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Muniswaran and Karuppar mentioned in Vedas

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

Many 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.

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