In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Śaivism

Koṅgaṇar is the name of one of the eighteen Siddhars mentioned in the Abhidāna-cintāmaṇi, a 12th century lexicon by Hemacandra. The Siddhars refers to ancient intellectuals of Tamil Nadu and are the teachers of Siddha medicine: an ancient practice of South-India claiming to over 8,000 years old.

According to tradition, Nandi and Agastya learnt the Siddha system of medicine and Śivayoga from Śiva, and imparted it to a number of disciples (eg., Koṅgaṇar). These Siddhars are united by their philosophy, accepting the human body as the microcosm of the universe, and seeing the human evolution as the ultimate accomplishment of the regenerative power of the Universe.

Source: DSpace at Pondicherry: Siddha Cult in Tamilnadu (shaivism)

Koṅgaṇar was a celebrated Tamiḻ Siddha, a philosopher and physician. As his name implies, he was a native of Koṅgunādu, the modern Coimbatore region. It is said that he became an ascetic in his very young age and lived along with the sages of the Pothigai Mountain, and learned all branches of knowledge from them.

The Koṅgumaṇḍala Satakam describes him as ‘one capable of transmuting base metals into gold’. Many Siddhas claimed their relationship to Tirumūlar (Mūla-varga). One of them was Koṅgaṇar, the disciple of Bōgar. Koṅgaṇar mentioned in the first part of Vāda-kāviyam (verse 308) that he was the grandson of Tirumūlar.

context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Starts with: Konkanar.

Ends with: Konkanar.

Full-text: Mulavarga, Konkanavar, Kongumandala, Tirumular, Bogar, Siddhar.

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