Although the Siddhas have been known to be around for ages, only certain quarters spoke about them when I entered the path some 19 years back. Those who followed the path kept away from mainstream devotion preferring to remain exclusive to themselves. The subject of Siddhas was shrouded in mystery too. Although works of Siddhas are now available in print not much can be deciphered from these works. But these days most of the Tv stations, YouTube channels, and individuals on social media compete to bring news and footage of places associated with the Siddhas, their interpretations of the Siddha texts, and coverage of any individual who apparently appears like Siddhas and performs Siddhis.
Coming to the path, I learned that the Siddhas were men who strived to achieve Godhead by means of performing austerities together with living a life of discipline. They then taught their disciples this path. Together they then laid them out in writings for future generations to cherish and follow. It is wonderful indeed of the Siddhas that they had documented every finding and discovery and till this day guide humans through their writings and the Nadi. They perfected the means to enable the body to remain alive forever and to this date are believed to be living amongst us. How did they manage to do it? By becoming one with the Prapanjam, that exists all around us and in us too. This is the contribution of the Siddhas towards humanity. Their desire is to make every one of us a Siddha. But before we can fall into their footsteps and transform this physical body into a state of energy and vibration, we need to rid of the garbage that we have been collecting and carrying around for ages. The baggage of karma has to go too. Hence importance is given to the eradication of karma by the Siddhas in the very beginning followed by cleansing of the body and clearing of the breath.
After "signing in for the course", I was given a list of parikaram or remedies to be done and sent out to do it. Agathiyar who revealed my past, present, and future in my first Nadi reading, told me that he shall see me in three years' time. And so I began to carry out all the things Agathiyar told me to do. I carried out the parikaram in the local temples first and then took flight on my maiden journey to India the following year in 2003. Between 14 December 2002 and 15 August 2005, I read much about the Siddhas, I looked up the establishments associated with them in Malaysia, frequented them, and sat in to hear what they had to deliver. As Agathiyar had asked me to specifically come to worship the Siddhas this was new to me then. I picked up whatever I could get my hands on and began my home puja. I put into practice the yoga asanas and pranayama that I had picked up from books during the eighties too. Hence my "undergraduate years" began when I enrolled to see the Nadi on 14 December 2002. It ended when Tavayogi seeing that we were qualified brought me and my family on stage to perform the puja at his Kallar ashram in 2013. We "received our scrolls" that day. We had graduated.
15 August 2005 was a turning point in my life. Agathiyar placed me under the tutelage of Tavayogi that day after I went back to be initiated by Tavayogi again as directed to both of us in the Nadi. I followed in the heels of Tavayogi to his Kallar ashram and later into the jungles and caves of India. Receiving another initiation at the end of this journey, I returned home to continue with my home puja of the Siddhas and carry out what was told. The Siddhas slowly revealed their aspirations for mankind through the numerous Aasi Nadi readings that kept coming, back to back in subsequent years. They have conveyed much through the Nadi. But it was never to make us superhumans or magicians. We were to evolve into a man with divine nature.
They spoke about their Nadi.
The Nadi is a means of communication between the Siddhas and their disciples. The Siddhas give instructions through the Nadi. All those who come in search of the Nadi have the blessings of the Siddhas. The Siddhas tell us never belittle the Nadi readings for it is sacred.
They spoke about Pilgrimages.
The Siddhas ask that the disciples perform prayers at temples to appease the planets and to garland the Gods to please them. They encourage disciples to go on pilgrimages that would help change one’s perception of God and to know and learn more about the Siddhas. They assure us that they shall wait with open arms for our arrival at these destinations. They promise that they shall receive the disciple and accompany them on their pilgrimages to these temples, shrines, caves, and samadhi.
The irony here is most temples outlaw the Siddhas preferring to carry out worship to the main deities, the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. But it surprises us that most temples were initiated by the Siddhas in the first place. Even today they send us to these temples to carry out our parikarams or remedies before having us step into their path.
They spoke about Worship.
