Munishswaran

Munishswaran (Tamil: (To add), lit.: Sage like Lord) is a Tamil folk deity popular in northern Tamil Nadu, India. It is a male deity usually depicted as three stones or just one stone with religious marking. The deity is considered a family or village guardian. There are many versions of this deity popular in different parts of Tamil Nadu.

Origins

For many thousand years that Tamil people existed in southern India, they have been nature worshipers. Like Pagans they enthralled in women being the center of life, source of rejuvenation and entity to be revered for survival. By early BCE 250 the Tondai Nadu comprises the North-eastern region of Tamilnadu ruled by Kalabhras had adopted Buddhism from Mauryas and Satavahanas in the north. At this time the farmers had great following for Buddhism as it took away the rigidity of vedic rituals and brahminism. With the fall of Kalabhras and rise of Pallavas, the buddhist monks had give up their religion. "Muni" in Tamil means the brailed and coiled hair these sages and nomads wear and "Ishwar" means lord, therefore farmers started calling their buddhist monks as Munishwarans. As time went by with influence of Saviate kings of Pallava kingdom, they were replaced as village guardian deities.

Versions

Pal Muni identified as vegetarian deity who doesn't take any animal sacrifice. It is also preferred as the family deity many. All houses depict them with three burnt bricks marked with three saviate strips of ashes and red kumkum dot in the center(Made of tumeric and slaked lime)
Ratha Muniidentified as more stronger deity, GeneRally associated saving the village or the farms that surround them. They are prone to take animal sacrifices and devour the blood of these animals as offering from the village.
Kotai Muniidentified as soldier figurines who protect the town or the fort of rulers. These portrayals carry men carrying long swords and round shields.

Temples

Munneswaram temple in Demala Pattuva region in the Puttalam District, Sri Lanka.
Bodyguard Muniswaran Koil at Chennai
Kottai Muniswaran Koil at Devakottai
Kottai Muniswaran Koil at Rasipuram
RoYa Muniswaran Temple opposite Srirangam Temple, Tiruchy
Sri Muneeswaran Temple in Singapore
Val Muniswaran Temple in Seremban
Muniswaran Alayam temple in Setapak
Muniswaran temple in Chemor
Sri Muniswaran Temple in Jalan Kisap, Kedah

Poojas

For family well being, poojas are offered with liquor, cigar and poori laid out on banana leaf. Whereas the village functions include offering of sacrificial lambs, goats, etc.

Music

Urmi melam