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This temple is referred back to Ramayana period when Lord Rama and Lakshmana are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here during their search for Sita, and acquired Rudramsam, to enable them to fight Ravana. 

Legend has it that the nine sacred rivers of India, prayed to Shiva at Banares (Viswanathar) to be absolved of the sins washed away by bathers, and were directed to bathe in the Mahamagam tank and worship Adi Kumbeswarar Temple. Viswanathar of Kaasi is believed to have manifested Himself here at Kumbhakonam.

The temple is located near the banks of Mahamaham tank. This temple has two prakarams (outer courtyard) and a 72 ft high Rajagopuram. The temple has a nava kanniyar aka nava kannigais (Nine rivers) in the form of deities worshipping Lord Shiva and hence the temple is referred as 'Nava Kanniyar' temple. 

Ganges, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswati,Cauvery, Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Sarayu are the Nine rivers. The lingam worshipped by Rama is located in the north eastern prakaram of the temple. As per local legend, the lingam is believed to grow with time.

The noteworthy feature of the temple is that the Shiva Lingam is installed under a Neem Tree.