The region was a jungle of banyan trees where Lord Shiva rose as a swayambu.  Lord is hence named Vada Aaranya Easwarar – Lord of jungle of north.

Those aspiring to master the art of dancing pray to Vadaranyeswarar.

Woman Saint Karaikal Ammayar sung her Mootha Tirupathigam in this temple.  The Rath of the temple is so aesthetically constructed as a Lotus Flower.

Two demons Sumba and Nisumba chose this banyan jungle for their stay and began harassing the Devas.  They appealed to Mother Shiva Parvathi for protection.  Mother Parvathi created a furious Kali and destroyed the demons.  Kali consumed the blood of the demons and their army and grew more furious.

At the request of Sage Munjikesa Karkodaka, Lord Shiva reached the place.  Kali challenged the Lord for a dance and said that she would give her right in the place to the Lord if He won.  The dance began.  Lord dropped His ear ring on the ground, picked it by the toe of His left leg and fixed it back on His ear in the dance.  Kali accepted her defeat and said that she could not do such a marvelous dance.  Lord Shiva said that He alone was equal to Her and said further that those coming to worship Him here, should worship Her first to reap the full benefit of the worship.  Since then, Kali has Her own temple to grace the devotees.