Kaaval Deivam

I was born and bought up in Chennai. Hence i always wish to see the god Ayyanar riding his horse. I have seen the deity Ayyanar only in films. Recently while chatting with my fiance. I told about my wish of seeing the statues of Ayyanar.

        The next day I have received these Beautiful snaps of Ayyanar captured by him from his native near villupuram, which is kept in his own farm. The Eyes of the Deities are not yet opened. It will be opened on an auspicious day.

Village deities are found in all villages of Tamilnadu.  They are known as Kaval deivam or guardian spirits in Tamil. 

One such deity is Ayyanar. Ayyanar shrines are usually located at the peripheries or boundaries of rural villages. Ayyanar is often pictured with a sword riding an elephant, horse, bull or tiger fighting against demons and evil gods that are threatening the village and the deity is seen riding a horse. Weapons such as a trident or a lance are also associated with the shrine. The festivals of Ayyanars are celebrated in Sacred Groves during spring season by all the related clan.

In Tamil Nadu, Ayyanar  God is worshipped in open grounds surrounded by trees holds an important position in the local villages.

In the festive season, Folk Tales like Koothhu and Folk arts like Villupattu are enacted to bring out the message of the Ayyanar folk story to one and all.