The Siddhars

The Siddhars are a group of 18 powerful mystic of the Hindu tradition. These mystics were said to have lived in different parts of India and were influential in the development of Hinduism, especially in developing the mystical arts and sciences. Among the these Siddhars are Sage Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, Sage Goraknath, the author of Hatha Yoga Pradipika (a seminal work on yoga exercise) are among this group of 18. The Siddhars are also famous for their research into medicinal herbs. Their work and revelations of the workings of the human body is the basis of Ayurvedic medicine. The Siddhars are believed to be unrelated to the Vedic sages who revealed the Vedas. The various Hindu sects are thought to be combinations of Vedic tradition and Siddhar tradition. Apart from the Scriptures these Siddhars wrote, very little is known of their life. Some like Sage Agastiyar who was well know for his powerful mystical magic make appearances in many Hindu myths. There thus only sparse information on the internet on the Siddhars and their tradition. However this site www.palanitemples.com has a very helpful summary of who they are and what they contributed to humanity. 

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj's Website

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (April 17, 1897 – September 8, 1981), born Maruti Shivrampant Kambli, was an Indian spiritual teacher and philosopher of Advaita, an exponent of a branch of the ancient and mystical Natha lineage, he is known for his simplistic or minimalist approach in the quest for yogic enlightenment. According to Sri Nisargadatta, our true nature is perpetually free peaceful awareness, in Hinduism referred to as Brahman. Awareness is the source of, but different from, the personal, individual consciousness, which is related to the body. Enlightenment involves detaching awareness from feelings of the body and memory and becoming accustomed to awareness in its purest state. More on Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, his teachings, congregation and discussions can be found at the website dedicated to his life, teachings and publications.

Useful World History Website

As informative as wikipedia is when it comes to subjects like world history, sometimes it is just to overwhelming. I find that wikipedia is chalk full of information, but there is no gradation of the information. Thus for those looking for summary, basic understanding, overviews and quick information wikipedia is sometimes daunting especially for younger students. Fortunately there are websites like History World that are excellent for all the things that wikipedia cannot accomplish when it comes to world history. The information in this website is displayed in a friendly and less 'texty' manner and gives you choices of history, comparative timelines and fun stuff like quizzes. The graphics are also informative and pleasing. If you are looking for early human civilization, the history of inventions, religion or art; a vast range is at your fingertip. A very useful resource on history to add to your bookmarks. It is now part of HinduSearchEngine.com for world religions and human civilization history.