Mattrurai Varadeswarar Temple

The Mattrurai Varadeswarar Temple is located in Tiruvasi and is dedicated to God Mattrurai Varadeswarar. According to legend Saint Sundarar used to get gold from God Shiva to feed and maintain the Shiva devotees following him. After worshipping the God in Tiruvanaika, he is said to have come to this temple and sang the praise of the God seeking gold. But the God did not react. An angry Sundarar sang another Pathigam (ten verses) in a loud voice questioning the existence of God Shiva. Sundarar then got his gold. Despite getting his gold, the saint was doubtful of its purity. He stood looking at it closely. Two men came up to him and asked him why he was looking at the gold. Sundarar is said to have sought their help in the validation of the gold. One of them confirmed the purity of the metal and the other too approved it. Both disappeared instantly. Sundarar then sang again saying that he did not mean to doubt the God. The God appeared before him and said that he alone was the assessor and his companion was none other than God Vishnu. Hence the God is named Mattru Urai Nather - God who confirmed the purity of gold by touch - Mattru means "The touch of the gold". The shrine of God Selva Vinayaka and Annamam Poigai is opposite to the shrine of Mother Balambikai. God Vinayaka of the temple is Anugnai Vinayaka.