This deity is worshipped in open fields by performing the veṟiyāu dance and spreading flowers on a flag of a (-5[1])rooster. A festival held near the full moon (-5[1])of the month Thai celebrates when this deity slayed the demon Sūrapadmaṉ. The faithful carry kāvaḍi to the “Six Abodes” of this deity, which includes a temple in the Paḻaṉi hills where this deity entered seclusion. In a Saṅgam poem is dedicated to this deity, he instructs a sage to create the (*) Tamil language. The spear Vēl is wielded (15[1])by this deity, who (-5[1])is accompanied by the (10[1]-5[1])consorts Vaḷḷi (10[1])and Devasenā. While riding a (-5[1])peacock, (-5[1])this (-5[1])deity lost a competition for a mango from his parents Shiva and Pārvatī (-5[1])after he lost a race (10[1]-5[3])to (10[1])his younger brother Gaṇesha. (10[1])For 10 (10[1]-5[1])points, name this Hindu god of war. ■END■