Siddha system advises each individual on the correct way of
living, eating, meditating, exercising, and use of massage for their own well being. Looking at the individual as a
whole of a larger picture includes social and familial health a tradition the Hawaiians observed as well. Like the
Siddha the Kahuna was called to 'set things right'-Ho'oponopono, meant to set right the relationships between living
members of the family for emotional health, as well as the spiritual and family health. The family Gods and the
ancestors were summoned, and treatments to the body with herbs and plants to activate the physical healing were
completed all the while stabilizing the mental state of the individual. In much the same way Siddha system consider
all aspects of the individual.

This is being called Quantum prevention, as it is an active approach to health for the individual. Where the role of the
doctor or practitioner is more of an educator and the responsibility of prevention rest with the individual to love and
honor his/her body, preserve it's integrity to the fullest and strive for a full and maximum life span. Here the
doctor/practitioner is not treating illness but promoting youthful maintenance and rebuilding of the body. The aim of
Siddha and Ayurveda, proper diet, lifestyle, family, career, etc. is for prevention of illness, so medicine is not needed,
these are systems for health and living.

Siddha Medicine recognizes eight branches of medicine, the same as western medicine except Geriatrics, the study
of diseases of the aged. Instead Rasayana or rejuvenation therapy is given. The aim of their therapy is to maintain
the youth of the individual along with long life. This is attainable through cleanses of the body with Abhyanga
(Massage) and Svedana (steam, warm compress)and(Pancha Karma) done seasonally followed with rejuvenation
treatments (Kriya Kalpa) which activate the body's ability to rebuild and renew itself.

Siddha Medicine recognizes the body's innate ability to adapt to habit. It's ability to activate dormant repair
mechanisms. Through this knowledge, lifestyle regimes, seasonal cleanses, and rejuvenation therapies done
regularly aid the body and build on effectiveness through the body's cellular memory. These therapies and cleanses
use plants and oils derived from plants or the combination of herbs and other plants to activate the body's repair
mechanisms.

All the proven indigenous medical systems, whether it is the Chinese, Hawaiian La'au Lapa'au, American Indian, or
the Ayurvedic and Siddha Medicine use plants or the combination of plants for the medical formulas. Our modern
medical formulas grew from these village pharmacies. Modern medicine is at a crossroad looking for new paths for
its growth and journey. This is where the combined wisdom of all civilizations with traditions of using minor doses of a
plant or minor doses of multiple plants such as Homeopathy can be investigated.

The growing popularity with different complimentary medical systems that use time tested formulas of herbs and
medicinal plants may hold the key for future growth of the pharmaceutical and life sciences. As we know the human
body is a system of inter connected systems of chemical, neuronal, hormonal, etc. where nothing exists separately.
Every change in any part of our body affects every other, while the body is maintaining an intricate balance requiring
millions of interactions. This homeostasis happens spontaneously at various sites through out the body. To affect a
change in the body modern medicine extracts the most powerful or most active chemical, whereas Siddha Medicine
uses a multiple of plants. Some supporting the action of the others herbs, with others enhancing the prime herb
effect, while some will calm, activate, or stimulate other systems of the body to achieve the desired results. Plants
and herbs used by Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine can be used by healthy persons as a tonic, as well as for sick
patients as a medicine, whereas modern medicines are meant only for patients and often have side effects.

SIDDHA - FAQs

1. What are the differences between Siddha and Ayurveda?

• Medium of texts and treatise are in Tamil language.

• Mode of drug preparation is different.
• Unique Siddha preparations such as Kattu, Kazhangu, Guru marunthu,
Chunnam and Muppu.
• Fundamental functions of Vatha, Pitha and Kaba are different i.e, In
Siddha, function of Vatha, Pitha, and Kaba are Creation, protection and
Destruction respectively.
• In Ayurveda, function of Vatha, Pitha, and Kaba are Destruction,
 Creation and protection respectively.

2. Why Siddha physicians are liberally prescribing metallic /mineral

medicines?
Most of the Siddha medicines are based on Herbo-minerals and metallic, which
are having more effective than the single and compound herbal drug
preparations.

3. In which form herbal drugs are in Siddha?

They are in Chooranam (Powder), Leghyam , Thylam (oil) and Saththu
(Extract).

4. What are the basic principles of Siddha?

The basic principles of Siddha are 96 Thathuvas, Panchaboothas and Thiridosa
theory.

