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 “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 (10[1])a competition for a mango from his parents Shiva (-5[1])and Pārvatī after he lost a race to his younger brother Gaṇesha. For 10 points, name this Hindu god of war. ■END■ (0[1])