This temple is situated in a small village called Ayyavadi about eight km from Kumbakonam (about 500 M from Uppiliappan Koil). The place was first named Aivar Vadi since according to legends the five Pandavas visited this place, kept their weapons under a tree and worshipped this goddess Later on this place came to be called as Ayyavadi.

This devi is in a sitting posture also known as Sri Narasimhika (half human and half lion). On Amavasya day devotees perform homam at this temple with red chillies.

There is no suffocating fume coming out. It is believed that Indrajeet son of Ravana performed the yaga called Nigumbalai yaga here at the time of Sri Rama Ravanan Yuddha to attain success. However the yaga could not be completed as it was spoilt by Lakshmana and Anjaneyar. The leaves of the Sthala Vriksham has five petals, each different from the other.