The chief deity of the Sangam age was Murugan. Murugan is a popular deity in the Tamil tradition and is considered as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is also known by various names such as Kartikeya, Skanda, and Subramanya.

During the Sangam age, which is believed to have lasted from 300 BCE to 300 CE, the Tamil society was highly influenced by religion and spirituality. The Sangam literature, which consists of various poems and literary works, provides insights into the religious and cultural practices of that time.

Explanation:
1. Sangam Age:
- The Sangam Age refers to the period of ancient Tamil history when the Sangam literature was produced.
- It is considered as a golden age of Tamil literature and is divided into three periods known as Sangam eras.

2. Sangam Literature:
- The Sangam literature consists of poems and literary works composed by Tamil poets during the Sangam Age.
- These poems provide valuable information about the social, political, and cultural aspects of the time.

3. Deities in Sangam Age:
- The Sangam literature mentions various deities worshipped during that time.
- Among them, Murugan was considered as the chief deity and held great significance in the Tamil tradition.

4. Murugan as the Chief Deity:
- Murugan was highly revered as the god of war, victory, and valor.
- He was often depicted as a young and handsome warrior with six faces and twelve arms, riding a peacock.
- Murugan was believed to protect the Tamil land and its people from enemies and evil forces.

5. Worship and Festivals:
- The worship of Murugan involved elaborate rituals and ceremonies.
- Temples dedicated to Murugan were built, and regular offerings and prayers were made.
- Festivals like Thaipusam, which is still celebrated today, were dedicated to Murugan and involved devotees piercing their bodies with hooks or spears as acts of penance and devotion.

Conclusion:
Murugan, also known as Kartikeya or Skanda, was the chief deity of the Sangam Age. His worship and significance can be seen in the Sangam literature and the religious practices of that time. He was revered as the god of war and protection, and his temples and festivals played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the Tamil people during the Sangam Age.