The temple has a small three-tiered rajagopuram, the entrance tower and all the shrines are located in an elevated structure.

As per Hindu legend, the temple was believed to have been built by two asuras (demons) named Onan and Kanthan.

[2] Sundarar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Ona Kantheeswarar in one verse in Tevaram, compiled as the Seventh Tirumurai.

Ona Kantheeswarar temple complex has a single prakarams (outer courtyard) covering an area of 80 m2 (860 sq ft) and a small three-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) facing East.

The central shrine faces east and holds the two image of Ona Kantheeswarar (Shiva) in the form of lingam made of granite and is believed to be a swayambumoorthy (self manifested).

The granite images of Nandi (the bull and vehicle of Shiva), a tall flag staff and a Balipeeta, the place of offering, axial to the sanctum.