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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 MedicineSiddha 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.HISTORYThere 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 SCIENCEKing 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 PERIODIn 1919 the Madras Mahajana Sabha wrote to Govt about the importance of Indigenous medicinesObjectivesSound 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 REPORTEstablished 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 MedicinesF.I.M. - Fellow of Indian MedicineALIM - 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 TamilNaduMrs. 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 MedicineIn 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.
SIDDHARSSages 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 SIDDHA1. 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.
