Aiyanar

Aiyanar
Guardian deity
Chola statue of Ayyanar
WeaponChentu (whip), sceptre, sword
MountWhite elephant, horse, bull
ConsortPuranai, Puskalai

Aiyanar (IAST: Aiyaṉār, Tamil: ஐயனார்) is a Tamil folk deity venerated in South India and Sri Lanka. His worship is prevalent amongst rural Tamil people. Some studies suggest that Ayyanar may have also been worshipped in Southeast Asian countries in the past. He is primarily worshipped as one of the village deities of Tamil Nadu. Temples to Aiyanar in the countryside are usually flanked by gigantic colourful statues of him and his companions riding horses or elephants.

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