Shiva is worshiped as Nadutariappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Srivalli Nayagi.

The husband tried to break the Linga with an axe, giving the name Naduturaippar to the presiding deity and Kanrapur to the village.

The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the Chola dynasty during the 11th century, while later expansions, are attributed to later periods.

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

As per Hindu legend, a Saivite girl married someone from the Vaishnavite community, but worshipped Linga (an iconic form of Shiva) secretively.

[2] The temple campus encompasses exclusive shrines for Nadutariappar Swamy (Shiva) and Srivalli Nayagi (Parvathi).

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

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

The temple rituals are performed five times a day; Ushathkalam at 6:00 a.m., Kalasanthi at 9:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 1:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 9:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Nadutariappar and Srivalli Amman.

As per Appar, the Lord of Kanrappur is seen in the hearts of all his devotees to the extent of people wearing the sacred ash.