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A small hill south of Gobichettipalayam in Erode districts is known as Maragatha Malai or Pachai Malai.  Sage Durvasa installed Lord Muruga here with a Chakra.  He had a wealth of penance and was also known for his indignant nature.  During his return journey from Pothigai hills, he reached a place presently called Kaunnathur.  When he wanted to perform his Shiva Puja daily, with his wisdom eye he found this place.  He got the things for the puja by the strength of his penance.  He brought rains.  Lord Muruga appeared before him with Mother Maragathavalli.  He heard a voice directing him to go to Maragathagir and install a Chakra in his own name and perform pujas.  Excited Maharshi Durvasa acted upon the command of Lord Muruga immediately.  Lord appeared in the form of a serpent and asked what the sage wished.

The sage asked the Lord that the hill be named as Maragatha Giri, that He Muruga should make this His own place, He should ever protect His devotees from any and every predicament they might face in life, that the Chakra installed by him should ever be bright, that the hill should ever be vibrant with all holiness, the yantra until Sun and Moon exist.  Lord in the form of the serpent granted the boon.

A staunch Muruga devotee, it is said, was worshipping Muruga in this temple on 24th July 1954.  A spark appeared before him.  It said to the devotee that no one came forward to build a temple here, “I am alone”.  Steps were taken by the devotee with one time puja.  In the years followed, the temple had grown to the size and fame of today with grand 7 pujas a day.

Lord Muruga-Subramania appears in the sanctum sanctorum as handsome youth expressing wisdom in His eyes.  He is holding a Danda-stick in right hand keeping the left on His hip.  In the other two hands, Lord is holding His triumphant Vel the spear headed weapon and flag with the cock emblem.  He appears with His six faces accompanied by His consorts Valli and Deivaai in Wedding form in the Artha Mandapa.  These are festival idols.  The priest who was conducting the Archana and Homa during a Panguni Uthiram festival fell fainted.  Recovering, he said that the power of Mantra in the sanctum sanctorum was too hot because of the chanting of the mantras, and suggested milk abishek to Lord to bring down the heat.  Since then, during Homas, this practice is being meticulously followed.  There are two peacock vahans here too as in Tiruchendur.  During peak summer heat in May-June Agni Nakshatram days, Darabishekam and 108 litres of milk abishek are offered to Lord Maragatheeswarar.  11 Rudrabishakas are also performed.  The temple observes 7 pujas a day.