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 slew the demon Sūrapadmaṉ. (15[1])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 dedicated to this deity, he instructs a sage to create the (*) Tamil language. (-5[1])The spear Vēl is wielded (10[2])by this deity, who is accompanied by the consorts Vaḷḷi (10[1])and Devasenā. While riding (-5[1])a peacock, this (10[1])deity lost a competition for a mango (10[1]-5[1])from his parents Shiva (10[1])and Pārvatī after he (-5[1])lost (-5[2])a race to his (10[1]-5[1])younger brother (-5[1])Gaṇesha. (10[1]-5[1])For 10 points, name this Hindu god of war. ■END■ (10[1]0[11])