The temple complex covers an area of one acre and all its shrines are enclosed with a granite concentric rectangular walls.

In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

As per Hindu legend, Anjanakshi as the skin of Matha Sati fell on Mount Rudragiri on which the temple is situated.

Anjanakshi means "Destroyer of Darkness," owing to two legends, one the burst of fire that happened when the mother's skin fell on the mountain; the other belief is that Matha Sati provided bright light from the sky to Brahma and Vishnu when they searched for a lost weapon in the area in the dark.

Also, the Devas, the celestial deities, including Indra got cured of their illness by worshiping Shiva at this place and by the holy herbs obtained from the Mount Rudragiri on which Matha Satí's skin fell off and merged with Bhumadevi creating precious medicinal herbs.

[1] In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The temple rituals are performed three times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m. and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Marundeeswarar and Irulneeki Thayar.

The nine-day Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Masi and Chitra Pournami are the most important festivals of the temple.