Arulmigu Perungaraiyadi Meenda Ayyanar – Maasi Magam

The Arulmigu Perungaraiyadi Meenda Ayyanar Temple is located on the banks of River Villuni in the Pudukkotai district The temple hosts a grand 2day celebration every year known as Maasi Magam between the months of February and March The presiding deity of this temple Lord Ayyanar is respected as the guardian of the villages Lord Aiyanaar who graciously grants wishes for anything is revered as a god who guards the village increases the harvest and protects the animals He is revered for removing the harmful effects of the planets Sani and Raagu The temple is home to a 37foot tall gigantic horse idol which is considered to be the sacred vehicle of the deity The temple also has an imprint of a giant elephant idol which is believed to be demolished in one of the floods that happened a century ago The horse idol is built with its front legs in the air while facing the south direction Every year thousands of worshippers offer prayers to Lord Ayyanar by adorning the horse statue with beautiful and vibrant garlands during the Maasi Magam festival The devotees belief is that by offering these garlands Lord Ayyanar blesses them with good health and wealth The devotees offer the presiding deity Lord Ayyanar a traditional Ilai Virundhu which consists of a hefty nonveg meal with rice and other curries The temple also sees a tradition of head shaving and annadhanam a practice of donating food.