It is said that the King of Kalakkad visited the temple, seeking a cure for his leprosy. Upon completing his penance in front of the status of the serpent king, he was miraculously cured. In gratitude, the king ordered the repair and expansion of the temple, and made it into the current majestic structure that it is today. Serpents such as Adishesha, Karkotaka & Takshaka, devoted Lord Shiva on this position, resulting in name "Tirunageswaram". According to Hindu tale, the snakes' leader, Adisesha performed forfeit at this position, known as Senbaranya Kshetram due to the existence of huge amount of Senbaga plants.