Sathyagaalam attracted Swami Desikan to make it his home for a number of years. Its serene surroundings, the beautiful waters of the river Cauvery just adjacent to the temple, and the indescribable beauty of the deities, Sri Varadaraajar and Sri Perundevi Thaayaar, cast a magical spell on Swami Desikan; it provided a good alternative to the Swami and his fellowmen who had left Srirangam.

Sathayagaalam was memorable to the aacharya in more ways than one. It was here that he gave a record number of Sri Bhaashya Kaalakshepams; it was here according to many records by writers, that a son was born to him. It was here that the famous incident of a tortoise racing past to the temple took place.