Muneeswarar

Muneeswarar, or Muneeswaran (Tamil: முனீஸ்வரன் Malayalam: മുനീശ്വരൻ ), is a popular Hindu deity within Hinduism, and is worshipped by many, in countries such as India, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Fiji 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 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 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 Shiva.