The Siddhas ask that we help finance the building of temples and other places of worship. An excellent example is that of the Siddha Korakar who advised the presiding King of Tanjore, Raja Cholan to build a temple to counter the karma that he had gained when he went to war with the neighboring states. We are told that Korakar personally supervised the construction and completion of this temple known as Breehadeswar temple. They encouraged us to visit and pray at their abodes and dwellings. In receiving us, they assure us that happiness shall prevail in the lives of the disciple as a result of these daily prayers to the Siddhas. Their advice to the disciple is he needs to be steady in his or her mission even when confronted with people who shall shake their very faith. The disciple is advised not to heed these harsh and discouraging words but instead to carry on with the prayers. There is much good in prayers, they assure us. All the disciple’s problems shall be relieved step by step through prayers. He is reminded not to give up on prayers. Worship Siddhas and attain much say the Siddhas. The disciple is encouraged to recite the Maha Mantra – Arutperun Jothi. They ask to recite the names of the Siddhas too. They request the disciples to chant Lord Murugan’s name for it is light too. Bliss and joy are acquired by chanting the Lord’s name, they say. They mention that they are in the form of light in this world too. They request that the disciple spread their teachings. The disciple is requested to stay on this path. The disciple is to continue consistently with the spiritual practices that the disciple is currently following. She/he is advised not to get distracted. The disciple is encouraged to conduct research, continue the aforementioned practices, prayers, and rituals to their utmost satisfaction.
They spoke about Morality.
The Siddhas tell us to drop the following: Worries; Fear; Sadness; Tears. We are asked to control anger as temper shall destroy all merits gained through meditation; not to utter harsh words as they shall take shape and so they warn us.
They ask us to engage in the following positive activities: Do good; Be joyful; Conduct prayers; Meditate; Be compassionate; Feed the poor and the animals; Help the needy; Do charity; Live a life of virtue; Fulfill one's responsibilities towards the family and nation; Be pure at heart and the disciple shall be at peace; Be truthful. In being truthful, he shall face challenges. In those circumstances do nothing, and the disciple shall see bliss, they assure us, and finally, they advise us to take things one step at a time. Towards this purpose, they have written extensively on good morals and attributes. Thiruvalluvar gave us the Thirukural. Avvai gave us the "Athi Chudi" and "Konrai Venthan". Patanjali gave us the "Yoga Sutras". Svatmarama gave us the "Hatha Yoga Pradipika".
The very first lesson that they teach us is to bring change in our behavior, speech, and beliefs. They emphasize character building, good behavior, right conduct, right knowledge, and yogic practices. They ask us to restrain our anger, lust, and ego. Once we take care of these weaknesses, then perception and understanding will change accordingly. The world will still be the same but we shall see it from a different perspective then and different light. We shall see the world differently. We shall accept everything as God’s doing. We shall go with the flow. Moving further on there comes a stage where nothing is understood, instead everything is known.
Thiruvalluvar in the "Thirukural", reminds us of the following: Be righteous, Be kind in speech, Be grateful, Maintain self-control, Do not desire another man’s wife, Be forgiving, Do not envy, Do not covet, Do not slander, Perform charity, Be truthful, Abstain from anger, Be courteous.
Avvai in her work entitled "Athi Chudi" has109 advice for us, amongst them: Do good, Control anger, Do not hinder aid to others, Feed the hungry, Help the needy, Keep reading, Do not be jealous of other’s achievements, Help your relatives and friends grow with you, Look after your parents, Do not forget those who have come to your aid, Do not secure what does not belong to you, Do not venture into things that are degrading by nature, Abstain from using harsh language, Refrain from thinking degrading thoughts, Do not harm others, Give your best in every venture that you undertake, Lead an honest life, Respect others.
Again Avvai in her "Konrai Venthan" has 91 pieces of advice for us. Through another work of hers "Muthurai", she has 30 pieces of advice and another 40 in "Nalvazhi".
The following is their aspiration for their disciples.
