The three sons of Tarakasuran under took a penance towards Brahma for a very long time. Brahma appeared before them. They asked a boon of immortality to all the three of them. But Brahma replied to them that to sanction such a boon is impossible as all should have to die on one day. But atleast ask for Moksham and that will be sanctioned. The only person who has no death and ever living is Lord Shiva only. Then they told him that if it is so sanction three forts each one made of gold, silver and iron. And they should move to any place that they think of. They  cannot be destroyed by any one except we or Lord Shiva. Brahma disappeared after granting them the boon. They did not show their true self to Lord Shiva but showed their true colours to all the others. The celestials who could not bear their tortures went and appealed to both Tirumal and indran. Both of them fought with the three demons but were defeated. So both Tirumal and Indran did penance towards Lord Shiva. But he refused by stating that three demons are his devotees. Again Tirumal, Indra and Narathar undertook a severe penance. Immediately appeared before them that if it is so please prepare a car(ratham in tamil)and all war weapons.

The celestials prepared them accordingly.  The Car (Ratham in tamil) had manthra hill as its axix, Moon and sun as wheels, Rivers as flags, eight mountains (Ashta parvathangal)as pillars. The holy rivers  fanned Lord Shiva, the celestials played on the musical instruments, and the car was ready. When Lord shiva along with his consort Parvathi got down from their divine vehicle OX and entered the car the axile of the car broke down. Immediately Tieumal assumed the form of OX and endured the car. Even then the car began to tilt.  Then every one prayed to God Ganesha.  The car immediately came back to its normal position. Then accompanied and surrounded by all celestials, Tirumal Ganesha, Muruga and Indra got into their divine vehicles. Lord Shiva as per the wishes of all made Meru mountain as arrow  and the snake  vaasuki as bow. But suddenly he kept all of them aside and smiled at the three forts (each one made of gold, silver and iron). All the three forts were burnt to ashes.

Immediately the three demons (tharakatshan, kamalakshan and vithyunmali) sought the pardon of Lord Shiva. He pardoned them and took them as his gate keepers(dwara balakas)Since He burnt all the three forts and removed the sorrows of celestials Lord Shiva is called TIRIPURANTHAGA MOORTHI. HE can be worshipped at Tiruathigai near Cuddalore. The lord’s name here is Tirupuraanthaga moorthi. He is also called by the name Athigai nathar. The consort’ name is Tiripura sundari. By performing abhishegam brought from the water Kadilam river and perfrming archana by Bilva leaves  all enemies will forger heir enemity and will become friends. If suffering by severe stomach pain (soolai in tamil) will be cured and wil get normal health. By ding Tirumanchanathool abishegam to this Lord Shiva all types of diseases will be cured.