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Village Deity · Tamil Village Guardian / Folk Deity

Aiyanar

अय्यनार्
Also known as: Aiyanār, Sasta, Ayyanar, Gramadevata

About

A prominent village guardian deity in Tamil Nadu. Worshipped at the boundaries of villages, seated on a horse with a sword. Protects villages from evil spirits, diseases, and misfortunes. Often accompanied by huge terracotta horses (painted and offered by devotees).

Attributes

Village guardianBoundary protectorHorse-mounted warriorFolk deity

Symbols

HorseSwordTerracotta horsesLancePotbelly
Consort
Puranai and Pudkalai (two consorts)
Vahana (Mount)
Horse

Associated Mantras

Om Aiyanār Namaḥ
Ayyanar Stotram

Festivals

Ayyanar FestivalAnnual village festivalsHorse offerings

Scriptures

Folk traditionsTemple legends (Sthala Puranas)

Regions Worshipped

Tamil NaduSouth IndiaSri Lanka

Iconography

Seated or standing on a horse, holding sword or lance. Often with a fierce mustache. Terracotta horses offered as votive gifts placed around the shrine. Sometimes depicted with two consorts.