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The Ministry of Ayush celebrated the fifth Siddha Day on the eve of the birth anniversary of Agathiyar which falls during the Ayilyam star of Margazhi month.

Siddha Day

• The 23rd day of December 2021 has been observed as the fifth Siddha day by the Ministry of Ayush with an aim of preventing several communicable diseases and reviving the ancient art of medicine.
• Theme- “Strength of Siddha Medicine for Communicable Diseases”.
• The Ministry of Ayush celebrated the fifth Siddha Day on the eve of the birth anniversary of Agathiyar which falls during the Ayilyam star of Margazhi month.

About Agathiyar:

• Agathiyar (Agastya) is the leader of all Siddhas and he is also known as Kurumuni.
• He played a pivotal role in spreading the Vedic religion in southern India.
• Agastya is one of the seven great sages (Saptarishis).
• Therayar and Tholkappiar were his disciples and students.

Siddha System of Medicine

• Siddha system of medicine is one of the most ancient codified traditions of healthcare.
• The word Siddha means established truth, and individuals associated with the Siddha school of thought were called Siddhars.
• The documents of this traditional medicine, yoga and astrology were found in Tamil scripts.
• According to the Siddha system of medicine, an individual is considered as a part of the Universe whose body consists of 5 primordial elements: earth, fire, water, air and space.
• It was founded by the Siddhars who have achieved the ashta siddhis or the eight supernatural powers.
• It derives its origin from the Dravidians of peninsular India.
• Siddha employs eight methods of examination called Envakai Thervukal which are intended for diagnosis, aetiology, treatment and prognosis.