The present masonry structure was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar rulers.

As per Hindu legend, the ruler of the region asked a shepherd to provide milk to the temple daily.

Following the legend, the altar (bali pitham) of the temple is slightly away from the axis of the flagstaff and the central shrine.

Every person is afflicted by the movement of planet Saturn, which is believed to create negative effects on the lives of people.

Following the legend, people afflicted take a holy dip with oil in Nala theertham, the temple tank and wear black dress.

[4] The temple has a rectangular plan with a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower and all the shrines are enclosed in granite walls.

[6] The Thyagarajar Temple at Tiruvarur is famous for the ajapa thanam (dance without chanting), that is executed by the deity itself.

According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from the god Indra and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja (presiding deity Shiva in the temple) reposing on the chest of reclining Vishnu.

Arunagirinathar, a 15th-century poet and staunch devoteet of Lord Muruga has composed hymns on the deity and this temple is attributed to Murugan worship as well.

[10] Tirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Naganathar in ten verses in Tevaram, compiled as the First Tirumurai.

The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushatkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalashanti at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Arddha Jamam at 9:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhishekam (sacred bath), alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (food offering) and deepa aradhanai (waving of lamps) for both Dharbaranyeswarar and Praneswari Amman.