Mythology says that Akkare Kottiyoor, the shrine on the eastern bank of the river, was the location of Daksha Yaga, at the conclusion of which Sati Devi immolated herself in this place.

Kottiyur Perumal's collection of gold and precious stones has been stored since time immemorial in the 'Karimbana Gopuram' of the "Ikkare Kottiyoor" Temple.

The legend goes that the shrine is blessed with the divine presence of The Holy Trinity or The Trimurthy (Brahma - Vishnu - Shiva) and the primordial Mother Goddess (Bhagavathy), due to this Kali (the personification of Kali Yuga), has promised Parashurama in the presence of Trimurthy in not entering the premises of the holy shrine.

As it is the confluence of the presence of all the known Hindu Divinities, the place is called Kottiyoor from Koodi and Uuru meaning Meeting Precinct.

The Hindu communities in the region bring the raw materials as a ritual each year from even more than a hundred of kilometer away by walking.

The temple is located in a serene dense forest which is now declared as a Wild Life Sanctuary by Government of Kerala.

Rohini Aradhana [12] is considered one of the sacred rituals during the Vysakha Mahotsavam where the head of the Vaishnavite family named 'Kurumathoor', conduct 'Aalingana pushpanjali' to the Swayambhoo linga, this is to commemorate Vishnu embracing Shiva to pacify him, who was in deep sorrow when he found the burned dead body of his beloved wife Sati Devi.

The Thruchherumana Temple is dedicated to the year-round worship of Shiva, in contrast to the Swayambhuu linga, which can only be venerated for 27 days annually.

He visited the Thruchherumana temple and offered worship, but refrained from crossing the river to the Swayambhuu linga as it was not the Vysakha pilgrimage period.

It is believed that during this visit, Sankaracharya discerned the Swayambhuu linga as a universal representation of Shiva, eternally united with Nature (Prakruti or Devi).

Shiva, in this merged state, is believed to prefer undisturbed solitude, granting blessings solely during the Vysakha Mahotsavam.

Sankaracharya performed ablutions in the Vavali river, prayed from the western bank, and then continued his journey.

[13] A pious Namboothiri of Kalakkatt Illam (one of the four major Mantravada (Sorcery) lineages of Kerala)[14] was returning from Kottiyoor.

To pray for Sandhya vandanam in Manathana Shrine he took bath in the pond, after which a young lady from the adjacent bay offered him Taali (herbal shampoo), and told that she would apply it onto his forehead.

Ornaments and Pooja vessels of pure gold and silver are brought from the nearby Manathana village to Kottiyoor.

[18] An important ritual during the festival is the 'Elaneer Vayppu' or submitting tender coconuts before the swayambhu Shiva linga.