[1] The temple is located 8 km (5.0 mi) north of Kumbakonam, on the southern bank of Kollidam.

Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century.

The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

It is also believed that Vishnu performed his penance here to overcome the curse of a chaste woman - the Shiva here is called Ariyeesar hence.

Saptamartrikas worshipped Shiva here by having a holy dip in Yama theertham, the temple tank here to regain the Ashtamasiddhi (powers) lost on account of a curse from the sage Uttala.

Shiva rescued the life of a child who was killed by a thief for his jewels on a Shivaratri and attained the name Makavaruleeswarar.

[4] Vilwaneswarar temple is dedicated to Shiva and is located in Thiruvaikavur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

There are separate shrines for Nalvar, Dakshinamurthy, Arthanariswarar, Mahalakshmi, Arumugam, Brahma, Durga and Chandikeswarar.

There are images of other deities like Vishnu, Narayani, Bhairava, Surya, Chandra and Shani located in the second precinct.

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

The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 6:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 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 Sivagurunathar and Aryambal.