Vinayaka in the temple graces in the name of Lord Siddhi Vinayaka.

Those with impaired vision bathe in the tank of the temple, pray to Lord offering  red flower – Sevvarali – garlands, perform archanas to gain clear eye sight.

Saint Sundarar of Saivite Trinity promised his first wife Sangili Nachiar that he would never part with her.  But, when thoughts of his first wife Paravai Nachiar came to his mind, he set out to Tiruvarur.  As he violated his promise to Sangiliar, he lost his eyes.  To gain eye sight, he began a pilgrimage to all Shiva temples.  At Kancheepuram, with the grace of Mother Kamakshi and Lord Ekambareswara, Sundarar regained vision of his left eye.  He came to Tiruvarur and begged the Lord to grace him the vision of the other eye.  He was advised by the Lord to have a dip in the tank at the southeast corner and pray Him then.  Sundarar obeyed Lord and gained sight of his right eye.

It is said that all idols of the temple were made by the divine sculptor Vishwakarma.  The location of the tank at the southeast corner is of special importance according to Vastu rules.  Planet Sani Baghwan is facing south and graces the devotees.  The event of Sundarar getting vision of his right eye is evidenced by the eye symbol visible on the Lord during abishek times.  This was once a sand temple under the sea, according to the history of the land.

When tides of sea burst devastatingly tall threatening destruction of the world, Devas and Sages surrendered at the feet of Lord Shiva for protection.  Lord told Sage Durvasa that if a tank could be dug at the Agni corner-southeast corner of the land and prayers offered to Him, the tides would subside and lives would be saved.  Headed by Sage Durvasa, all carried out the instructions of Lord and performed pujas.  Responding to the prayers of the devotees, Lord Shiva absorbed the fury of the sea and saved the world.  As Lord was worshipped by Sage Durvasa, He is also known as Durvas Nayanar.