Description
This is a Vaishnava temple with presiding deity Perumal appears on Garuda in the sanctum itself. We see Perumal in temples in sitting, standing or reclining form only. The Lord appears on Garuda only during festivals. This is a temple where Garuda Seva is available to the devotee every day. People with the Mrigasheersha star worship here for quick solutions to the problems they face.
History
According to the legends, Sage Bruhu was performing penance here surrounded by Vanni trees. A chola king who had been hunting made a lot of noise to hunt a lion. This interrupted the penance of the sage. He cursed the king that he would have a lion's face as he had chosen that place for hunting where sages are engaged in penance. The king begged for a remedy. The sage suggested that he bathed in Vettraru river known as Vruddha Cauvery and worship Perumal. The king followed the advice of the sage and got back his human face. The place assumed importance for Mrigasheersha star as the king was relieved from the Mriga (animal) face.
Importance/Significance
Lord Narayana is generally worshipped in three forms - standing, sitting or reclining. His eagle vehicle Garuda appears either just opposite the Lord or by a side. During festivals, Perumal comes on Garuda. As the story goes, since Perumal set out fast on Garuda to help a king in this place, he appears on the Garuda in the sanctum sanctorum too. This is a very rare form in a Vishnu temple. Hence, Garuda Seva is followed in the temple every day.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Vaikunda Ekadasi is celebrated during December and January. Garuda Panchami and Gokhulashtami during August and September and Sri Rama Navami between March and April are the festivals celebrated in this temple.
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