The antiquity of the temple, built by emperor Nala dates back to 1300 years.  It is believed that worship in the temple would bring all prosperity to the devotee.

Couples separated due to difference of opinions pray here for reunion.  Emperor Nala, separated from his queen Damayanthi was able to get her back after worshipping Azhagia Manavalar.  Mahalakshmi performed penance here.  Youngsters praying here are united in happy wed lock.  Child boon is ensured.  Those facing adverse aspects of planet Saturn and other bad circumstance and affected by Brahmmahati dosha (sin of committing a murder) pray here for relief.

Lord Nataraja, King of music and dance graces in the temple in the form of a musical stone.  Somawar (Mondays) pujas to Lord Shiva is performed with Tulsi leaves against the established tradition of using Vilwa leaves.

Lord Shiva with an eye on the forehead is noted for His devastating fury.  Though Manmatha (Cupid) played with Him for a good cause was burnt by Him.  As the universe could not bear His anger, Brahamma collected Shiva’s anger in the form of fire and hid it under the ocean.  Agni was born as a child in the ocean who was named Jalandiran by Brahamma.  He grew and began to harass Devas and the Rishis.  They approached Lord Vishnu for protection.

Lord Vishnu understood that Jalandiran’s strength was in the fidelity of his wife Brinda (meaning Tulsi) and planned to destroy the trait.  Lord Vishnu went to Brinda in the guise of Jalandiran.  She understood the trick and fell on the fire to end herself.  After the death of Brinda, Jalandiran lost his strength.  He was defeated by Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva made a circle on earth and asked Jalandira to lift it.  When he did, it became a discus and destroyed him.  Lord Vishnu mixed Himself in the ashes of Brinda.  Vaikunda the abode of Lord Vishnu became dark.  Mahalakshmi was sad.  Parvathi came to Mahalakshmi and advised Her to perform penance on Lord Shiva with Shiva theertha to get back Lord Vishnu her husband.  Mahalakshmi followed this rigidly for a mandalam (48 days) when Lord Shiva appeared before them.  They went to Vegavathi River (now Vaigai) and worshipped Lord Shiva.

Lord Shiva gave them some seeds to be sowed on Brindas’s ashes from which Tulsi appeared.  Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva with the leaves and also made a garland and wore it Himself.  This happened on a Monday-Somawar.  Since then, pujas to Lord Shiva in this temple is performed with Tulsi leaves.