Bogar
Tamil Shaivite Siddhar, alchemist, and disciple of Kalangi Nathar.
He is counted among the 18 Siddhars of Tamil literature, described as experts in yoga, alchemy, literature, and philosophy, with the ability to move their souls between bodies.
Quick Facts
- Birthplace
- Vaigavur near Palani Hills
- Period
- more than 5000 years ago
- Tradition
- Hindu Tamil Shaivite Siddhar
- Guru
- Kalangi Nathar
- Number of siddhars
- 18
- Notable work
- Bogar 7000
Facts from the source article.
Early life, family and his profession
Bogar was born in Vaigavur near Palani Hills more than 5000 years ago. He received his education from his mother and grandfather. In his book Bogar 7000, he describes his native roots and his travels from Tamil Nadu to China to teach enlightenment, using the Tamraparniyan sea route via Sri Lanka. According to one record, he became a student of Agastyar at a young age, later traveling to China to study under Kalanginathar. He reputedly transmigrated his soul into the body of a dead Chinese man, thereafter known as Bo-Yang.
Navapashanam Idol
Bogar created the navapashana idol of Lord Murugan at Palani. Navapashanam, meaning 'nine poisonous,' is an amalgam of nine poisonous substances blended from over 4000 herbs, mixed in a particular ratio to form a material more indestructible than stronger iron. The statue at the Palani temple is made of this substance, believed to have cosmic energy that balances and harmonizes all chakras. Milk poured on the statue was said to mix with the herbs, proving an effective cure for diseases. Bogar is also credited as the discoverer of an elixir of immortality. His works include Pharmacognosy, treatises on yoga and archery, and a glossary of medicine.
Legacy
Bogar taught meditation, alchemy, yantric designs, and Kriya yoga at the Kataragama Murugan shrine, installing a yantric geometric design on a metallic plate in the sanctum sanctorum. He practiced Kundalini Yoga in four stages, with the final stage performed at Palani Malai in southwestern Tamil Nadu. He was an early pilgrim of the Murugan Tiruppadai in Sri Lanka and established the temple for Murugan at Poombarai Kuzhanthai Velappar temple in Kodaikanal. Per his guru Kalangi Nathar's last wishes, Bogar traveled to China to spread Siddha sciences, reportedly using an aircraft, and later built a sea-going craft with a steam engine for the Chinese.
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