Here is a comprehensive life history of Siddhar Konkanavar (also known as Konganar)—one of the 18 revered Tamil Siddhars. His life reflects a powerful blend of spiritual depth, scientific genius, and transformative humility.

🧘‍♂️ Life History of Siddhar Konkanavar (Konganar Siddhar)

🏞️ Birth and Early Life

• Birthplace: Oothiyur, in Kongu Nadu, present-day Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India.

• Caste/Profession Background: Born into a family of blacksmiths, skilled in metallurgy. This early exposure influenced his later mastery in alchemy and metal-based medicine.

From a young age, Konkanavar showed spiritual tendencies and a deep desire to understand the mysteries of life, the human body, and the universe.

🧑‍🏫 Gurus and Training

• Primary Guru: Siddhar Bogar, one of the greatest alchemists and mystics in Tamil Siddha tradition.

• Other teachers: Agasthiyar, Gautamar, and Pararishi—masters in yoga, tantra, and medicine.

Under Bogar, Konkanavar mastered:

• Yoga

• Alchemy (Rasavatham)

• Siddha medicine

• Tantric practices

• Spiritual philosophy

📚 Spiritual Practice and Mastery

He engaged in intense tapas (meditation and austerities) in forests, hills, and remote places. He developed powerful yogic siddhis (supernatural powers), but his journey wasn’t without challenges.

🐦 The Crane Story (A Lesson in Ego)

One day, while meditating, a crane disturbed him with droppings. Angrily, he used his yogic power to burn the crane with his gaze.

Realizing his ego and lack of compassion, this incident deeply humbled him. It became a turning point in his spiritual journey.

🧪 Contributions to Siddha Medicine

Konkanavar is considered the “Father of Medicinal Chemistry” in the Siddha tradition. He made major discoveries in:

• Rasa Vaidhyam (Alchemy) – especially transforming metals into medicine

• Use of copper, mercury, and herbal compounds

• Preparation of nano-metallic herbal drugs (centuries before modern nanomedicine)

His formulations were powerful, side-effect-free, and long-lasting.

📖 Writings and Texts

He authored 25+ texts in Tamil covering:

• Alchemy

• Yogic therapy

• Kaya kalpa (rejuvenation)

• Siddha medicine

• Spiritual wisdom

Major works include:

• Konganar Vaatha Kaaviyam – 3000 verses

• Konganar Vaithiyam – 200 verses

• Konganar Gnana Saithanyam – 109 verses

• Konganar Dhandagam, Karppa Soothiram, Gnana Venba, and others

🙏 Stories of Humility and Wisdom

🧕 Meeting Thiruvalluvar’s Wife Vasuki

Once, Konkanavar visited the home of Thiruvalluvar (author of Thirukkural) seeking alms. His wife, Vasuki, made him wait while she finished her household duties—unmoved by his spiritual fame.

This taught him a lesson: ego has no place in true spirituality.

🔪 Lesson from the Butcher

Another time, he met a humble butcher who lived a simple but honest life, treating his work as sacred. The butcher’s wisdom on dharma and selfless action profoundly impacted Konkanavar.

🧘‍♂️ Disciples and Legacy

• Had around 557 disciples who spread his teachings across South India.

• His system of medicine is still followed by many Siddha practitioners today.

🔚 Samadhi and Final Days

• Konkanavar attained Jeeva Samadhi (a yogic state of live burial) in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

• Another sacred place associated with his vibrations is near the Swami Pushkarini Tank (Teppakulam) in Tamil Nadu.

🪔 Summary of His Life