Temple tradition says Pundarika Maharishi came seeking Ranganatha and found a Shiva lingam. Convinced that this could not be his destination, he turned away.
The stranger changes the question
An elderly man tells the sage that Vishnu is present. When Pundarika returns, Venkatesa is revealed above the lingam. The story corrects the pilgrim’s limited recognition rather than merely rewarding persistence.
Unity without flattening difference
The standing form over a lingam-shaped base is read as Shaiva–Vaishnava unity. Tell this as sacred local tradition, not archaeological proof, and allow worshippers to explain how the image is understood today.
Why the neighbouring shrine matters
Athi Ranganatha reclines only metres away. Together the standing and reclining forms turn one tiny village compound into a complete interpretive sequence.