Eight important Yoga asanas in Thirumandiram

In this blog, I wish to write about the best eight Yoga asanas for pranayama and meditation that Siddhar Thirumoolar has listed in his magnum opus, Thirumanthiram. Firstly, before going into the yogasanas, let us have a look at who the siddhars are.

Who are Siddhars?

Siddhars are fascinating figures in the history of Indian spirituality and medicine being at the forefront of new ideas and the fountainhead of knowledge and wisdom. They were pioneers in the science of yoga, spirituality, philosophy, medicine, physics, chemistry, astronomy, alchemy, and literature. Through ancient mysticism and practise of yoga, meditation, and alchemy the Siddhars are believed to have achieved supernatural powers through their intense spiritual practices. They are revered in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India.

Siddhars are often associated with Siddha medicine, a traditional system of medicine that originated in Tamil Nadu and is based on alchemy and herbalism.

How many Siddhars are there?

The exact number of Siddhars is not definitively known, as different sources provide varying lists of these revered figures. Traditionally, it is believed that there were 18 Siddhars, known as “Ashta(dasa) Siddhars” (meaning “eighteen Siddhars” in Sanskrit/Tamil). But, some texts mention more than 18 Siddhars, with lists containing different names.

However, the number eighteen is often considered symbolic rather than literal, representing a group of accomplished spiritual adepts who attained enlightenment and mastery over the secrets of the universe through their spiritual practices.

Here is a commonly referenced list of these revered figures:

Agastya

Bogar

Thirumoolar

Patanjali

Korakkar

Pambatti Siddhar

Sattamuni

Vanthondar

Ramadevar

Nandeeswarar

Edaikkadar

Machamuni

Karuvoorar

Konganar

Sundaranandar

Goraknath

Sattai Muni

Theraiyar

Siddhars are renowned for their spiritual attainment, mastery over yogic practices, and contributions to various fields such as medicine, alchemy, and philosophy. Their teachings and practices continue to inspire spiritual seekers and practitioners in Tamil Nadu and beyond.

The most commonly mentioned Siddhars include Agastya, Bogar, Thirumoolar, Patanjali, and Bhogar, among others. Each Siddhar is associated with specific teachings, practices, and contributions to various fields such as medicine, yoga, and alchemy.

Thirumoolar, the most benevolent Siddhar

Of the above list of Siddhars, my favorite Siddhar is Siddhar Thirumoolar, a revered Siddhar and Tamil poet. This is because, Thirumoolar is a very kind-hearted Siddhar who is immensely concerned about the welfare of not only mankind but also animals. He is always looking to share his knowledge for the benefit of mankind, and wishes well that everyone in this universe may realize the truth he discovered and that every living being might also experience the joy and bliss he experienced. He looks at the whole earth as his home and declares that all people on the Earth are his relatives.

According to traditional accounts, Thirumoolar, is said to have received his spiritual knowledge from his guru, Nandhi Devar. Nandhi Devar is often depicted as a divine bull and is considered the chief disciple of Lord Shiva in the Shaiva tradition.

The Guru Hierarchy of Thirumoolar Siddhar

In the Siddhar tradition, the Guru lineage the Siddhar is following was extremely important. It is interesting to note that Thirumoolar mentions in his Thirumandiram, that seven other students also studied under Nandi Devar, his Guru. Nandi Devar is believed to have been the first disciple of Lord Shiva, though, in several instances, Lord Shiva himself has also been called as the Nandi. The seven classmates, if we can call them that, includes Patanjali who is believed to have written the Yoga Sutras.

Thirumoolar mentions the Guru hierarchy in his Song 67 in Thirumandiram: Guru Hierarchy

Seekest thou the Masters who Nandi’s grace received

First the Nandis Four, Sivayoga the Holy next;

Patanjali, then, who in Sabha’s holy precincts worshipt,

Vyaghra and I complete the number Eight.

               English translation of Thirumandiram by Dr. B. Natarajan

What is Thirumandiram?

Thirumoolar’s teachings are compiled in the text “Thirumandiram,” which is considered one of the foundational scriptures of the Siddha tradition. In this text, Thirumoolar expounds upon various aspects of spirituality, yoga, philosophy, and practical guidance for leading a spiritual life. His teachings have had a profound influence on Tamil culture and spirituality.

