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