Tirumaaliruncholai

Legend has it that Yama, the lord of death, once undertook a pilgrimage. While visiting all the holy shrines, he was drawn to the serenity and beauty of Azhagar Malai and meditated on Lord Vishṇu, asking Him to reside in the beautiful surroundings for the benefit of the people. Responding to Yama's request, the Lord ordered Viswakarma, the architect of the celestials, to construct a temple for Him there. The Lord took this place as His permanent abode with his consorts, Sri Devī and Bhoo Devī.

There is also an interesting story that the water used by Brahmā to wash the feet of the Lord in the Trivikrama Avatara passed through the anklets and fell at this kshethram. Hence, the nearby river is called Noopura Gaṅgā or Silambu Aaru. The river water is being used for Tirumañjanam to the deity.

Thotti Tirumañjanam

In the Tamil month of Aipassi, during the Shukla Paksham on the day of Dvādashī, a special utsavam known as Thotti Tirumañjanam is conducted. During this utsavam, the utsava murthy of the Lord is brought outside the temple to a small cave where the Noopura Gaṅgā flows. The Lord's hair is oiled with medicinal oils, and tirumanjanam is performed with Noopura Gaṅgā falling from a small height on the Lord's head.

Sri Āṇḍāl, in one of her Pāsurams, had written that she wished to present to Lord Kallazhagar 100 gangalams (a type of vessel made of copper and/or brass), each of butter and pounded rice. It is said that Bhagavad Rāmānujar read this pāsuram and decided to make her poetic wishes a reality, presenting the Lord with 100 gangalams, each made of butter and pounded rice.

Gangalam