Perungaraiyadi Meenda Ayyanar Temple, Kulamangalam

This Ayyanar temple stands at the edge of Kulamangalam village in Alangudi taluk, on the bank of the Villuni river, as village guardian shrines often do. Its history goes back to the 18th century, though the year of construction is unknown, and it is now maintained by the state government.

The great sight is the horse figure, 37 feet tall, facing south and rearing with its forelegs raised; devotees believe it is the largest horse idol anywhere. Researchers say a large elephant once faced it, a rare pairing at an Ayyanar shrine, but a flood on the Villuni washed it away and only the base remains. During the two-day Masi Magam festival thousands gather, and devotees whose prayers have been answered offer artificial garlands as tall as the horse, which can take up to a week to make; each year more than a thousand are hung on iron rods until only the horse's nose shows. A new mandapam was added in a 2010 renovation.