Then Tirupati - Ariyakudi, Karaikudi

Then Tirupati, Ariyakudi is roughly 5 km from Karaikudi and is a very famous South Indian temple. The temple is revered among the people because of Lord Venkatachalapathi who is the presiding deity of the temple. He is also famously called Thiruvenkatamudaiyaan. The temple is considered as one of the earthly homes for Lord Balaji. People believe that praying at this temple is equivalent to praying at Tirumala; hence, the temple is called Then Tirupati or Tirupati of the South.

Then Tirupati is a very ancient temple that recently underwent renovations as the original structure was breaking down. Reconstruction of the temple has taken away its originality, but the renovation was important to save the temple for posterity. An original work that remains intact at the temple is a Garuda idol that is placed on the northern side of the temple and is called Kal Garudan.

Everyday, a special puja, is conducted in the temple and many devotees as well as tourists make it a point to be present at the temple for the puja.