In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a Saiva monastic institution.. As per Hindu legend, during the Ramayana times, the monkey king Vaali had a fight with a demon king.

It is believed Rama searching for Sita came here with Hanuman and Sugriva and prayed here which gives an additional tribute to this temple.

[3] The temple is located in Aduthurai, 14 km away from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam- Mayiladuthurai road.

There are fifteen inscriptions in the temple belonging to various kings like Parantaka II (Sundara) (963–980), Rajaraja I (985–1014), Kulothunga I (1070–1120), Virarajendra (1063–1070) and Marna Cataiyan.

There is a small stage called Appar Arangam near the temple flag post.

[3] One of the earliest bronze and stone statues of Nataraja are found in the temple, which is believed to have been donated by Sembian Mahadevi, a Chola queen.

[7] The temple finds mention in Tevaram, the 7th century 12 volume Saiva canonical work by Tamil saints, namely Appar, Sundarar and Campantar.

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis.

The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Irandam Kalm at 9:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m, Irandam Kalm at 7:30 p.m., and Arthajamam at 9:00 p.m.. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Apathsaheswarar and Prabhavalli.

There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham, and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.