KARUPPASAMY AS A KULADEIVAM: A STUDY OF FOLK BELIEFS AND RITUAL PRACTICES

As a guardian deity, Karuppasamy is worshipped across rural and semi-urban Tamil Nadu.In fact, he is an important guardian deity and ancestral deity for many.Beliefs and practices associated with Karuppasamy offer insights on the traditional and folk aspects of the religion of the people of Tamil Nadu, especially in relation to family, ancestry, tribe, social relations, area and agriculture.The worship of Karuppasamy often takes the form of sacrifice, oath taking, offerings, vows and rituals performed by the community.In many parts of Tamil Nadu, he is the only guardian deity to whom people turn to for relief from troubles and threats brought about by supernatural forces.Beliefs and practices associated with the deity are a rich source of information on the yearnings of the people for security and welfare.In this study, I analyse beliefs and practices associated with the worship of Karuppasamy as a tribal deity.I review and analyse oral traditions and literary works based on village matters, and explain the role of the deity in safeguarding the interests of the community, including relief from various diseases and threats.I review and analyse rituals associated with the deity including annual animal and other offerings, drumming, the carrying of offerings, divine possession, oath taking and the fulfilment of vows.The study analyses the effects of the religious belief and practice on collective memory of a community.