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Tamil Deity · Tamil Form of Ganesha

Pillaiyar

पिल्लैयार्
Also known as: Pillaiyār, Tamil Ganesha, Vinayagar

About

The Tamil form of Ganesha. Worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the first deity to be propitiated. Name means 'noble child.' Central to Tamil temple worship, always invoked before any ritual. Represented with elephant head and potbelly.

Attributes

Obstacle removerWisdomBeginningsFirst worship

Symbols

ModakaAxeNooseBroken tuskElephant head
Vahana (Mount)
Mouse (Mushika)

Associated Mantras

Om Pillaiyār Namaḥ
Om Gaṇeśāya Namaḥ
Vinayagar Agaval
Pillaiyār Pattikam

Festivals

Vinayagar ChaturthiPillaiyar Festival

Scriptures

PuranasTamil Ganesha literature

Regions Worshipped

Tamil NaduSouth India

Iconography

Elephant-headed, potbelly. Seated on mouse. Holds modaka, axe, noose, and broken tusk. Red or golden complexion. Auspicious expression.