For a State teeming with thousands of temples, many of them presided over by major Hindu Gods of Vedic origin, Tamil Nadu is also home to numberless folk deities venerated by the masses. Originating in oral accounts of events in the past, in legend and myth, these deities form the core of the spiritual and temporal life of the people, especially in the rural areas. Some of these folk deities are offshoots of storied characters from major religions, others are warriors, heroes and chieftains transformed into figures worthy of worship. Some are venerated in specific regions, others have pan-regional appeal. This offering contains accounts of some of these deities, as well as the traditions and customs followed and observed by their followers to protect them from falling into obscurity.