Siddhars are powerful beings. They are like saints, doctors, alchemists, spiritual seekers, mystics, all packed into one. Siddhars are perfect beings who have realised the ultimate. Nothing in this universe can harm or hinder their existence. They exist for eternity- there is no cycle of death or re-birth. There have been countless and innumerable Siddhars who have lived and are still existing (Pathinen Kodi). The Tamil Culture venerates and celebrates 18 Siddhars as the most prominent Siddhars.

Siddhars have contributed immensely to Tamil literature by writing poems and their findings on palm leaves. Some Siddhars are founders of a line of medicine called Siddha Medicine. The Siddha Medicine is practised even today by the people of Tamil Nadu. It is a traditional way of healing through native medicinal ingredients.

Through their intense practices of Yoga and meditation, they have attained a state where time nor age does not affect them. They have control over the Siddhis ( Siddhis are magical powers). One such powerful Siddhar who lived through eons is Siddhar Kaakapujandar.

The Origin - Kagapujandar

Siddhar Kagapujandar is a rare and intense Siddhar who reached the highest possible degree of physical and spiritual perfection. His devotees reverently call him “Ayyah Kagapujandar.”

This Siddhar has a distinct and unique timeline. He has seen many destructions (Pralayam) and the subsequent recreations of the universe. This Siddhar took the form of a crow to bear witness to these times. In Tamil, Kagam means crow. Hence the name Kagapujandar.

Siddhar Kagapujandar is the oldest of all the Siddhars. He is considered the Guru of all the Siddhars. He initiated Sage Vashistar - the Guru of Lord Shree Ram.

Siddhar Kagapujandar, in one of his literary works, Kural (No.6) has said:

Meaning: The 18 Siddhars have seen the many destructions of the universe - Pralayams and subsequent re-creations. But, Pujandar has witnessed these events and has existed even before these Siddhars.

The Magic Maha Mantra - Narpavi

The great Siddhars and sages meditate. Through meditation, they arrive at / formulate Maha Mantras. These Maha Mantras are a set of powerful words. The Maha Mantras serve as an accelerator for the divine experience for a devotee who chants them sincerely. The great Sage Kakapujandar has given the Mantra “ NARPAVI”. Narpavi is a combination of two words. Nar means Goodness or Good. Pavi means happening. Hence, the word Narpavi means “ Let Goddess prevail / Let Good things happen”. Hence when a devotee chants the word Narpavi with devotion, only good things will happen to them. To attract positive vibrations and good things in life, one can chant this word 108 times or throughout the day.

Literary works of Siddhar Kagapujandar

Siddhar Kagapujandar has contributed many songs in Tamil Language. His works include

1. Kagapujandar Gnanam paadal - 80

2. Kagapujandar upanidatham

3. Kagapujandar Kural - 16

4. Kagapujandar Perunool Kaviyam - 1000

Out of all the works, the Perunool Kaviyam gives an account of the other Siddhars such as Thirumoolar ( Song 279), Agasthiyar ( Song 141), Bogar ( Song 143) etc….

Jeevasamadhi of Kagapujandar

Siddhar Kakapujandar undertook severe penance for 16 years at Thenponparapi, Chinna Salem. As a result, Lord Shiva appeared before him with 16 faces. Kakapujandar wished that all future generations experience the divine nature of Lord Shiva. He installed a Shivalingam at this place. The then-ruling King Vanakovarayan built a temple with this Lingam. The temple is now called Arulmigu Swarnapureeshwarar temple ( at Thenponparapi, Chinna Salem).

The Shiva Lingam at this temple is made out of a single stone that is very powerful. It is said that the stone has as much magnetic power as the Navapashanam idol of Palani ( crafted by Bohar Maharishi). This temple houses Bala Nandhi ( Nandhi without fully grown horns). One unique feature of this temple is that the devotees can witness the sun rays falling on the Horns of this Bala Nandhi and pass through the Sanctum Santorum on certain days.

The Jeevasamadhi of Siddhar Kakapujandar and his consort, Bahuladevi are present inside the temple premises. There is a lamp that burns throughout the year. Many devotees practice meditation and visit the Samadhi for peace and blessings.

Other Temples honouring Kagapujandar

There is a unique temple called the Madambakkam Siddhar temple. This temple is dedicated to the 18 Siddhars and is situated at Madambakkam (a suburban area in Southern Chennai). This temple enshrines Sri Chakra Maha Meru and represents Sri Lalitha Tripurasundari as a divine mountain. There are 18 shrines or Sub-shrines that surround the main shrine. These shrines are dedicated to the 18 Siddhars. On the South side, one can find the shrine of Siddhar Kagapujandar.

The Kaga Ashram is located at Periakulam, Thiruvannamalai. Here, they consider Siddhar Kagapujandar as their Guru. They have consecrated a statue of the Siddhar as per the agama rules and offer prayers and poojas daily.

Praying to the Siddhars is said to be beneficial to devotees. Rangaraja Desiga Swamigal has given a compilation that salutes the many Siddhars of Bharath. This compilation is called “ Siddhargal Potri Thoguppu”. This compilation contains the names of 108 prominent Siddhars. In this compilation, each Siddhar name starts with Om, Followed by the name of the Siddhar that is followed by the verse “Thiruvadigal Potri”. The name of Kagapujandar is mentioned in this compilation as “ Om Kagapujandar thiruvadigal potri”. Regular chanting of this compilation is said to bring positivity and protection of the Siddhars in the lives of the devotees.

Vaishnavi Gurusankar is a passionate educator, a wife and a mother. She has over a decade of experience as an educator and has been closely working with teachers and children of all ages. She is also an active parenting blogger and founder of Magical Unicorn, an exclusive parenting blog founded on Indian ethos, values and stories at its core. She has also authored the book "Bharatyam : Science behind Hindu Practices & Way of Life"