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Ayyanar Temple

Tamil Nadu


Just 8km southwest of Pudukkottai, this is an outstanding village shrine dedicated to the pre-Hindu guardian-god Ayyanar, worshipped only in rural Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Hundreds of majestic terracotta horses and other beasts – offerings from local families, in various states of dishevelment – line a jungle-shrouded path leading to a modest altar.


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