This temple is a Dharmaranya Kshetram. The Dharma Putra led Pandavas stayed here, the place has come to be referred to as Dharmaranya Kshetram. A fight arose between the three Devis – Sri Devi, Bhoo Devi and Neela Devi- as to who was the senior most among them and also the favourite of the Lord. Sri Devi was guided by the Saptharishis here at Vathirairuppu to undertake penance at Thiru Thangal. Lord Narayana appeared before her and acknowledged that she was indeed his favourite. The place where she was guided and shown the place to penance is called Vyaktra Puram which in course of time became Vathirairuppu.