The word Kampattam means Mint Street, where once units producpng Gold Coins were functioning.  Chola kings having Thanjavur and Pazhayarai as their capitals used this place for minting gold coins.  Some people call this place proudly as Nasik of Tamilnadu.

While students pray in the temple for excellence and ranks, goldsmiths pray here for success and prosperity in the profession.

Kumbakonam was once dense with Malathi trees.  There lived a sage named Nirsasara.  His son Dhoomaketu was a great scholar in the scriptures and other arts.  He was always surrounded by aspirants of learning, as students choose the best educational institutions in the country and abroad today.  Since they were attentive to his teachings, they also acquired sufficient knowledge in all arts.

Dhoomaketu also took his students on tour to many places of divine importance, particularly Shiva temple, telling them the reputation and history of the temples.  One of such is Aadhi Kampatta Viswanathar temple.  Admiring Dhoomaketu’s devotion to Him and his righteous teachings, Lord Shiva granted Darshan to him with Mother.  Enjoying Lord’s grace, Dhoomaketu named Lord as Aadhi Kampatta Viswesar and Mother Anandha Nidhi.  Lord Shiva named the holy spring here as Dhoomaketu Theertham.