According to the Curator, Government Museum, Erode, C. Maheswaran, the idol is easily 800 years old and belongs to the early Chola period. While the left hand rests on the left leg, raised to the knee, the right hand holds a whip. The consorts are seen with fans.
In half-buried condition, Iyyanar sports a halo-like hair dressing, which is curled at the end. It appears like a halo. Ancestors worshipped the idol as a deity guarding the village, says Dr. Maheswaran.
He says it was found in a rivulet near Periyapuliyur, when the water receded.
The villagers on discovering brought it to the local temple, where it is worshipped to date. At present it is at the Chamundi Muniappan village, where people from all communities worship the deity.