KAILASA

Sri Ramadevar Siddhar – Azhagar malai Siddhar

Madurai Azhagar Kovil is a sacred place atop a hill in Madurai. Many Siddhars are living there even now. It is said that even if we visit this hill of natural herbs we will be relieved of our diseases. Ramadevar Siddhar, who is one among the eighteen Siddhars, lived in this wonderful Azhagar malai. In the manuscript of Sankaran Koil in Tirunelveli near Madurai, “Pulithevar Puranam”, it is mentioned that Sri Ramadevar Siddhar was in penance in this hill, thousands of years ago. Opposite to Sathuragiri Irattai Mahalingam Sannidhi (Shrine), a cave in which Ramadevar Siddhar was in penance is being worshiped even today.

History of Ramadevar:

He was born during the occurrence of the ‘Pooram’ star in the Tamil month of Masi in Nagapattinam in the State of Tamilnadu. He met many Siddhars in the Himalayan forests and with their help he researched the desert herbs of Arabia and learnt the ancient medicinal systems. On the advise of Bhogar Siddhar, who made the deity for Lord Murugan in the world-renowned Pazhani temple out of the powerful mystical substance called nava pashana, he went to Sathuragiri and entered into the state of Samadhi and he researched on desert herbs for ten years. After he went into Samadhi for ten years, his disciples decided that he cannot live for ten years in Samadhi and they left the place. Only one disciple was waiting outside the cave for his Master. Ramadevar was continuing his research on herbs in the state of Samadhi. Even when he was in Samadhi he went to many places without being visible to others.

When he was in Samadhi, he met Kalanginathar Siddhar who shared his experiences of spiritual powers with him. After ten years, he came out of Samadhi and informed his disciple that he will be continuing his research on herbs for another 30 years and so saying, returned to the state of Samadhi. The disciple waited with patience for the Siddhar. After 30 years, the Siddhar came out of Samadhi and in appreciation of his disciple’s patience, shared his knowledge with him. Other disciples who did not have faith in their Master lost their eyesight. They requested for his pardon and regained their eyesight by his sheer grace.

Ramadevar wanted human beings to be healthy when they live their life. So, whoever worships him will have healthy life. He returned to Azhagar malai from Sathuragiri and entered into Jeeva Samadhi (final resting for the mortal body) and continues blessing his devotees from there.

On top of the Azhagar Kovil hills where his Jeeva Samadhi is located, every Saturday, at 12 noon, worship of a Shivalinga happens. Between two rocks there is a small cave with a small Shivalinga. It is a difficult path to go there. Because it is a rough terrain with wild animals people visit it in groups.