As per legends, Shiva is believed to have destroyed eight different demons and the eight Ashta Veeratanam temples are built signifying each of his victories in the war.

The temple is maintained and administered by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

He got his curse fully relieved after visiting Vishnu at Thirukandiyur and taking a holy dip in the temple tank, Kamala Pushkarani.

Sage Bhrigu, King Mahabali and Chandra (Moon) all got their sins relieved worshipping Vishnu here in the temple.

Chandra, who sinned by seducing the preceptor's wife, got partially relieved of it by worshipping Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal.

There are shrines of Vinayagar (Ganesha), Murugan (Kartikeya) with Valli & Deivanai, Mahalakshmi and Vishnu Durga.

As per Hindu legend, it is the wedding festival of Nandikeswara, the sacred bull of Shiva on the Punarpoosa Star during the Tamil month of Panguni.

Each of the festival deities of the respective temples mounted in glass-palanquins, accompany Aiyarppar on the way to the "final destiny", Thillaistanam.

Hundreds of people witness the convergence of seven glass-palanquins carrying principal deities of respective temples from seven places at Tiruvaiyaru.

Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste.

The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Ushathkalam at Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:30 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Kandeeswarar and Mangalanayagi.