It is believed that those waiting for a child should bathe in the holy spring, worship the Saptha Kannikas for the purpose.  Those having rashes or scars in the face (called Maru in Tamil) are advised to bathe in Thoni river and put salt and pepper in the river.

Lord Shiva in the temple has many names as Mummorthi Andavar, Tirumurthi Andavar and Amanalingeswarar.  The name Amanalingeswarar represents the story of celebrated Rishi Pathni Anusuya who served the Three Murthis in a nude manner.  Sandal paste worship is famous in the temple.  Devotees throw the sandal balls on the Lord.  If the ball falls and sticks on the forehead of the Lord, it means their prayers are granted.  Lord Shiva graces here as a Guru, hence Lord Dakshinamurthi worship is considered very important in the temple.

Sage Athri and His wife Anusuya were staunch devotees worshipping the Pancha Lingas in this place.  It is believed that they are still here worshipping the Lord daily.  The Three Lords are said to have come to the Eight Pillared Mandap and stayed here.  As children, They were playing here when a boulder from Kanjamalai hill rolled against him.  Saptha Kannikas placed seven pieces of turmeric to stop the rolling stone and saved the Murthy Children from being crushed.  Mummuthis merged in the stone.  The Saptha Kannikas merged in the turmeric pieces.  There is a separate shrine for Saptha Kannikas (seven virgins).

Lord Vinayaka of the temple is praised as Sundara Ganapathi.  Lord Muruga is Balasubramanian.  The soil has the reputation of having sage Athri Maharshi and his devoted wife Mother Anusuya as its residents in the past.

Of the many places sacredly attached to Lord, Tirumurthi hills occupy a significant place, because, it is believed that Lord graces here invisibly as a child.  He imparts all boons the devotee asks for.  Thirumuthimalai is also the place indicated by Lord Shiva to Sage Agasthya to have His Kailash wedding darshan.  The place is also revered as Panchalinga Sthala, hence praised as Kailash of South.

The sage and his wife prayed to the three Lords that they be born to them.  With a view to fulfill their wish and to show the height of chastity of Anusuya, the Lords appeared before Anusuya when the sage was out of their hermitage.  They demanded Anusuya to serve them nude.  Anusuya spilled water on them and made them new born children and breast fed them nude.  This happened in this Tirumurthimalai.