[2] The legend of the Cheraman Perumal is narrated in the hagiographic "Periyapuranam", composed by Chekkizhar, a courtier of Chola Kulottunga II, in mid-12th century AD.

[9] The Cheraman Perumal (a title, meaning "the Chera ruler"), according to tradition, was born into the ruling family of "Malai-nadu", whose capital was "Kodunkolur or Makotai by the Ocean."

When the reigning king, "Chenkor Poraiyan", abdicated the throne, his ministers persuaded the young Cheraman, also known as "Perumakkotaiyar" or "Kalarirrarivar" ("the One who knows [all] Languages"[9]), to take up the reins of the kingdom.

Over time, the two became close friends and embarked on a long pilgrimage across south India (visiting Kirvelur, Nagaikkaronam, Tirumaraikkadu, Palanam, Agastyanpalli, Kulagar-Kodikkoyil, Tirupattur, Madurai, Tiruppuvanam, Tiruvappanur, Tiruvedagam, Tirupparangunram, Kurralam, Kurumbala, Tirunelveli, Ramesvaram, Tiruchchuliyal, Kanapper, Tiruppunavayil, Patalesvaram, Tirukkandiyur and Tiruvaiyyaru).

[3][10] Years later, Chundara visited his fellow devotee, Cheraman Perumal, at Kodunkolur and stayed in the city as a royal guest for some time.