It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Hymns in praise of the temple have been sung by the Saivite saint Sambandar in the Thevaram. The temple is frequented by people desiring to rid themselves of the fear of death. The place is believed to have got its name from a demon named Idumban who worshipped Shiva here and attained salvation.