Legends:

Once upon a time, a booth called Karki Muni got a boon from Lord Shiva to live without death after killing 1000 Sages. Karki Muni managed to keep 999 sages in the cave of relief. Nakkeerar came to that side and was doing pooja for Shiva under a banyan tree. Karki Muni diverted his attention through a banyan leaf on the shore of the Saravana Poikai., one half as a bird and the other half as a fish. Since attention was diverted, his pooja to Lord Shiva was not completed. So Nakkeerar was also put in the cave.

Before killing all, Nakkeerar sang the hymns of Tirumurugattrupadai. Lord Murugan appeared and saved all the sages. To get rid of the sin caused by this incident, Nakkeerar wants to take a bath in the Ganges. Lord Muruga created a pond on the Panchatcharam Parai hill through his Vel, and Ganges water flowed in it. In remembrance of this incident, local villagers worship the Vel on Puratasi Friday every year.

The Temple:

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are facing west and south, respectively. It is believed that one of the 18 Siddhar Sri Macha muni lives in the form of Jeeva Jyothi. The outer space of the temple is considered a pond, but at the temple, a white fish is called Sri Macha Muni.

Prayers:

Devotees in large numbers circumambulate the Thiruparankundram hill on full moon days to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that they will attain Moksha by worshipping this lord.