SIDDHA SYSTEM OF MEDICINE AND ITS STATUS IN KERALA

   The Siddha System of Medicine is a scientifically unique art of healing. It is an integrated part of Indian System which is very potent. It was developed and taught by eminent sages called “Siddhars”, among whom Saint Agasthyar, the founder, is pre-eminent. The period of origin of the Tamil Medicine is also substantiated by the extensive references about the medical practice that are available in ancient Tamil Literature.  The ancient Tamil Grammar work “Tholkappiam” and various other works of Sangam literature and the “Tamil Vedha”, “Thirukkural”, not only mention, but also give a better picture about this system. The Historians of medical systems mention that the Tamil “Siddha Medicine” was in vogue ever since the Monocot plants and herbs evolved in this planet. The usage of Metals and Minerals in their “Non-toxic forms” in Siddha Medical Science is ancient. Thiru T.V. Sambasivam Pillai, who complied the monumental work of Siddha (Tamil-English) Medical Dictionary, dates the origin of the Siddha System back to B.C.10,000 - B.C. 4,000. No doubt, the Tamil (Siddha) System of Medicine is one among the foremost of all other medical systems of the world. This Science is older than Ayurveda and is an offshoot of Dravidian culture, which dates back to B.C. 10,000 - B.C. 4,000.  It can be said that this is one of the oldest medical systems known to man.  There is ample historical evidence to establish its prevalence, in a highly developed form, even at the advent of human civilization.  The oldest recorded pharmacological and therapeutically treatises were written by Siddhars.  It is an undisputed fact that no other ancient medical system ever existed in the history of mankind, which possessed the enormous scientific base, and background as that of the Siddha System.

      Siddhars were far ahead of their contemporaries in their knowledge of the medicinal properties of certain metals and minerals.  They were also adept in formulating inorganic compounds for treating chronic diseases.  Historical records project these sages as pioneers in metallic therapy and confirm their mastery over latro-chemistry, minerals, metals and plants.  The minerals, metals and medicinal plants used in Siddha concoctions have a very high therapeutic value.  The techniques they used in order to purify and process metals reveal their unparalleled and uncanny knowledge not only in medicine but also in Chemistry.  The unique chemical process they evolved which could convert rare minerals and potentially dangerous metals into potent therapeutic agents that cured human ailments still remains a mystery to modern science in this glorified space age.

Powered by    kin-sys