Hinduism And Hindu Theology - Who Is Aiyanar?

 

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.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.