History of the place

Once both Mother Mahalakshmi and Gajendran (elelphant) used to pluck flowers and worship Perumal. When Gajendran expressed his sadness due to the non-availability of flowers to him as Mother also plucks the same, the Lord told Mother to give it up for the Gajendran. The Lord made Mother to sit on his throne and accepted the puja offered by Gajendran.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasasanam (hymns) by Nammazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar. This temple ranks 66th in the 108 divya desas.

Speciality of this temple

This Perumal is in standing posture facing east under the Veda Vimana. Since there are separate temple for Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva on the banks of the river opposite to this Lord, this place is called Mummurthi. Once 9 yogis (saints) performed penance here and hence called Navayogi Sthala which later became "Navai Sthalam" and now "Thirunavai".

Pariharam

Many people do pitru darpanam to their ancestors.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform thirumanjanam (abishek) and offer vastras to the Lord and Mother.