The main Pillaiyar idol is decorated in the "Moolasthaanam" (main shrine of the temple) of Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapity-Colombo during its annual festival (Alangaara Thiruvizha)

Ganapathi, the God of Good beginning confers success, wealth and knowledge on devotees. A Pillayar is in the "Moolasthaanam" (main shrine of the temple) of Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapity-Colombo

Millions of devotees seek he elephant-faced Lord's grace before embarking on any endeavour and find their actions capped with victory. A Pillaiyar idol is carved above the "Moolasthanam" (main shrine of the temple) of Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapity-Colombo

A wooden Pillaiyar idol is kept at the reception of Indian Cultural Centre in Bambalapity-Colombo

A picture of Pillaiyar is hung at a fruit stall in Munneswaram-Chilaw

Pillaiyar is placed on a Hindu wedding invitation

Pillaiyar is placed on a Hindu wedding invitation

A Pilliayar is displayed on a vedic chanting audio compact disc. Vedic hymns are chanted as part of sacred ceremonies. The values they contain are eternal and timeless.They are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago,when they came into being.

The orthodox method of learning them is from a qualified teacher. However just listening to them can uplift the soul.It is believed that they can help ward off negative thoughts and lead to atonement and purity of mind. This in turn leads to peace of mind and prosperity.

Elephant God is displayed on an instrumental invocation to Lord Ganesh audio compact disc

Lord Ganesha is displayed on a classical instrumental audio compact disc. Ganapathi is the greatest benefactor of humanity

A Pillaiyar is displayed on a Thai Pongal greeting

A Pillaiyar is displayed on a booklet, which is printed to remember a person's 30th day death anniversary

A Pillaiyar idol is kept under a Bo tree at Sri Kaali Amman Devasthanam in Chilaw

A Pillaiyar idol is displayed on a New Year Wishes poster at the office of Sri Kaali Amman Devasthanam in Chilaw

A Pillaiyar idol is kept at the office of Sri Kaali Amman Devasthanam in Chilaw

A Pillaiyar idol is displayed on a Manavarai at Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapity-Colombo. Manavarai is used for Hindu weddings, where the bride and bridegroom sit and have their marriage while the religious rituals take place

"Kann Thirushdi Pillaiyar" is kept at a Hindu house in Bambalapitya - Colombo

Pillaiyar is printed on a Hindu wedding invitation

Pillaiyar is printed on a Hindu wedding invitation

Pillaiyar is made out of saffron at a Hindu house in Bambalapitya-Colombo.