[1] It is the origin of the Melattur style of Bharatanatyam founded by Mangudi Dorairaja Iyer[2] and a series of dance-drama performances called the Bhagavatha Melas.

Inscriptions at the largest Shiva temple in Melattur indicate that the village might have existed as early as the times of Vikrama Chola who lived in 12th century AD.

Earlier known as Nritta Vinoda Valanadu, the village was rechristened as Unnathapuri in honor of Unnathapureswarar, the presiding deity of the temple and the form in which Lord Shiva was worshipped in Melattur.

[5] During the reign of the Maratha king Tukkoji, an exodus of people from Atthigiri (Kanchipuram) migrated south and settled in Melattur.

[5][7] They built the Varadaraja Perumal temple at the north-western corner of the Agraharam and introduced Vaishnavism in the village and surrounding areas.

[7][10][11] The mela is held for a week during which the dramas Kamsa Vadham, Sathya Harischandra, Hari Hara Leela Vilasam and Sita Kalyanam are enacted.

[1] The vegetation comprises lush green paddy fields and coconut palms[1] The village of Thengudi Thittai has the Vasishteswarar Temple built by the Cholas is located a few kilometres from Melattur.