In the quite hamlet of Aavikottai in Tanjavur District in Tamil Nadu, there is an ancient temple of Sri Ganapati and this temple is said to be older than than the time when Sage Vyasa composed the Mahabharatam. This is corroborated by the fact that the Murti of Sri Ganapati has an unbroken tusk.

The name of the presiding diety is Satya Hasta Ganapati. The name is derived from the fact that Satya hasta Ganapati blessed our earth by drawing first ever figure of Sri Chakra underwater for Pippalada rishi. All the other forms of Sri Chakra like Maha Meru were derived from this rangoli only. The sthala vruksha of this temple is “Nagavali” peepul tree from which “arani’, the first agni was generated for the purpose of performing homa on this planet.

There are twenty four unique “vamsapaari” banyan trees. Uniquely, hanging shoots of these trees do not ever touch the earth. These trees are protected by rishi patnis to whom Sage Agastya and Mother Sri Lopamudra gave Shri Lalithasahasranama updesha. Thus, all the three ingredients of any holy place ie. Murti, Tirtha and Sthala are here.

Sri Sringeri Math, Pune branch distributed laddu prasadam to all the scho0l children at this holy place on 28th February 2012.