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 As per Hindu legend, after the end of each era, the whole world immerses in a deluge on account of the wrath of Lord Shiva for the sins committed by humans on earth. Lord Brahma recreated the world during the start of the current Kali Yuga. 

Lord Shiva declared that after the end of the previous era, a divine pot would reach a holy spot. As the divine pot reached Kumbakonam, Lord Shiva, in the form of a hunter, broke the pot with an arrow. 

The pot broke into many parts and scattered around, which became the cause for so many temples in the town - Kumbeswara, Someswara, Kasi Viswanatha, Nageswara, Kambata Viswanatha, Abimukeshwara, Goutameswara, Banapuriswara, Varahar, Lakshminaryana, Sarangapani, Chakrapani, and Varadharaja.

Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Shiva to allow pilgrims to visit the tank during the sacred occasion. Lord Shiva acceded to the demand and is believed to arrive along with Lord Vishnu and other celestial deities at the center of the tank. 

Astronomically, when the planet Jupiter passes over Leo on the day of the festival, it is believed to bring all water bodies together and enrich the tank with minerals.

The Tank is located in the heart of Kumbakonam town. It covers an area of 6.2 acres and is trapezoidal in shape. The tank is surrounded by 16 small Mandapams (shrines) and has 21 wells inside the tank in the shape of small spring wells.

All the rivers of India are believed to meet at the tank on this day and a Holy bath at this tank on this day is considered equal to the combined dips in all the holy rivers of India.