Arulmigu Masaniamman Temple

In the Sangam Era, Anaimalai was known as Nannanur and was ruled by a chieftain called Nannan. There was a dense grove of mango trees belonging to him. Appointing check post officials, he had proclaimed punitive measures against trespassers. An unfortunate young woman who was bathing in the river Aliyar stumbles upon a mango fruit floating to her, Unable to resist the temptation, she picked it up and ate it. The guards caught the innocent woman and produced before the chieftain. She pleaded not guilty and prayed to the lord to set her free. She explained that she never committed any offence. Father of the woman offered to give an image made of gold equal to her weight by way of compensation together with 81 elephants, the ruler did not relent and ordered her execution. It was carried out and the body of the woman was buried in the near by graveyard. An image of hers was made in sand and people started worshiping it. The burial place becomes sacred and become a goddess with the name anaimalai masaniamman. A temple was built in the place and the temple became famous and many people started for coming to the temple. The goddess is considered powerful the wishes of her devotees are fulfilled by her.