Mother Kamakshi appears in penance posture with Sddheswara, Madheswara, Nava Nayakis, seven Kannimar-virgins.  There are also Paattan (grandfather), Paatti (grandmother), Naga Devatha, Dandakarunyar, Dharbai Amman, Annanmar known as Munnudayar, 18 Siddhas in the temple.  Uthanda Munirayar Thurai is opposite of Agora Veerabadra.  There is also an Annaparai in the temple.

People pray to Sri Gurunatha Swami for removal of the curses set on them from earlier births.  People pray here for total cure from poisonous bites caused by scorpion, snakes and such other creatures.

Earlier, devotees were worshipping three stones personifying in them the Gods of their imagination.  Later, they decided to make three idols – naming the first as Mother Kamakshi Amman their Kuladevatha or family deity, the second as Lord Vishnu and the third as Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga combined naming as Gurunathaswami.  Telugu devotees are worshipping Him as Bala Gurunatha Swami or Ugra Guru Nathar.

Kulukkai box:  In the centre of the Prakara is box measuring 11 feet long, 11 feet wide and 11 feet tall.  The puja materials are kept in this box.  They will open the box the day prior to the Aadi festival to take out the puja materials.  There is no entrance facility to the box.  It is at the top of the box for one to get down and come out.  There is a hole for ventilation.  Snakes are/were kept in for safety.  The Pujaris-priests following strict fasting as per Agama rules alone go in and come out.  Others, if attempt to enter, would die of poisonous bites, it is still believed.  Villagers worship this Kulukkai with flowers so that no such creatures move in their farms.  The Kulukkai looks like an anthill.

Mother Kamakshi came here to perform penance in this region-jungle.  One Uthanda Munirayan well versed in Mantras and Tantras refused space to Ambica to do penance.  Sri Agora Veerabadra, disciple of Sri Gurunathaswami challenged him and destroyed him.  While dying, Munirayan prayed to Gurunathaswami for destroying his arrogance and relieving him of the curse following him from past births.  He said that the place thence would be known as Gurunatha Vanam (forest) where Mother Kamakashi can perform Her penance.

The message of the story is that Lord Gurunatha Swami blesses one with noble traits through they were arrogant and proud earlier.  Uthanda Muni and Agora Veerabadra were worshipping a stone here.  That stone has grown taller as a hill.  People pray to Lord Gurunatha to make their lives also tall with good traits as the hill.

About 600 years ago, people of Pichapuram forest region near Chidambaram built a temple for Kutti Andavar planting three grinding stones for their worship.  The Nawab of Arcot wished to have the hand of the daughter of the priest of the temple and sent his men for the purpose.  He said that would consult his relations and give the reply the next day.  As the relatives did not agree to the proposal, the Nawab threatened that he would place them in jail.  One among the relative was possessed with a divine power and advised them to leave the place taking the three grinding stones they were worshipping.  The pujari and his relatives left the place carrying the stones in a basket.  When Nawab’s men returned the next day, they found the place empty.

Those who left the place, felt tired and frustrated.  They threw the stones in a river and decided to go somewhere for survival.  Next morning, they found the stones back in their basket and their joy knew no bounds.  They reached Pudupalayam near Andhiyur.  With the permission of the Pandya king, they installed the three stone and began worship.  A Pandya king of later days built this temple, it is believed.