Thiruthavathuri, now called lalgudi, is situated on the banks of river Coleroon,(known also as north Cauvery,) about 20 kms from Tiruchy. The temple here has won a unique place among the temples of Tamilnadu, in that it was here that the seven rishes,atri, brihu, pulsithar, vasistar, gauthamar, aangeerasar and marichi, prayed the presiding deity, Saptharisheeswarar, to ward off the bad period they were passing through.The temple areas and mandapams were extended by the Parantaka kings.