A regional deity in southern India. Aiyanar is a popular village god in Tamil Nadu, where he is revered as the defender of the village tank, the bringer of rain, and the guardian of the hamlet.
- He is most likely an indigenous god who has been incorporated into Hindu mythology.
- Aiyanar is often confused with Aiyappa, but there are significant differences between the two:
- Aiyanar is a god that protects communities,
- While Aiyappa is connected with hills, jungles, and hunting.
See Louis Dumont, “A Folk Deity of Tamil Nad: Aiyanar, the Lord,” in T. N. Madan (ed. ), Religion in India, 1991, for further details.
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