They want the disciples to live the life of a Siddha and he shall live like Sivam too they say. The disciple needs to establish himself firmly in the path of the Siddhas. He has to be faithful to this path. God’s name should flow through the breath of the disciple. Let the thoughts revolve around the Siddhas. Let the thoughts be centered on them day and night. Receive the advice of the Siddhas with devotion. Follow the advice and guidance of Siddhas. Spread their teachings. Invite them into our homes. Make them a part of the family too. When confronted with danger, call out to the Siddhas and they shall protect. Admire the sages and decorate the Siddhas in the heart’s eye. They too shall decorate the disciple similarly. Research into the reason for taking birth. Being a disciple of the Siddhas, and having chosen to follow their path, live with pride.
If the disciple adheres to the wishes of the Siddhas, they promise much in return. They shall perform miracles just for their disciples. Visions and miracles shall take place at their abodes, caves, and samadhi. The disciple shall witness miracles happen at his home too. They shall appear to the disciple. They shall live in the disciple. God shall live in the disciple. The disciple shall become one with them. They shall show the disciple his path. The disciple becomes a true friend and shall be highly regarded by them. They shall love the disciple as much as the disciple loves them. Once a disciple comes to this path, others around him too shall follow suit. Family members and others shall benefit from the disciple’s association with the Siddhas. The family and others too shall have their blessings. They shall care for the disciple and his family. They shall grace their presence in the disciple’s home. They are greatly moved by the devotion of the disciples. Never miss the worship of Siddhas at home, they remind us. Then great saints shall live with the disciple, they proudly declare. When the Siddhas are established in the home of disciples then the disciple has no need to spend his life at an ashram. Siddhas shall visit the disciple’s home then. They shall test the loyalty of their disciples occasionally but they shall not let down the disciples. They shall advise and witness the disciple do prayers and meditation. For those who follow their path, they give assurance that the disciple’s wishes shall come true. All the disciple’s efforts will pay off. The disciple shall see much progress come his way. The disciple’s aspirations shall be realized. The disciple’s asking shall be granted. They shall provide the disciple the knowledge to drive away ignorance. They shall be present in the disciple’s thoughts, words, and deeds. The disciple shall realize joy and bliss each day. The disciple shall attain a sweet voice, youth, and clarity of thought through prayers to them. They shall send their messengers to deliver their word to their disciples. The disciple shall realize the reason for his birth. They shall be a companion. Just as the parent takes care of the child, they shall take care of the disciple. The disciple shall have their grace immediately.
Having told us our role and part on the path and the returns in coming to their path, the Siddhas speak about the Guru/Discipline relationship.
The Siddhas ask that the disciple fulfill the responsibilities towards the guru without a second thought, full-heartedly and without mistake. They remind the seeker to choose the right guru who shall lead him further on. They remind him to chant the name of the guru daily. They add that if that is not possible, to allocate a day in the week in prayer for the guru. They reveal that gurus come around so that the disciple shall know the truth. The truth shall be revealed through the guru. They encourage the disciples to gain merits by visiting gurus and places of worship. And they ask that the disciple be patient for the time will come when this transmission takes place. With the blessings and grace of the Siddhas the disciple shall be protected from harm, they promise.
They spoke on Yoga
The Siddhas advocate the practice of Deha Sudhi, and other breathing techniques (Pranayama). They say, preferably, these practices should be initiated through a guru. The disciple is to practice meditation daily as a result of which they shall gain full concentration. The disciple needs to just concentrate on their meditation while they shall take care of the disciple’s other needs. To enable advancement in the disciple’s practices and meditation, the disciple is requested to sit on a seat made of wood covered with a white cloth during meditation, and to meditate for twelve minutes daily with eyes shut and the sight focused between the brows, chanting their names. To progress further in the spiritual endeavors, he/she is to meditate sitting on the Tharpai grass. They assure the disciple that the disciple shall receive great benefits from this practice. The thinking ability shall improve. Temper shall be gone. Health shall improve. The body shall become robust. The disciple shall gain clarity. The disciple shall see changes during these stages of meditation and prayer. The disciple shall attain knowledge and speech attributes and other benefits through meditation. The disciple shall achieve the highest meditation through the path of the Siddhas. The disciple shall gain all that the Siddhas and elders have attained, they assure us. All efforts and practices shall not be in vain, they assure.
