The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Aabathsagayeswara or Aranyeswara, a Swayambu Lingam, and the Goddess is Umai Ammai. There is a separate sanctum for the special deity Sri Dakshinamurthi. Being a Guru Kshetra, Thursdays attract a large number of pilgrims and special pujas are performed. There are about 15 Theerthas (water bodies) in the temple. Guru, the preceptor of the devas is held in high esteem in the temple. The temple is called Alangudi, and is located near Needamangalam, in Tamil Nadu.The mantra for Chandi Devi is called Navakshari or the one with nine-syllables. The mantra is Aim Hrim Klim Chamundaye Vichhe. The core of the homam ceremony involves a recitation of the Durga Saptashati or 700 verses in praise of the goddess Durga.