As per Hindu legend, Murugan, the son of Shiva, extolled the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (AUM) to his father at this place and hence attained the name Swaminathaswamy.

The temple, in modern times, is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Brahma started to recite the text, beginning with the holy syllable called the Pranava Mantra (Om).

Murugan refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the mantra Om.

Shiva behaved like a student to a teacher, listening with rapt attention from his son, giving Murugan the name "Swaminatha Swami".

[5] As per the Kanda Puranam, once all sages and gods assembled in Kailash to witness the wedding of Shiva with Parvati.

[6] Agastya employed a demon by name Ettumba to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South.

It is a practice followed in the modern times where people carry milk in both their shoulders as a devotion to please Kartikeya.

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

[14] Swamimalai is one of the Arupadaiveedu, believed to be the six main abodes of Murugan, that mark the different phases of his life.

After ruining his health, he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself from the northern tower of Annamalaiyar Temple, but was saved by the grace of Murugan.

[20] He became a staunch devotee and composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the most notable being Tiruppukal.

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

The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Swaminathaswamy.

As per Hindu legend, the celestial deity Indra worshipped Subramanyaswamy on the day of visagam star and gained strength to defeat the demon Arikesa.

Carrying milk pots (called palkudam) and Kavadi are other common forms of worship.

[9][24] A few years ago, a popular event called Subramanya Sahasranama, meaning doing archana with 1008 forms of Murugan was celebrated every month.

Like in Palani Murugan temple, Vibhuti Abhishekam, the ablution of the central deity with ash is performed.