Karuppannaswamy, also known as Karuppusamy or Karupparayan (Tamil language: கருப்பண்ணசுவாமி, Malayalam: കറുപ്പണ്ണസാമി; ), is a powerful and widely worshipped guardian deity kaval deivam in Tamil folk religion, especially among rural and agrarian communities in Tamil Nadu and parts of Sri Lanka. He is considered a fierce protector, upholder of justice, and divine enforcer of dharma (righteousness).
About Karuppannaswamy
Among Dravidians, Karuppannaswamy is one of the most popular and respected deity, His presence is strongly felt in village guardian worship (grama devata tradition) and kuladeivam (ancestral deity) practices. People who worship Karuppannaswamy as feel a deep, emotional, and ritual connection to him—not as a distant god, but as a living guardian who watches over them. Their respect is not based on fear alone, but on loyalty, gratitude, and unshakable trust.
Words People Use for Him,
Aandavar,
Aiyya,
Veeran (brave one)
Many villagers, especially in Tamil Nadu and the border regions of Kerala, believe that Karuppar was once a real ancestor or warrior, guardian who lived, fought, and died for the protection of his people, clan, or village. Over time, due to his valor, righteousness, and loyalty, he was not forgotten after death. Instead, he became deified, raised to the level of a kuladeivam (family deity) or grama devata (village protector). Therefore, devotees engage in a high level of discipline and mental purity, as he does not permit rituals to be performed without both mental and physical cleanliness.
Deity is worshipped through several unique and traditional ceremonies Like Kodei Vila, Mayaana Vettei, Kalari thiruvila Theemithi.
And people worship deity by using several methods like Nadu Kazh Valipadu, Aruval Vazhipadu.
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Temples of Karuppuswamy
Karuppusamy temples are found in outside of villages. Whole villages contribute to maintenance of Hindu temple. These temples do not have and have large statues of Hindu deities with large eyes, holding weapons like bows and arrows, , and other . There are statues of eight Matrikas and a hound, a lion and a horse with a main statue of Karuppuswamy.
Worship of Karuppaswamy
Karuppuswamy worship is based on an ancient ancestral clan-based worship system in Hinduism. Here, most officiating priests are non-Brahmin, and derive from local lineages that had initiated the religion generations ago. The worship pattern is non-Vedas or non-Agamic through folk tales, songs and arts of Villu Paatu, Karakattam, Koothu, etc. The local priests offer and vibhuti (holy ash) to worshippers and plays a role of a oracle. Various people within the clan system are identified to play to the role of oracle on an annual turn basis. They undertake a vrata and maintain chastity and purity during the period. During the festivals, oracles get into Trance state of Swami Adudhal and deliver counselling messages to the group assembled there without bias. In some temples before the oracles deliver counselling messages, oracles stand on top of a aruval (Specifically forms of Karuppuswamy as Periyakaruppu, Muthukaruppu, Muppiliyaan). The normal problems addressed are family problems, financial troubles and local community and social issues for resolving within the community group with the agreement of local ancestral god through oracle. Whenever the wishes of the people are granted, they give their offerings to him based on what they to offer.
Karuppuswamy is worshipped in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, Réunion, Seychelles, Guadeloupe, Singapore, Malaysia, Martinique as Sangili Karuppan, Sangani Baba.
Annual festivals of Karuppuswamy
The village committee would decide on when the annual festival be conducted. The time of the year when this would fall varies with villages and their local customs. Generally, the mass convention assembly of a large number of related family members is organized during spring for 2 days. The beginning of this festival will be with hoisting of a flag and tying a Kaappu. After this time, villagers cannot go out of the village but come in from a different village and after a festival ends, people can go out of the village and go to a different village.
Trance
Trance is an important phenomenon that occurs in Karuppuswamy worship. This phenomenon essentially enables the god to possess the body of a human, who then goes on to display physical traits of the god. This is usually done at major festivals or prayers, and is considered to be a clear sign of the physical presence or blessing of the god. Some practitioners willingly invoke the god into their bodies, while for others it happens without their control. Trance is also used as a platform for devotees to communicate with the god and vice versa, to provide solutions and advises for a multitude of topics.
Forms Of Karuppannaswamy
The 21 forms of Karuppannaswamy represent different roles, energies, and duties carried out by the same divine guardian. "These forms are not "different gods," but rather different faces or modes of Karuppar, each one suited for specific purposes like protection, justice, healing, guarding, punishing, or guiding.
They come from oral tradition, village worship, trance rituals (sami adudhal), and kuladeivam customs — not from Vedic or temple-based Agamic texts. Therefore, these forms may differ slightly between regions.
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Sappani Karuppannaswamy
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Muthu Karuppannaswamy
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Sangili Karuppannaswamy
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Sonei Karuppannaswamy
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Vettai Karuppannaswamy
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Punugu Karuppannaswamy
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Mada Karuppannaswamy
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Aandi Karuppannaswamy
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Veera Karuppannaswamy
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Periya Karuppannaswamy
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Sameiya Karuppannaswamy
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Chinna Karuppannaswamy
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Khottai Karuppannaswamy
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Maaradi Karuppannaswamy
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Malaiyala Karuppannaswamy
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Aagaya Karuppannaswamy
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Maaya Karuppannaswamy
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Mandu Karuppannaswamy
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Maasaana Karuppannaswamy
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Santhana Karuppannaswamy
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Aathimarathu Karuppannaswamy
Worship in Indo-Caribbean Dravidian folk religion
In Caribbean Shaktism in Guyana, He is Sangani Baba. In the Indo-Caribbean community of Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Sangani Baba is worshipped as a powerful god.
Sangani Baba is often associated with the color black, which symbolizes his fierce and protective nature. He is considered a guardian god, offering his devotees protection, prosperity, and guidance. His worship in Indo-Caribbean Shaktism has elements of Hinduism that have been passed down through generations.
Devotees offer various items to Sangani Baba as part of their worship. These offerings can include Vedic items such as camphor, butter, , ghee. However, non-Vedic offerings such as and alcohol are also made to him in these regions, reflecting the Tamil nature of the worship.
Sacrifices of black and black are made as part of rituals dedicated to Sangani Baba, showing the offering of life and the seeking of his blessings and favour. These practices reflect the deep connection and devotion of the Indo-Caribbean community Sangani Baba.
In Indo-Caribbean Shaktism, Sangani Baba is revered as a god who can provide counsel and guidance. During festivals and special occasions, individuals chosen as oracles enter into a trance-like state, known as Swami Adudhal. In this state, they channel the messages and advice Sangani Baba to the assembled devotees, addressing their personal and community concerns and solving them.
See also