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Masathanar-Ayyanar appears from the sanctum sanctorum with Rudrakshas adoring His neck, chest, wrists, shoulders and holding a bouquet in right hand and a palm leaf in the left hand.

The temple was a mud construction earlier.  Raja Raja Chola then built it with stones in a bigger size.  It has a three-tier Rajagopuram, a beautiful elephant sculpture, a Balipeeta and a Yagasala in star shape.  It also has Artha Mandapa and vast prakaras.

Masathanar was an illustrious poet who brought the great epic Tirukayilaya Ula and staged it in this place known then as Tirupidavur – Tirupattoor, according to epigraphic findings.  

The 18-pillar mandap where the epic was staged still exists in the temple as evidence of this history. 

The famous Chola King Raja Rajan was a staunch Shiva devotee and was conferred the title Shivapada Sekhara.  He was instrumental for the prosperity of the kingdom.  He was assisted in his efforts by Brahmarayar, who was a Vishnu devotee.

To respect him, Raja Raja treated Vaishnava temples with equal respect.  Brahmarayar duly reciprocated Raja Raja’s courtesy by his services to Shiva temples. 

Other Gods came into prominence beyond gods of Saivism and Vaishnavism.  Masathanar belongs to the later generation of Gods. 

It may be recalled that Sathanar worship was popular during the Sangam period.  The kings would convene the court only after Sathanar worship.  This worship was followed during war time also. 

Thrilled by the power and mercy of Masathanar, kings began to attach this name with theirs as Karuvur Seraman Sathan, Pandian Keeran Sathan, Cholanattu Pidavur Kizhan Mahan Perunchathan, Ollayur Kizhan Mahan Perunchathan and so on.  

In the days that followed, Sathanar came to be known as Sastha and also as Ayyanar. 

Miracle based : Masathamnar / Ayyanar appears Majestically.