Mystery behind the salt immersed Karrupar @ Shivakaliamman Temple , Serdang

Karuppar Shrine in 2013

   

Shivakaliamman temple of Serdang, Malaysia is a rather prestigious temple most Malaysians are aware of. A unique feature of this temple is that of the karrupar deity who is pooled by generous mounds of salt.Devotees are allowed to offer salt around the deities
to an extent where they are immersed in it...

September 2017
                             

So what is the relation between this salt ritual and Karrupar ?

Salt is associated with Lord Vishnu and Vaishnavism, specifically as being originating from Vaikuntha ( the abode of Lord Vishnu). 

Offering of salt to Lord Vishnu in Ananda Bhavan Restaurant,Sungai Petani branch.This practice seems to be more common in Northern Malaysia rather than the south.

Puranas apparently glorify salt for its divine qualities.Salt is revered as it plays an important role in various aspects - particularly food.In many cultures,salt is also used to repel negative energies.

Coming to Karrupaswamy..

Karrupar is a deity who has legends associating Him to Lord Vishnu.He is more often seen as Kala Bhairava or an expression of Rudra ( fierce aspect of Shiva )

Nevertheless, many see Karrupar as the fierce form of Krishna as well.Another commoner view is the parallel between Karrupar and Kalki - the 10th Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Karrupar is depicted as a fierce looking warrior deity,dark in colour ( illustrated blue) with a machete or sword held high, riding a white horse , with a Naamam tilak ( forehead marking used by Vaishnavites - devotees of Lord Vishnu ) adorning His forehead. These are the standard features of Shri Karrupar.

Karuppanaswamy

Kalki Avatar

Ancient Tamizhs worshiped Karuppar in the reflection of Lord Vishnu.

Uppiliappan temple Kumbakonam

Another interesting point to note- the Karrupar in Shivakaliamman temple is also called by the name ''Uppiliappan''.Uppiliappan is actually the form of Lord Vishnu in Uppiliappan temple, Kumbakonam, India.

                                                                            

In a nutshell,this temple adores the touch of Vaishnavism and this has found its expression in the Vishnu-tattva of Karrupar.That's the reason for the salt bath.Even Pratyangira Devi in this temple is expressed under the touch of Vishnu-tattva.

Pratyangira Devi of Shivakaliamman temple. She holds a conch and chakra prominently, as how Lord Vishnu would. This is something unique to the deity in this temple. Other Pratyangira shrines do not necessarily hold these features.

Lord Vishnu holds the conch and chakra to symbolise sound and time.The conch indicates sound and chakra indicates time.Lord Shiva,similarly expresses sound through his damaruka and time through the trident ( trishula) 

Sound and time are the essence of the universe or creation.

Snaps taken from Facebook :

Also Read : 

(1) Karuppar Mantra

(2) History of Karuppar 

(3) Karuppar reference in Vedas 

(4) Quickest and Guaranteed Way to Access Karuppar