Siddha medicine

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The Siddha medicine is a form of south Indian traditional medicine and part of the trio Indian medicines - Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. This system of medicine was popular in ancient India, even 2000 years before Christ. Due to the antiquity of this medical system. The Siddha system of medicine is believed to be the oldest medical system in the universe. The system is believed to be developed by the Siddhars, 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. So are the Siddhars, the followers of Lord Shiva(saivam).

[edit] History

According to the scriptures, there were 18 principal Siddhars. Of these 18, saint Agasthiyar is believed to be the father of Siddha Medicine. There is a controversy that exists in this regard as some people claim, Siddhar Theraiyyar (One of the 18 Siddhars) as the Father Of Siddha Medicine.

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. 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 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.

From these manuscripts, the Siddha System of medicine developed into a part of Indian medical science. Today there are recongnised Siddha Medical Colleges, run under the government universities where Siddha medicine is taught.^{[citation needed]}