It is situated in the village of Thiruppanaiyur, three and a half kilometres (2.2 mi) from Nannilam.

Sthala Purana (Shrine Legend) has it that Sundarar composed several hymns to Shiva at this temple.

The temple is popular due to its association with the Early Chola king Karikala.

It is believed that Karikala was standing under the palmyra tree when the royal elephant of the Cholas identified him as the king.

This article about Hindu place of worship in Tamil Nadu is a stub.