They didn't have any form of pomp or publicity, they had the noble intention to make the life of people better and free from the suffering of the "mind" and the "body". They guided people on their path to self realization and gave them teachings and valuable insight on the awareness of the self (Atman). The siddhars also excelled in the field of medicine, literature, astrology, science, alchemy an
d they were great poets, saints, doctors and mystics contributing with their knowledge to the society and trying to help the common man. This in turn lead to the foundation of "Siddha medicine", a medicinal system which originated from the findings written by the siddhars on palm leaf manuscripts. They helped the mankind to have great physical health by introducing "Siddha medicine", brought about a sense of purpose and also gave the people, a life which was filled with joy and happiness. Besides, the knowledge given by them was easily understandable and proved to be a great asset for mankind on its way to attaining self-liberation (Jeevan Mukthi). The siddhars were great seers who could accomplish extra ordinary feats and they possessed the "ashtamasiddhi",
which means the eight siddhis. They are as follows:
Anima (reducing our size),
Mahima (expanding our size),
Lagima (becoming light like cotton),
Garima (becoming heavy like a mountain),
Prapthi (fulfillment of desires),
Prakasysm (irresistable will),
Isithavam (supremacy),
Vasithavam (control over the elements). The siddhars attained jeeva Samadhi, a state of union with the universal consciousness unlike normal human beings and their life force is still present in the place of their Samadhi. The siddhars originally worshipped the "jeeva lingam" which later on was called as "shiva lingam" by humanity over the period of time. The siddhars were miraculous beings who could be present at eight places at the same time. Also they had the capacity to segregate their "jeeva" ie "life energy" and install it at eight separate places.