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As per legends, this place was a part of a large lake. A war started between the Devas and Asuras (Demons). Lord Vishnu supported the Devas and provided refuge to them. 

The Asuras came to know about it and took the support of and refuge under Sage Bhrigu.

Lord Vishnu went to the ashram of Sage Bhrigu and told him to hand over the demons. The sage refused to do so as they had taken his support.

This angered Lord Vishnu and He cut off the head of the wife of Sage Bhirgu with His Chakra.

The Sage said,” You too will take many births and suffer the loss of your wife “ and cursed Lord Vishnu.

To wash off the sins, Lord Vishnu came to Madurai, worshipped Lord Sundareswarar and then came to the lake area where the present temple is located. He wanted to worship Lord Shiva near the lake and was looking for a Shiva Lingam.

Then, He saw a cow showering milk from its udder on a Lotus flower. Lord Vishnu went near the Lotus flower to find a Swayambu Shiva Lingam!

He took out the Shiva Lingam and prayed to the Lord. Lord Shiva too granted boons to wash off the sins of Lord Vishnu. Subsequently, a temple was constructed for the Shiva Lingam.

The Lingam is a Swaymbu one and marks of a cow’s feet are seen on the Lingam!

Lord Shiva here was worshipped by Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Shaneewsarar, Agni, Vayu, and Bhairavar.

Normally, Lord Bhairava will be present in all temples with a dog and a spear. Here he is present without a dog and spear!

Goddess Thirumarainayaki, also known as Aranavalli, is in a separate sannadhi.

The famous Shaiva saint, Manikkavachagar, was born in this town . He was a minister under a Pandya King, when Lord Shiva took him under His spell and converted him to a saint.

This ancient temple finds a place in Tamil Sangam literature.

The temple Address : Lord Thirumarainathar temple, Thiruvadavoor, Madurai District.