Thirucherai is situated at about 15 kms from Kumabakonam on the Kumbakonam-Tiruvarur road. Lord Vishnu blesses the devotees with 5 forms of Lakshmi here Mahalakshmi, Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Neeladevi and Saranayaki. Kaaveri had sat in penance here to attain more prominence than Ganga. The presiding deity Saranatha Perumal had granted the wishes of Kaaveri on Thai Pusam Day and hence the deities are taken in procession on that day.

King of Tanjore by name Azhagiya Manavaala Nayakkar and his minister Narasa Bhoopaalan are said to have renovated this temple. The legend says that the King sent several loads of stones to Mannargudi, to renovate the Rajagopalaswami temple there. His minister wanted to renovate Thirucherai temple also on the way. Hence the minister decided to unload one stone per load enroute to Mannargudi, at Thirucherai to renovate the temple there. On hearing this, the King visited Thirucherai and the Lord Saranathan here appeared to him as Rajagopalan, responding to the prayers of the minister.

This happened on Rohini in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). Every month on the day of Rohini, Thirumanjanam is performed for Rajagopalswami at Thirucherai. You can participate in this for US $ 15.