Supramania Swami too tells me all our effort shall not go to waste and encourages me with these words, "We shall continue from where we left. We shall keep on polishing until we bring out the shine in us."
Through their teachings and guidance, we build up the body and soul to make it a suitable dwelling for the Lord. The Siddhas tell us to care for the body for it is only with this body that we can achieve God-realization. Thirumular mentions in his "Thirumanthiram" that he had regarded his body initially as filth and as dirt only to realize later that it is the abode and temple of the Lord. Since then he had taken extra care of it.
When Tavayogi taught me some Asana and breathing techniques when he was in Malaysia in 2008, I did not realize the value of his teaching then. Later Agathiyar in the Nadi mentions that it is a treasure chest that he has delivered to us. True enough upon further reading I realized the importance of Asana and Pranayama for one seeking the divine. Tavayogi mentions that there is eighty-four major Asana coinciding with 8,400,000 species on the face of the earth. He quotes from Agathiyar’s "Saumiya Sagaram", verse 250, where it is mentioned the nine Asanas that are of utmost importance. They are Go‐mukha‐Asana, Padma‐Asana,Vira‐Asana, Simha‐Asana, Path‐e‐Asana, Mukt‐Asana, Mayura‐Asana, Vajra‐Asana and Suga‐Asana.
As food is related to the wellbeing of the body and its purpose, in seeing us move through the states of Sariyai, Kriyai, and Yogam, they spoke about food intake.
The Siddhas recommend consuming pure natural food and avoiding excessive salty, sweet, sour, and pungent food. They advise us to adhere to these requirements since when meditating excessive heat would arise in the body of the disciple. The disciple’s body shall generate heat due to yogic practices. Since heat shall increase hence there is a need to take only satvic foods to counter the heat.
Finally, the Siddhas are not the least against marriages.
They encourage their disciples to marry and carry out their responsibilities to their families. They ask that their disciples walk the path to Godhead without deserting the families. They never called for the seclusion of oneself. On the contrary, they have asked us not to neglect our families and responsibilities but to attend to both worlds, the material and spiritual.
These were practical guidelines and practices given out to the aspirant on the path. Discipline is a major factor in attaining the goals that are seen to be missing in seekers. Hence they fall out on their observances and practices. In all these revelations the Siddhas never promised heaven and earth. They do not lure us with sweet promises and gifts. Although they gave us assurances, whatever said had to be practiced and put to work by us. We still needed to put in the effort. They were only concerned with a balanced life. All they wanted of us is to lead a righteous life and fulfill the purpose we came for. Those who come in search of the Genie's lamp or a wonder machine or a jackpot machine will be disappointed. I understood that this path is not for all too.
In 2013 Tavayogi Thangarasan Adigal endorsed that I and my family were eligible to lead the puja at his Kallar Ashram and gave way to us. That was "graduation day" for us. After "graduating" in 2013, I began my "postgraduate". In 2016 when Tavayogi gave me and the rest of the AVM members from Malaysia the honor to lead the puja during the inauguration of the new Kallar Ashram, together with the devotees from all parts of India, we were deemed to have completed our "postgraduate". If during my "graduation" in 2013 I and my family led the puja with just a handful of devotees present at the ashram, in 2016 we had the privilege to lead a large crowd of devotees as it was a festival to commemorate the annual Jayanthi of Agathiyar and also the opening of the new ashram/temple/meditation hall complexes. Tavayogi had seen to it that my purpose was done. When in the many visits he made to Malaysia after 2004, once on our way to officiate a branch peedham of his in Banting, he told me to speak about the Siddhas. I told him "What do I know about them to talk about?" as I was pretty new. During his speech, he surprised me by telling the audience that I shall speak. I was dumbstruck. I asked myself "Where do I start?" I began to speak about Tavayogi. Then I switched to singing the Arutperunjothi mantra while everyone followed. I was saved by the mantra that day. When I wind up my show back then deactivating my YouTube account, FB, the numerous websites, and informed him, Tavayogi questioned me "Why my son? Let it be". I had to create everything from scratch. Agathiyar later came to ask me to continue writing. They had more confidence in me than I had in myself. It is an honor to carry their words, cherish and live by them.