The Sacred Horses of Ayyanar: Tamil Nadu's Guardian Deity and His Terracotta Steeds The Eternal Watchman of Tamil Villages In the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu, at the boundaries where human settlement meets wilderness, stand magnificent terracotta horses—some towering up to six meters tall. These are not mere sculptures but sacred offerings to Ayyanar, the revered guardian deity who watches over every village with unwavering vigilance. The deity is believed to protect villages and their inhabitants from evil forces, natural calamities, and epidemics, riding his divine steed through the night to ensure the safety of his devotees. Ayyanar's name itself carries profound meaning. The term is derived from the Tamil word 'Ayyan,' meaning 'respected elder' or 'lord,' combined with a suffix denoting reverence. This nomenclature reflects the deep respect and trust that rural communities place in their celestial protector, who functions as both guardian and j...