Q. With reference to the Siddhars of the medieval period in South India, consider the following statements:
1.The Siddhars belonged exclusively to the Vaishnavite tradition and composed their philosophical texts entirely in Sanskrit.
2.They were renowned for their knowledge of Siddha Medicine and Alchemy (Rasa-vada), and sought to attain physical immortality (kaya-kalpa).
3.The attainment of the Ashtama Siddhis (Eight Great Perfections), such as Anima and Mahima, was a central goal in their esoteric spiritual practices.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. The Siddhars are associated with the Shaivite tradition (often called Siddha-Siddhanta) and were based primarily in Tamil Nadu. Their philosophical and medicinal texts, such as Thirumoolar’s Thirumandhiram, were composed predominantly in Tamil, a key characteristic of the South Indian Bhakti/spiritual movements.
- Statement 2: Correct. Siddhars were master alchemists and physicians. They are credited with developing the Siddha System of Medicine, which aims for the perfection of the physical body through techniques like kaya-kalpa (body rejuvenation).
- Statement 3: Correct. The Siddhi (perfection) in the name Siddhar refers to the yogic powers (siddhis), the highest of which are the Ashtama Siddhis, including the ability to become minute (Anima) or infinitely large (Mahima).
