She is also worshipped as Goddess Kamalambika, whose separate shrine is an important center for Shaktism and Tantra, and is also regarded to be one of the Shakti Peethas.

The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written in Tamil by saint poets known as the Nayanars and the shrine is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

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

[2] The term Thiru, meaning holy, is added to all temple cities that are mostly revered by the verses of Tevaram, which is the case of Arur becoming Thiruvarur.

[9] According to legend, a Chola king named Muchukunda obtained a boon from Indra and wished to receive a lingam icon of Shiva, depicting the latter dancing on the chest of Vishnu.

An inscription dated in the 20th regnal year of Rajendra I (1012–1044) beginning with the introduction "Tirumanni valara" is found on the north and west walls of the Thyagaraja shrine.

It records that the temple was built in stone in the regnal years of the king by Anukkiyar Paravai Nangaiyar.

Besides the same lady liberally endowed gold for plating and gilding parts of the vimana, the entrance, and the four sides of the shrine.

This inscription meticulously records the weight of the endowed gold and copper, besides listing the various ornaments gifted to the temple with a description each of them.

Of the two, the former is the most ancient and derives its name from tha anthill (putru), which takes the place of linga in the main shrine.

[16] As per folk legend, Thiruvarur is mentioned as the capital town of a legendary Chola king, Manu Needhi Cholan, who killed his wicked son to provide justice to a cow.

Some of the major shrines in the temple are Aananthiswarar, Nilotpalambika, Asaleswarar, Adageswarar, Varuneswarar, Annamalieswarar and Kamalambika.

[19] Kulothunga Chola II (1133–50 CE) enlarged the temple ritual to have fifty six festivals, some of which are followed in modern times.

[20][21] The annual chariot festival of the Thygarajaswamy temple is celebrated during April – May, corresponding to the Tamil month of Chitrai.

According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from Indra and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy.

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 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m.

There was large influx of the acumen of South Indian culture to the town during the 17th century CE due to the political unrest in Thanjavur and increased patronage of the Maratha kings to Thiruvarur, resulting in developments in music and dance.

[31][32] A unique musical instrument called panchamuga vadyam with each of its five ends ornamented differently is used in the temple.