After slaying Mahishi, Manikandan went to the forest to procure the tigress milk. Lord Shiva appeared and at his behest sat on the tiger and returned to the palace. The death of Mahishi was celebrated by all the Gods in the heaven. They came down to earth to show courtesy towards him. Indra disguised himself as tiger and female goddesses disguised as tigresses and accompanied Manikandan to the palace. People were scared and surprised to see multitude of tigers. A sage appeared before them and revealed the true identity of Manikandan. Raja Rajashekara begged for Manikandan’s forgiveness. Soon after, Manikandan left for the heavenly abode and asked King Raajashekara to build a temple for him to keep his memories on Earth.
A temple was built and it is believed that Lord Parasuram sculpted the statue of Lord Ayyappa and installed on the day of Makara Shankranti. It was thus, Lord Ayyappa was glorified. People firmly believe that Lord Ayyappan stays in the temple to bless those who visit him bare-footed through the trekking path.
