The place known as ‘Tirukkulandai’, is more identified as Perungulam. The residents of this village recognize their dwelling as ‘Perungulam Perumal koil’ and thus associate it with the temple. Though a small village now, inscriptional evidences show that it must have been a big city, once upon a time. The temple too remains impressive, without much damage.

Sreenivasan, the Prime Deity, stands majestically facing east under the Ananda Nilayam vimaanam.  His Spouses have their place near him and do not have separate shrines.  The Utsavar or procession deity is called ‘Maayakkoothan’ or Soranathan in Sanskrit.  The interesting feature is that Garuda, who is usually installed opposite to the Moolavar, dwells as Utsavar in the sanctum sanctorum itself.

The icon of the Prime Deity, enfolded on both sides by his Spouses, displays Kamalaavalli or Kulandaivalli blissfully seated in His chest.  Nammalvar has consecrated this divya desam in Tiruvaymoli, 8.2.4.

Nine Sri Vaishnava Kshetras are considered very sacred linked with the nine planets.  Perumal directly represents each planet in these temples respectively as shown below:

1.  Sun                                    :  Srivaikundam

2.  Moon                                :  Varagunamangai (Natham)

3.  Mars – Sevvai                 :   Tirukolur

4.  Mercury-Budha             :   Tiru Puliankudi

5.  Jupiter – Guru               :   Alwar Tirunagari

6.  Venus – Shukra              :  Then Tiruperai

7.  Saturn-Sani Bhagwan    :  Perunkulam

8.  Serpent planet – Rahu    : Irattai Thirupathi (Twin Tihirupathi)  

9.  Serpent planet-Ketu        : Irattai Thirupathi – Twin Thirupathi

                                                  Tholavilli Mangalam.

Equalling the importance of the Navagraha temples in the Chola region, these are the Navagraha temples in the Pandya region.  Since Perumal Himself represents a respective planet directly in these temples, there is no separate shrine for the Navagrahas here.  People visit the places concerned with their need.  As it would be difficult to visit these temples by bus journeys, it is advised that a cab may be hired to cover the shrines in a single day comfortably.  For those in Chennai, the Tourism Development Corporation arranges the facility twice a month – on the first and third Fridays.  The devotee can return back on Wednesday morning.  The charge is Rs. 1,100 per head with lodging facility.

According to the history of the place-Sthala Purana, Kamalavathi, daughter of a Brahmin performed penance on Lord Vishnu, who took Her hands in wedding.  The place is also known as Palikai Vanam.  The history further goes to say that a demon Ashmasaran fought with Lord and was killed by Him.  Perumal danced his body. As    requested by the Devas, He accepted the name Maya Koothan – dancer.  Sri Garuda Bhagwan has the honour of being by the side of Perumal as procession deity.