Muneeswarar, or Muneeswaran (Tamil: முனீஸ்வரன்), is a popular Hindu deity within Hinduism, and is worshipped by many, in countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore and many more. He is sometimes referred to by different names, such as Muniyandi, Muniyappan, Muni Ayya, Ayya amongst many others. Muneeswarar is mostly considered a guardian deity or minor, but is in some cases hierarchically considered to be on par with Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in the Hindu trinity. Although not much is known on the exact origins and history of Muneeswarar, he is often regarded to be related to the Hindu Lord Shiva. His name is a combination of "Muni" (sage or saint), and "Ishvara", an epithet or title of Shiva.
Depiction
Muneeswarar is often believed to be an old/middle aged male deity. He is often portrayed wearing a large moustache and wielding weapons such as a trident, Indian machete, whip and spear. His forehead and body is believed to be smeared with holy ash, an indication of his association with Lord Shiva.
Muneeswaran is mostly worshipped in the form of statues (granite, metals, clay etc) depicting his physical appearance, or merely in the form of the weapons he is associated with. In some cases, he is also worshiped in the form of a rock, brick, lamp or nothing at all. He is sometimes accompanied by other minor deities and animals (bulls, horses or dogs), which are believed to be his vehicles.
Different Worship Methods
Muneeswarar is worshipped in both the orthodox Vedic ways as well as the Non-Vedic ways. The former is based heavily on the Vedas, Agamas and other sacred Hindu texts. Muneeswarar worship in this regard is usually done in an elaborate and systematic way, with many strict rules to be followed. For example, prayers and rituals are usually conducted in the Sanskrit language by Bhramins, and only vegetarian food products are offered to the deity for prayers and rituals. This method is mostly common in Agamic temples that are very common in India, Singapore and Malaysia. In such temples, Muneeswaran is venerated as a “higher” deity, and treated as Lord Shiva himself.
The Non-Vedic way on the other hand is less rigid and not heavily bounded to sacred texts like the Vedas and Agamas. Its worship methods sometimes involve the usage of many items and methods that are otherwise considered taboo in Vedic Hinduism. Theses include things such as animal sacrifices, the offerings of non-vegetarian food items, alcohol and tobacco. This form of worship sometimes also sees the innovation of deity through phenomenons like Alaipu or trance. This style of worships can be found in Non-Agamic temples, shrines and homes. Due to the differences in worship methods, Muneeshwaran has a variety of disciples from many different demographics.