5. Is there any surgical treatment in Siddha?

Yes, Siddhars were performed by using different surgical methods such as
Blood letting (leech therapy), Muppattai salakai chikitchai (Surgical
instrument for eye diseases) and Karanool chikichai (Medicated thread for
piles and fistula) Chuttikai (Cauterization by using metal instruments like
Gold, Silver and Copper for boils, abscesses, warts, Tumors etc).

6. Where we can easily avail Siddha treatment?

Panchayat union hospitals, Primary Health Centers, Municipality and
Corporation dispensaries, Taluk and District Head quarter’s hospitals of
Tamilnadu and Puducherry. CGHS dispensaries of Tamilnadu and Delhi.

7. Why Siddha system of medicine is not popularized in North India and

European countries?
All Siddha manuscripts and texts are in Tamil language, so not yet
popularized. The medium of Tamil language in all texts may be translated into
Inter national language and modern technique may be introduced to the all
Technical Institutions.

8. Why do the patients afraid to take Siddha medicines?

Due to Dietary restrictions and metallic drug administrations.

9. What are the dietary restrictions during the administration of Siddha

medicines?
For certain diseases, the patients are to follow dietary regimens. For an
example, Non-veg diets, Sea foods and Brinjal should be avoided in skin
disorders.

10. What are the sources for Siddha medicines?

Herbs, Minerals, Arsenicals, Metals and Animal products.

11. What is the meaning of Varma in Siddha?

Varma is a miraculous treatment in Siddha, Which is currently in practiced at
Kanyakumari District in Tamilnadu. It is one of the creative and curative secret
methods of the disease in the body.

12. How can we reach the diagnosis of disease in Siddha?

Using Naadi Pariksha, Envagai thervu , Ezhu udarkattugal and Neer kuri with
neikuri.
OPPORTUNITIES IN SIDDHA
1. What is Siddha?
Siddha is a science of holistic approach, which illustrates Drug (Elixir) and Diet
(Regimen) for human health care.

2. Is there any National Institute of Siddha?

Yes, this is located at Tambram Sanatorium in Chennai. This is a postgraduate
Educational Research Institute for Siddha.

3. How many postgraduate specializations are in Siddha?

There is Six Specialization in Siddha, ie. Maruthuvam (General medicine),
Gunapadam (Pharmacology), Noi Naadal (Pathology), Sirappu Maruthuvam
(Special medicine), Kulanthai Pini Maruthuvam (Paediatrics) and Nanju Nool
Maruthuvam (Toxicology).

4. How many Siddha Colleges are in India and what courses they offer?
There are 6 Siddha colleges are in Tamilnadu and one at Kerala, which are
situated at Chennai (3), Coimbatore (1), Tirunelveli (1), Munchirai (1) and
Santhagiri (1) at Trivandrum in kerala.

They are offering under graduation and Post graduation in Siddha.

5. Is there any separate Central Government Research Council working for

Siddha?
There is no separate Council for Siddha, but the Siddha Research
Institutes/Units are functioning under Central Council for Research in
Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS)."

6. What is the course duration for U.G and P.G in Siddha?

5 years and 6 months for under graduation and 3 years for post graduation.

7. How many Siddha hospitals and dispensaries are in India?

There are 276 Siddha hospitals and 444 Siddha dispensaries.

8. Whether any Central research institute, Regional Research Institute and

Clinical Research Units are in India for Siddha?
Yes. The CCRAS has Research Institutions for Siddha. A Central research
institute is functioning at Chennai, one Regional Research Institute in
Puducherry and one Clinical Research Unit is in Tirunelveli (Tamilnadu) and
Santhagiri (Kerala) respectively.
9.What are the scopes for Siddha Graduates in the near future?

Apart from the self-established clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, there are
many scopes for Siddha graduates to get the settlements and jobs at State and
Central government organizations. In other side, Private organizations,
Pharmaceutical industries, Panchayat Union clinics, Municipality dispensaries,
Corporation hospitals, Private colleges and private hospitals are offering them
for good settlement of jobs.

Particularly, in southern parts of India and foreign countries, such as Malaysia,

Singapore and Srilanka are having opportunities for Siddha graduates.

10.What are the scopes for Siddha pharmaceutical Industrialists?

In Tamilnadu more Siddha pharmaceutical industries have been developed,

due to need of Siddha /Ayurveda medicines. Now a day the people are switch
over to Indian system of medicine and hence there is lot of scope for Siddha
pharmaceutical industries. There are good scopes for manufacturing Siddha
medicines, since the modern drug industries are expecting some drugs from
herbal-based system of medicines for Skin Disorders, such as Psoriasis and
Leucoderma. These drug developments may attain using modern techniques
with Siddha drugs, i.e. herbo-mineral combinations.