History of the place

Lord Brahma did yagna to purify himself along with His consorts Gayatri and Savitri, but leaving Mother Saraswathi. The enraged Mother flowed in spate as River Vegavathi. Lord Vishnu as per Brahmma's request, checked this flood by placing himself across the river in reclinling posture. The Lord appeared from the flames of the Yagna after the yagna is over. Then Lord Brahma did a statue in Athi Maram and installed here.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasaasanam (hymns) by Peyazhwar, Boothathazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, Acharya Sri Ramanuja, Thirukachi Nambi and Sri Manavala Maminigal. This is the 44th temple among the 108 divya desams.

Speciality of this temple

The lord is in standing posture (Nindra thirukolam) facing west. The 40 feet long idol of Lord Athi Varadaraja Perumal established by Lord Brahma is kept in Ananda Saras tank. This idol is in reclining posture and is made of Athi wood which is brought out once in 40 years for darshan. As the mountain Iravadam holds this Lord, hence the name "Athigiri". As the Lord granted boon (Varam in Tamil language) to Lord Brahmma, HE is praised a Varadaraja Perumal. The 24 steps in the temple represent the number of letters of Gayathri Mahamantra. Lord Sudarshana with 16 hands is from Lord Brahma's yagna with a scar on the face. Sage Bringi's sons were the disciples of Sage Gautama. As the dicisples were unaware of the lizard's fall in the water they brought for their mentor's puja, they were cursed to become lizards. They came to this place and relieved of their curse. As decided by the Lord, whoever see the mortal coils of the lizard will be free from sins. The Sun and Moon are witnesses to this boon.

Pariharam

People pray for achieving excellence in education, family welfare and prosperity. Lord Sudarshana is worshipped to remove obstacles in marriage proposals, court cases and to gain mental peace. Perundevi Thayar is worshipped for health and child boon by women. The golden and silven lizards in the temple are also worshipped for relief from any doshas that occur due to the fall of real lizards.

Pariharam Procedure

Tulsi garlands, vastras to Lord and Mother are offered. Sakkari Pongal (sweet pudding) is offered as nivedhana.