Legend has it that Sage Koundinya performed austerities at
the temple spot to cleanse all his sins. Please with his austerities
River Ganga
flowed through the place cleansing all the sins of the sage.
The temple has shrines dedicated to Goddess Renuka Devi,
Sage Koundinya, Ganga Devi and Ganesha.
Gudiyatham Gangai Amman Temple is today famous for the
Sirasu festival associated with the Renuka Devi legend which is observed on the
first day of Vaigasi Month (May 15/16). A freshly prepare head of the murti is
carried on to the temple from around 3 km away by a washer man family. The 3 km
stretch is filled with devotees who make offerings of coconut etc. It is
estimated than nearly half a million people gather to witness the event.
Gudiyatham is located around 32 km from Vellore .