Vishnu (called Tirumal) is believed to have worshipped Shiva in this temple and hence the name Thirumalpur. The temple has a four-tiered rajagopuram (temple tower). The temple has set of inscriptions from Chola period of Rajaraja Chola I (985 - 1014 CE). Appar, the 7th-century saint poet glorified the deity in Tevaram in one verse. The temple is also referred as Hari-chakrapuram. The Nandi (sacred bull of Shiva) is in standing portion in this temple unlike other Shiva temple where Nandi is in sitting posture. The temple tree is Vilvam.