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by Micha F. Lindemans

A kind-hearted tutelary god of woodlands and countryside venerated by the Dravidians and the Sinhalese. He is the protecting deity of the northern part of the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). According to one myth, he was born as a golden statue from the right hand of Vishnu. Ayiyanayaka is still invoked to protect crops and when there is danger of plague.