Arulmigu Karuppasami, also known as Karuppannasami, Karuppar, or Karuppasamy stands as a guardian deity for (kaval deivam) worshipped primarily in Tamil Nadu, as well as in some other South Indian states and parts of Sri Lanka. He is a village guardian deity often seen as a symbol of justice, protection, and dharma (cosmic law and order). He is considered a form of Shiva or an attendant of Lord Veerabhadra, and in some traditions, a manifestation of Kala Bhairava, another fierce form of Shiva. He is not part of the classical Hindu pantheon (like Vishnu, Shiva, etc.), but rather a folk deity, which makes him deeply rooted in village and rural traditions.
The story of his origin may include information that many have not heard before!
According to a tale from the Ramayana, when Valmiki plucked a blade of dharba grass and gave it life, it transformed into Karuppannasami. A devotional line that says “Karuppasami born from the dharba" supports this origin. It is also believed that Karuppasami is the child born to Sri Veerabhadra and Chandi.
Another piece of research suggests that temples for Karuppasami were built at places where individuals named Karuppan or Karuppasami were beheaded and buried.
Karuppasami appears in various postures in temples — standing, sitting, and even riding a horse as he goes out. He is usually portrayed with a majestic form, wearing a headgear, a cloth tied around his waist (kacchai), with fierce eyes, a curled mustache, and wielding a machete (arival). Most often, he is seen blessing devotees while holding a sukkumandha stick .
Offerings suitable for Karuppannasami include: sweet pongal, flattened rice (aval), roasted chickpeas, mango, banana, jackfruit, guava, and tender coconut.
Karuppasami Dhyanam (Meditation Verse):
Dvi-bhujam peena krishnangam bhasmasru shiroruhaс╣Г;
Gad─Бm katkamcha bibr─Бс╣Зam mah─Бk─Бlam vayaс╣Г namaс╕е!
род்ро╡ி-рокூроЬроо் рокிройா роХிро░ுро╖்рогாроироХро░் рокро╕்рооாро╕ுро░் ро╖ிро░ோро░ுро╣роо்
роХроЯроо் роХாроХрооாроЪ்роЪி рокிрок்ро░ாрогроо் рооро╣ாроХாро▓роо் ро╡роп роироо!
(We bow to the great dark-hued being with two strong arms, ash-smeared hair, holding a mace and sword — the mighty Mahakala.)
Moola Mantra:
Om Krum Asithangaya Mahavira!
роУроо் роХ்ро░ூроо் роЕроЪிродாроЩ்роХாроп роороХாро╡ீро░!