To prove that everything is under the power of Shakti, it is believed that three Lords Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva are in the sanctum sanctorum formlessly. Worshipping Ambica means worshipping all the Gods and 30 crore Devas of the celestial world.

People affected with small pox come to the place, stay here for a few days observing some regulations and get cured within 3 or 4 days.  They also spill the water on the body offered in the temple.  They also consume the Veppilai theertham-water mixed with neem leaves.  Devotees also pray for child, wedding boons.  Majority of the devotees pray for cure from small pox and eye related problems.

The Prasad offered in the temple is sand dug from a pit from a place a little away  where an ashram of Sage Jamadagni – husband of Renukadevi – is believed to have existed.  It seems that the sand is ever filling.  It is taken on Aani Tirumanjanam day in June-July.  People mix it in water and consume for child boon and cure from stomach pain.  Many say that this is very effective.

The sanctum sanctorum is very different in the temple.  Mother Renukadevi is a swayambu with head alone.  All the three Lords are also believed to be in the sanctum without forms.  Acharya Sankara had installed a Banalinga and idol head here.  The full form of Amman also is in the form of a sculpture on the wall along with the idol of Sage Parasurama.  It is believed that many great souls had performed penance in this region.  Of the Shakti Peetas in the Thondai Mandalam region, this temple is one.

The place also gains importance as the birth place of Sage Parasurama born to Sage Jamadagni and Mother Renukadevi, hence praised as Parasurama Kshetra.  Though an Ambica temples there are signs of Lions in the walls but cows.  Ganapathi Muni had performed penance here.  The temple has beautiful sculptures.

Renukadevi, daughter of King Raivada married Sage Jamadagni and delivered Parasurama.  It so happened that Renukadevi delayed in bringing water for Jamadagni’s puja as she stood wondering the beauty of the reflection of a Gandharva in the water.  Suspecting her fidelity, Jamadagni ordered his son Parasurama to chop off her head which the son obeyed.  Yet, Parasurama begged his father to give him back his mother.  Jamadagni gave the son the water with a Mantra power to restore her to life.  While doing so, Parasurama wrongly fixed the head of his mother with other woman and was able to make only the head alive.

Meanwhile, as one Karthaveeryarjunan stole the Kamadenu cow of Jamadagni after killing him.  Renukadevi accompanied her husband in death.  However, as rain fell, she appeared with burn injuries and neem leaf clothing and met her son Parasurama.  Parasurama pursued Karthaveeryarjuna and killed him and recovered the Kamadenu and began destroying the Kshatriya community.  Lord Shiva appeared before Parasurama and said that what happened was the act of destiny and asked him to end the anger.  While Renukadevi’s head alone stayed in Earth, the body accompanied Jamadagni to higher worlds.  This is how, Renuka’s head alone stayed and now a swayambu in the Padavedu temple.