Legend: Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a cow. Shiva is said to have displayed this shrine as Tiruvarur, and himself as Tyagarajar to Muchukunda Chola. The stalavriksham Arasamaram represents the other gods. Yama also worshipped her
Architecture: This temple has three prakarams. It covers an area of 10 acres and its entrance has a huge Rajagopuram; a gigantic Nandi and separate temples for Ambal and Tirumular. There are no Nandis on the walls of the temple. Shiva revealed his Cosmic Dance under the Arasamaram, hence the name Bodhi Ambalam. Kochenkancholan is associated with this shrine.
Inscriptions from the period of Parantaka Chola I can be found. They mention the bronze images donated to the temple, these images cannot be found here. Katralippichchan built the temple in stone. Images of donors, are also are carved within the temple.
Festivals: The annual Brahmmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Thai (Capricorn), and Rathasaptami falls during this time is considered very significant. Arudra Darisanam, Aani Tirumanjanam, Skanda Sashti, Aadi pooram and the Saptami are celebrated in the month of Cancer.
