The moolavar is Adikesava perumal in a reclining posture and the Thayar is Maragathavalli. The Theertham is Vattar and the Vimanam Astanga Vimanam.
The sthala purana is that the Lord defeated the demon Adikesi. Kesi's wife prayed Ganga and Tamarabharani Rivers and created a deluge. Finding it has no effect on the Lord she surrendered to Him. Since the Rivers formed a circle (vattam) the shetram gained the name Tiruvattaru. The moolavar is viewed through three openings in the sanctum.Though there is similarity with that of the moolavar idol in Tiruvananthapuram, the Siva lingam is seen here at the feet of the Lord instead of at the head in Trivananathapuram. The presence of Brahma at the navel of the deity is absent in this temple.
