Meykandar

Meykandar was a 13th-century Tamil philosopher and theologian, revered as the author of the Siva Jnana Bodham, a foundational text of the Saiva Siddhanta philosophy. Little definitive biographical information exists about Meykandar's life, with accounts largely based on hagiographies and tradition. He is considered the first of the Santanacharya (spiritual preceptors) in the Saiva Siddhanta lineage. His teachings systematized the existing Agamic and devotional traditions into a coherent philosophical system.

The Siva Jnana Bodham is a concise work comprising twelve sutras (aphorisms) that outline the core principles of Saiva Siddhanta. These sutras explore the nature of God (Siva), the soul (Pasu), and the bonds (Pasa) that limit the soul's realization of its true nature. Meykandar's work emphasizes the importance of divine grace (Arul) in achieving liberation (Mukti) and union with Siva. He established a systematic framework for understanding the relationship between God, soul, and world, providing a comprehensive path to spiritual enlightenment within the Saiva tradition. His influence continues to shape Saiva Siddhanta thought and practice in South India and beyond.