[2] The temple has been in existence from the 6th century CE and has been praised by the Nayanmars Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar.

Karonam might also have been derived from other origin such as "Kar Onam" and Lord Vishnu has been referred to as "Onathan".

The Thyagarajar Temple at Tiruvarur is famous for the ajapa thanam (dance without chanting), that is executed by the deity itself.

According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from Indra (a celestial deity) and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy (presiding deity, Shiva in the temple) reposing on the chest of reclining Lord Vishnu.

Thyagaraja is known as Sundara Vitankar ang believed to perform Paarava Tharanga Natanam.