The Vimana below the sanctum sanctorum is known as Pranavakoti Vimana.

For relief from debt burden, success in litigations, those under adverse aspect of Mars affecting their marriage, those born of Swathi and Tiruvadirai stars, those undergoing Rahu Period (dragon’s tail) and those suffering from Saturn aspects pray to Lord Patalathri Narasimha for relief.  There is a tree called Azhinjal behind the temple with powerful effects.  Those awaiting marriage, seeking child boon and excellence in education pray on this tree applying sandal and kumkum and light lamps with ghee.

Patalam means red.  Athri means hill.  As Lord Narasimha appeared here furiously with Red Eyes and huge as a mount, the place came to be known as Patalathri.  This temple was built by Pallava kings.

Goddess-Mother Ahobilavalli and Andal shrines are facing east, while those of Vishvaksena and Lakshmi Narasimha face south.  There are shrines for Garuda and Anjaneya.  The Dasavathara scenes are depicted in the entrance of the temple.  All the 12 Alwars are both in deity and procession deity forms in the temple.

Maharshi Jabali performed intense penance in this place seeking the darshan of Lord Sri Narasimha.  Lord granted the Rishi His darshan at the Pradosha time (twilight time).  Based on the event, Tirumanjanam is performed to the Lord at this time on Pradosha days.

Presiding deity Patalathri Narasimhar graces with conch and the discus, his right lower hand gracing (abhaya hastha) the devotees and the lower left on His hip.  He is facing east with His three eyes.

Procession deity Prahladha Varadha graces with consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in standing form under the Pranavakoti Vimana.  As the presiding deity is on the cave temple on the hill, the devotee has to go round the hill too in his clockwise walk called Padakshina.