Yogasanas by Thirumoolar in Thirumandiram

Thirumoolar’s “Thirumandiram” is primarily a philosophical and spiritual text, rather than a manual detailing specific yoga asanas  (postures). However, it does contain references to yoga practices and principles. Thirumoolar emphasizes the importance of internal purification, self-realization, and union with the divine through practices such as meditation, breath control (pranayama), and self-discipline.

Even though the “Thirumandiram” does not provide a comprehensive list of yoga asanas like modern yoga manuals do, nevertheless Thirumoolar has written verses that allude to the practice of yoga postures or yogasanas. These references are often symbolic and emphasize the inner transformation and spiritual awakening that yoga facilitates.

For instance, for detailed descriptions of specific yoga asanas, one would typically refer to classical yoga texts such as Patanjali’s “Yoga Sutras,” the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” or modern yoga manuals authored by various yoga masters. These texts offer detailed instructions on the practice of yoga postures, along with their benefits and precautions.

The six songs on Yogasanas in Thirumandiram

In the Third Tantra of Thirumandiram, six songs are dedicated to Yogasanas.

Thirumoolar says there are innumerable yogasanas and recommends practicing these eight important asanas. If one is interested, one can learn more yogasanas.

The eight important Yoga asanas which Thirumoolar has written in Thirumandiram are:

1. Padmasana
2. Bhadrasana
3. Kukkudasana
4. Simhasana,
5. Gomukhasana
6. Veerasana
7. Sukhasana
8. Swastikasana

Translated songs on Yoga asanas in Thirumoolar’s Thirumandiram

The English translation of these six songs by Dr. B. Natarajan follows.

I noticed that the English translation does not faithfully translate the Tamil words found in the original Tamil songs. Because of this, I have made the modifications where I thought were necessary.

Thirumoolar’s Yoga Asana song# 1: Verse 558: Prominent Asanas

Numerous are the asanas

With Padmasana to commence;

Eight among them are rated high

With Svastika as faultless eighth

He who postures on these asanas eight,

Verily becomes Master, for sure.

Thirumoolar’s Yoga Asana song# 2: Verse 559: Padmasana–Lotus Posture

Sit cross-legged with soles of feet upturned

Close draw the feet on thighs opposite,

Stretch then the hands afore on feet

That Padmasana is, famed far on earth.

Thirumoolar’s Yoga Asana song# 3: Verse 560: Bhadrasana–Happy Posture

Place the right leg over the left

Stretch the hands over calf of leg

Sit in posture firm and erect

That indeed is Bhadrasana.

Thirumoolar’s Yoga Asana song# 4: Verse 561: Kukkudasana–Cock Posture

Lift the feet on to the thighs,

Control breath and on elbows raise your body

Thus seated firm and immobile,

Thou do reach the Kukkudasana.

Thirumoolar’s Yoga Asana song# 5: Verse 562: Simhasana–Lion Posture

Stretch the hands over the calf of leg,

Lift the mouth upward,

Fix thy gaze on tip of nose,

Thus do thou Simhasana posture.

Thirumoolar’s Yoga Asana song# 6: Verse 563: Important Asanas are Eight

Bhadra, Gomukha, Padma and Simha,

Sothira, Veera, and Sukha

These seven, along with the eminent Swastika

 Are asanas eight; Numerous as eighty and hundred,

however, are asanas in all reckoned.

Main Purpose of Yogasanas

At this point, it is important to reflect on the main purpose of the yoga asanas of Thirumoolar – sitting in comfortable asanas obviously enable the yogi to sit still and hold the pose peacefully for longer periods. As a result of which, the yogi is free to move on to the next steps in the ashtanga path, from a solid, steady and painfree physical asana into breathwork like pranayama, leading on to mindcontrol exercises like pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and eventually to samadhi.

My favorite asanas are Padmasana and Sukhasana. Sometimes, for variety sake, I find myself sitting in Gomukhasana or Bhadrasana too from time to time. The hardest asana for me, where I would have trouble doing pranayama, for instance, would be the Kukkudasana. Still, I find it’s refreshing to try the unfamiliar asanas occassionally. Which is your favorite asana?

Thanks and see you in my next blog!

References:

Thirumoolar’s Thirumandiram

Yogawiki

Wikipedia

Courtesy: Asanas depicted by Balayogi Shiva