This deity is worshipped in open fields by performing the veṟiyāu dance and spreading flowers on a flag of a rooster. A festival held near the full moon of the month Thai celebrates when this deity slayed the demon Sūrapadmaṉ. (15[1])The faithful carry kāvaḍi to the (15[1])“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. (10[1]-5[1])The spear Vēl is wielded by this deity, who is accompanied by the consorts Vaḷḷi and (10[1])Devasenā. While riding a peacock, (10[1])this deity lost (10[2])a competition (10[1])for a mango (-5[1])from his parents (10[1])Shiva (-5[1])and Pārvatī (10[3]-5[1])after he lost a race (-5[1])to his younger brother Gaṇesha. For 10 points, name this Hindu god of war. ■END■ (10[1]0[9])