Muniswaran and Karuppar mentioned in Vedas
by Astro Ved Online Astrology ConsultationMany people think that
guardian deities are not mentioned in the Vedas, and hence they are referred to
as non-Vedic deities. But in fact, guardian deities like Karuppasamy, Muniswaran,
and Madurai Veeran are Vedic gods. Munis and Karuppars are folk forms of Rudra
or Bhairava, the fierce manifestations of Shiva. The insignia used in the
worship of these deities are evidence of this. In the shrines of guardian
deities, the trident or Trishul is a must. The trident is the very form of Kala
Bhairava or Bhairavi. Other major symbols, too, are relevant to Shiva Tattva
(Shiva principle), like dreadlocks, rudraksha beads, and vibhuti or sacred ash.
It is Rudra’s energy
that is manifest in Karuppars and Munis. The Vedas mention this aspect of
Rudra. Taittiriya Samhita, in the Yajur Veda, describes the many forms of
Rudra. All guardian deities are actually forms of Rudra.
In the Shri Rudram,
one finds descriptions of thousands of Rudras who are omnipresent and bear the
impression of Rudra. A verse from the 11th chapter or Anuvaka of Shri Rudram
corresponds with the Tamil invocation prayer in Muni temples. Muniandi is often
described as being present in a realm that is located between the earth and the
sky in folk Muni temples. The Yajur Veda also claims that many Rudras inhabit
this space. This echoes what is said in the prayer at Muniandi temples.
The role that the
Vedas have ascribed to the Rudras is akin to the role of guardian deities. For
example, they are said to have the power to remove fear, vanquish negativity, cure
diseases, and protect us from enemies and evil forces. The 9th Anuvaka or
chapter describes the different forms of the Rudras. Some are seen to sport
dreadlocks, and others are seen to dwell in forests, mountains, and homesteads.
It is true that the Vedas
do not mention Karuppars and Muniswarans specifically, but this is because
these are colloquial terms. The word ‘Muniswaran’ is a modern invention. At
first, such deities were called ‘Muniandi’, meaning ‘Ruler of Munis or Saints’.
People later coined names for these deities in accordance with their local
languages. The suffix ‘Ishwaran’ was added only recently.
In the Puranas, Kala
Bhairava is called Maha Kaala meaning Periya Karuppu. Muniswaran is the folk
version of Dakshinamurthy, who is the Lord of the seven sages. There are 7
Munis or Saptha Munis -Muttaiyar Muni, Chinna Muttaiyar Muni, Raya Muni or
Nondi Muni, Jada Muni, Poo Muni, Sem Muni, and Vaal Muni. Many theories have
circulated about the origins of Munis.
Mythological stories,
too, exist in the oral tradition. According to one of the oldest oral
traditions, Munis were created for protecting Goddess Shakti, who took the form
of Goddess Pachaiamman, from 7 Arakar Veerars (Asuras/Demonic Warriors). One
can find statues for these Munis at many Pachaiamman temples in Tamil Nadu,.The
7 Arakar Veerars are Agni Veeran, Anithanthira Veeran, Thakkapathala Veeran,
Thanathanthira Veeran, Ilakana Veeran, Elilkana Veeran, and Ugra Veeran.
In recent decades, in
places like Singapore and Malaysia, Gurukkals have been trying to identify the
Munis with Lord Shiva by linking the story of Muni and that of Daksha Yagam. The
Gurukkals claim that the Saptha Munis emerged from Shiva’s face to wreck
Daksha's fire sacrifice. The Munis are worshipped in diverse forms - Kaval
Deivam or guardian deity, Ishta Deivam or favorite deity, and Kula Deivam or
family deity. Other names for Muniandi are Andiappan, Muniappan, and Munisamy.
Munis are also
mentioned in the Kanda Shashti Kavasam, a hymn that eulogizes Lord Muruga. But
the Munis described in it refer to evil spirits or ghosts in Tamil folklore
rather than guardian deities. The Rig Veda claims that Munis are experts in the
magic arts and can perform supernatural feats. They were closely associated
with Rudra, who is closely associated with mountains and storms and evokes
fear.
Jada Muniswarar
matches Shiva’s aspect fully. His body is completely covered with ash, a
serpent lies coiled around his neck and also around his hands. He appears in
the form of Agora and gives blessings to devotees. Jada Muni is said to have
miraculous powers and can even take Yama’s life using his own foot. Many
deities are part of Jada Muniswarar, and he exerts control over them. He can
destroy enemies, poverty, evil forces, and black magic. By performing Jada
Muniswarar Homam, we can invoke his blessings and receive all these benefits.
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Created on Apr 19th 2021 08:08. Viewed 436 times.