Valli

Valli (Tamil வள்ளி) is a Goddess and the divine consort of the prominent Hindu God Murugan, according to Hindu mythology. She represents the "Ichha Shakti" (power of aspirations), and Goddess Deivayanai depicts "Kriya Shakthi" (power of actions), and the Vel embodies "Gnana Shakthi" (power of knowledge).

Valli in Tamil language means a creeper and is also used as a title of many tribal or idigenous peoples goddesses in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and by the Rodiya(Ezhava) people of Sri Lanka.

Dictionary defintiion is: வள்ளி (vaḷḷi), s. a plant, convolvulus batatas; 2. a winding plant, dioscorea sativa, படர்கொடி; 3. a ratan-shield, பிரப்பங் கேடகம்; 4. a jewel, ஆபரணம்; 5. a bracelet, கைவளை; 6. a kind of play, a dance, ஓர் கூத்து; 7. a consort of Subramanya.

Goddess Valli is also known as Pongi, at Vallimalai, and the pond from which she drew water to quench the thirst of Her Lord, is still existent here. This pond though in an open ground, does not receive the rays of the sun. Pongi in this context, refers to the Her bhava in which is overflows with youth, beauty and devotion.

Descendants of the Vedda tribe are still inhabitant around the Kathirgamam region and there are temples dedicated to the God of Mountains, Lord Muruga in this region of Sri Lanka.