As Perumal granted relief to Lord Shiva (Hara) of a curse, He is named Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal – Hara-Shiva, Shaba-curse, Vimochana-relief.  This is one of the 108 Divya Desas of Perumal.  According to scriptures, the temple was built by Emperor Mahabali.  Lord Shiva has His temple here and is praised as Kandeeswarar.  The place has the reputation of being honoured as Mum Moorthy (three Lords) Sthala.  Since there is no temple for Brahmma, He has His place in Kandeeswarar temple gracing with Mother Maha Saraswathi.   The author of the celebrated book ‘Sri Krishna Leela Tharangini’ belongs to Tirupoonthuruthi near Kandiyur, a stauch devotee of this temple.

Lord Shiva has five faces praised as Eeshana, Tatpurusha, Agora, Vamadevam and Satyojatham.  Lord Brahmma too had five faces earlier.  Therefore, he developed pride that He was equal to Lord Shiva.  Angry Shiva simply plucked the centre head of Brahmma.  The head stuck to his hand and did not fall down.  Lord Shiva, to wash off the Brahmmahathi sin wandered places with the head of Brahmma.  Finally, the head fell at a place.  Lord Vishnu was present there.  This is that place where Lord Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal blesses the devotees with Pooranavalli Thayar-Kamalavalli Nachiar.