Thirukkulandai

The temples are part of a regional legend of twin temples and are mentioned in both the Brahmanda Purana and the Padma Purana (under the name "Kedara Nilaya"). The legend tells of a sage named Suprabha who wanted to perform a penance. In his search for land, he ploughed at this place, and found a balance (tola) and a bow (vil). When he lifted them up, they turned into a human couple. The couple had once been cursed by Kubera for insulting him. Since the bow and balance were returned to their original form, the place is called Tolavillimangalam. Suprabha continued to perform penance, at the end of which the devas received a share of the offerings (Havibhaga). Vishnu was pleased by the devotion of the sage; and since he appeared with devas, he came to be known as "Devapiran". While walking down the river with a lotus pond, he found Vishnu following him. At the request of the sage, Vishnu resided in this place as Aravindalochanar (the one who appeared from lotuses). In another legend, the Ashwin twins wanted a share of the offerings made by men. They prayed to Brahma who redirected them to pray at this place. The twins came to the place and performed penance. They had a dip in the tank, which came to be known as Ashvini Tirtha. Vishnu appeared to them bearing lotus flowers in his hand and granted them their wishes. Another regional legend tells of Somaka, an asura, who defeated Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, and stole the four Vedas (sacred texts) from him. Brahma was helpless and he did severe penance in the banks of Tamiraparani River seeking favour from Vishnu in the form of Devapiran. Pleased by the penance, Vishnu appeared to Brahma and promised to retrieved the Vedas. He killed Somuka and restored the Vedas to Brahma. He also wished to set his abode as Srivaikuntham and resided there as Vaikunthanatha.