In his majestic and auspicious form, as depicted as the deity of the Rajarajeshwaram temple, Shiva boards Nandi, the giant white bull.

This naval battle against the Cheras of central and northern Kerala took place at Kandalur, possibly an ancient name for an area in north Malabar.

He established a strong relationship with the powerful Namboothiri settlements in Perinchallur (Taliparamba) as a way to acknowledge and reinforce his imperial authority.

Recognizing the influence of the Namboothiri Brahmin community, the Mushika and Kolathiri dynasties supported the continued existence of the temple.

[10] According to one legend, Sage Parashurama, upon encountering an ancient shrine in a state of disrepair, sought to understand its history.

Sage Narada appeared and recounted the following tale: The sons of Brahma, the four kumaras—Sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara[11][12][13] —churned the Sun's disk to mitigate its intense heat.

After an extensive search, Maandhatha discovered a suitable location: a small piece of land, barely large enough to accommodate a plate.

The western door of the temple remains permanently closed, symbolizing the concurrent presence of both Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects within the shrine.

However, Shiva instructed his attendants, the Bhoothaganas, to permanently close the western door, ensuring that the aspect of prosperity represented by Mahalakshmi would remain within the shrine for the benefit of worshippers.

Later, when Vishnu arrived at the temple in search of his consort, Shiva's attendants implored him to allow Lakshmi's presence to continue for the benefit of devotees.

King Dilīpa, a devout follower of dharma, approached his kulaguru, Vasiṣhṭha Maharshi, with the concern that he and his wife Sudakṣhiṇā did not have children.

Vasiṣhṭha Maharshi revealed that Dilīpa had once neglected to pay respects to the great cow Kāmadhenu, resulting in a curse that prevented him from having children.

Kumbhodara's stories highlight the themes of devotion, duty, and the divine protection granted to those who faithfully serve and uphold dharma.

His role as an attendant of Lord Shiva and his interactions with devotees like King Dilīpa showcase the intricate relationship between the divine and the mortal realms.

[19] Traditionally, devotees begin their pilgrimage by visiting the Vasudevapuram shrine, located on the southern bank of the vast temple tank known as Aashraamath-chira.

Proceeding towards the Rajarajeswara Temple, devotees then pay their respects at the shrine of Bhoothanatha (Kumbhodhara), considered the chief lieutenant of Shiva.

This ancient compound wall is an architectural marvel, constructed with massive, precisely cut stones stacked upon one another without the use of mortar.

Before entering, devotees traditionally offer prayers to Kanhirangaattappan (Vaidyanatha, an aspect of Shiva revered as the Deity of Physicians) in a temple approximately 6 kilometers away.

It is believed that Bhadrakali was originally worshipped in the western gopuram of the Sri Rajarajeswara temple before being relocated to the Madaayikkavu.

Following the outer circumambulation of the Nalambalam, the devotee enters the inner space surrounding the sanctum sanctorum to worship the deity, Rajarajeswara.

It is believed that following the Athazha pooja, the deity assumes a state of heightened grace and benevolence, accompanied by his consort, Parvati.

Silver Nilavilakku (Ghee Lamps) line the floor, and the lingam is often decorated with Shiva's insignia: three eyes, a crescent moon, and the Nagaphanam (serpent head).

A Balibimbam or Uthsavamoorthi, representing the lingam and used in special ceremonies, is placed in front, adorned with a golden sheet, pure gold ornaments, and a Navarathna pendant.

Additionally, the continuous flow of holy water (dhaara) over the Lingam, a common practice in other Shiva temples, is absent in this shrine.

Legend has it that Sri Rama, upon his return from Lanka to Ayodhya, prayed at this temple and offered prostrations to the deity at this namaskara mandapam.

Several special poojas are performed on this occasion, and the Balibimbam is carried on a caparisoned elephant around the temple premises with the accompaniment of instrumental music and the recital of hymns.

Puthari, a festival of the harvesting season, Karkadaka Sankramam (July), and Nira are other important days specially celebrated in the temple.

However, when he visited this temple, he found himself involuntarily folding his hands in obeisance to the deity, an experience he described as "like a lotus flower closing itself on seeing the moon."

The temple has a tradition of bestowing honors, by giving a golden wristband and title, upon individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

In July 2006, Malayalam actress Meera Jasmine, a Christian, was found to have visited the temple despite the fact that non-Hindus are banned from entry.