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. 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. The spear Vēl is wielded by this deity, who is accompanied by the consorts Vaḷḷi and Devasenā. While riding a peacock, this deity lost a competition for a mango from his parents Shiva and Pārvatī after he lost a race to his younger brother Gaṇesha. For 10 points, name this Hindu god of war. ■END■