As per another legend, Chola king Kulothunga Chola II was hunting in the forest and while returning from Thirumullaivasal, found a blockade on his way. He tried to remove it using his sword and found blood stain in it. He later found that it emanated from the image of lingam (an iconic form of Shiva) in the place. The king wanted to expiate his sin of cutting the image and cut his hand. Shiva was pleased with the devotion and appeared to him at this place as Othandeeswarar along with his consort Parvathi as Kulirvithanayaki. Othandeeswarar also restored the hand of Kulothunga Chola and hence got the name Kai Thantha Piran. The presiding deity at the temple is still believed to have a scar on it. As per another legend, since the presiding deity relieves the devotees off their curses and impinges strength the deity is also called Manuanukuleeswarar.