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Idol of Muniandi

Muniandi, also referred to as Munisvaran, is a Tamil rural guardian deity of plantations and estates, who has since been assimilated with Hinduism. [1] He is regarded as a malevolent being who causes diseases, blights, and crop failures, who whose ill-will can be prevented by human veneration.[2] He is also recognised as a divine attendant to a major South Indian rural deity, Mariamman.[3]

Etymology

The word Muniandi is a combination of two words, Muni and Andi. The word Andi could be defined in two ways. One referring to slave of God and the other ruling (as in ruler). The second explanation could be derived from the word Andavar, which literally means he who rules. The reason for this explanation is the word Andi being used for other deities in the Tamil pantheon.

Literature

They are actually a Shiva Ganas they are associated with Shiva and it is believed that they actually they came from Shiva's face in 7 forms and then they promise Shiva that they'll protect the holy spirits because of this they guards Mariamman and other Dravidian goddesses.

Worship

Tree Worship (Maram Vazhipadu)

Stone Worship (Nadukkal Vazhipadu)

Statue worship (Uruvam Vazhipadu)

Worship outside India

The deity is also popular amongst the Tamil diaspora outside Tamil Nadu. In Malaysia, Muniandi worship was started by Tamil migrants who had the Munis as their Kula Deivam. The family temples which were built in the estates and villages later turned into public temples. Eventually, more people started worshipping these Munis and it became popularised.

References

  1. ^ Moffatt, Michael (8 March 2015). An Untouchable Community in South India: Structure and Consensus. Princeton University Press. p. 224. ISBN 978-1-4008-7036-3.
  2. ^ Boban, K. Jose (1998). Tribal Ethnomedicine: Continuity and Change. APH Publishing. p. 100. ISBN 978-81-7648-027-7.
  3. ^ Mearns, David J. (18 December 1995). Shiva's Other Children: Religion and Social Identity Amongst Overseas Indians. SAGE Publications. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-8039-9249-8.
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