Aiyanar

Ayyanar (IAST: Aiyaṉār, Tamil: ஐயனார்) is a Dravidian folk religion deity venerated in South India and Sri Lanka. His worship is prevalent amongst the rural Tamil people. Some studies suggest that Ayyanar may have also been worshipped in Southeast Asian countries in the past. He is primarily worshipped as one of the Village deities of guardian folk deities of Tamil Nadu. The temples of Ayyanar in the countryside are usually flanked by gigantic and colourful statues of him and his companions riding horses or elephants.