Legend/History: Half a Century earlier, a little girl named Lalitha came to this place, suffering from Smallpox. Initially no one noticed her. Later an elderly Muslim noticed her condition and started taking care of her. One day she asked for a Tomato fruit, but he said that it’s not possible as it was not the season for it. Still Lalitha inisisted that he will find that tomato fruit near his well. He reluctantly went and to his astonishment found a single tomato fruit which he brought back and gave to her. From that day onwards, whatever she tells became a reality. People started noticing her and her divine foretelling. People came from many places to seek her devine blessings. She asked them to build a Temple in her remembrance, where she will dwell and bless them. And later she attained her salvation. The temple gets its name from the Smallpox that looked like pearl (muthu) on the divine little girl.
This small temple draws an ever growing number of devotees for paalkudam the grand finale of the 10 days long festival that begins with ‘kappu kattu’ (tying of sacred thread) in the month of March. This festival is also known as “Masi Panguni Vizha” held between the Tamil months of Masi and Panguni (March).
The festive season starts in the Tamil month of [last Tuesday of] Masi (last week of February) with Poochorithal Vizha (the Floral festival). Followed by Sumangali Poojai, a week later. Then this festival kicks-off with Ganapathy Poojai and Flag hoisting. And the festival ends with grandness in the Tamil month of Panguni (mid of March).
Right from day one people start taking processions like – Paalkudam (pot of milk offered for ritual libations), Theechatti (firepot), Kavadi (decorated balance carried on shoulder), Alagu (body piercing), Pookuzli (fire bed walking), Molaippari (pot of tender grain shoots), and other feats as ‘nethi kadan’ (fulfilling vow), ‘nandri kadan’ (thanksgiving), ‘venduthal’ (prayer of requisition) are also performed by devotees symbolising their devotion.
In recent years this, thiruvizha, religious festival has grown to large proportions and became a stellar event.