The worship of lord karuppasamy pattern is non-Vedic or non-Agamic through Folk tales, Folk songs and Folk arts (Villu pattu, Karagam, Koothhu, etc.). Only an Aruval at the top of eighteen steps. Here he is worshipped as Pathinettampadi Raja Karuppannaswamy. This is considered as the most important of the Karappannaswamy temples. The most famous temple for Karuppasamy is located at Azhaghar Koil, near Madurai. Karuppusamy is often worshipped alongside Madurai Veeran and Muneeswarar.

His eyes are wide and bright, and the forehead is smeared with thiruneeru (sacred ash) and kumkum paste. He is also offered alcohol. He sports long hair that is tied sidewards on the head and has a thick mustache. Often, as part of his worship, a cigar will be lit and placed in the Deity’s mouth. He will usually be holding a sword, sometimes with bells attached. Statues of Karuppusamy are often black in colour and adorned with chains. Animals, often signifying his pets – a dog (Vettai Naai or a hunting dog), a lion and his ride – the white Horse are also found.

There will also be statues of other Goddesses (7 Kannimaar or the 7 Virgins)called as saptha kannimar swamy in his temples. You can see big statues of Gods with weapons like bow and arrow, swords, knives and other protective weapons alongside Karuppusamy. His temple is usually in the open space and will not have traditional Gopurams like any other temples. The maintenance of the temple is taken care of by the whole of the village. The Karuppanar Kovil (or a shrine) is always found in the outskirts of the village. He masters all land and is a warrior who blocks all evil entering a boundary. It is believed that He shoos away all evils and devils from entering the village. It is also believed that He is a fierce warrior who never forgives those who sinned or those who commit crimes. Karuppanar is believed to protect the poor, and ensure justice and self-discipline among his believers. Just like other sub-deities, he is also a martyr. These fallen warriors or any persons who sacrificed their life for a good cause such as protection of the welfare of the society or the community are revered by all. Karuppasamy history, In the ancient Tamil society people venerated the Veerargal (or warriors) and had the formless stones (Veera Kal or Veerakkal) or Nadukkal erected in memory of them.

In fact, Karuppaswamy is a Universal God known to different ancient civilizations and called by various names. Though, he has been around from time immemorial, he is hardly known in the Vedic Hindu Pantheon, and is popular as a village deity. He is said to have sprung from Vishnu’s hands and hence is also known as Kaiyannar (One created from the hand). Karuppasamy, literally known as The Dark God, is a fierce-looking deity sporting a thick moustache, decked with many ornaments, riding a white horse and carrying a drawn-out sword.

Karuppasamy photo