Lord Muruga, is well known as the Kanthaswamy in this temple, and is graced with the Valli and Deivanai. The Lord is incarnated as the Suyambu avatar and is considered strange of its kind. The place was primarily called as the Yuthapuri. Nearby city is Tiruchandoor, another temple city in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is believed that Thiruporur got its name from the skies where the Lord Muruga fought with the evils, as mentioned in the Puranas.

The temple is more signified due to its east facing location and architecture. A palmaya tree is located in the east side that is believed to have the Khanda Perumal on a small peetha or the seating that was specifically designed for the purpose. The main history behind this temple is that Lord Muruga fought with the Tharaga in this historical place and made him His slave. Since he was defeated in the war, the name came to be known as the Por (In Tamil, the word Por means war or battle). There are various stone inscriptions related to the temple and the sand there is termed as the Samarapuri or the Yudhapuri, that holds the importance.

Since the temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, all the festivals and the special days that are considered in other deities are equally important for this temple as well. Some of the notable events include Chithirai in every month, rarely once or twice or even more than that; vaikashi festivals dedicated for Gurupoojai, ani, avani for vinayaga chathirthi, iyyappasi for Diwali festival, every Monday the Somavara Vratham or the fasting is also followed by the devotees, and a lot more. Thaippoosam is the most important festive treaties of the temple as Lord Muruga is very much favored on this day. Thaippoosam (also referred to as Thaipusam) is one of the oldest and traditional festivals celebrated for the Lord Muruka. It is believed that Vel or the spear would take of your adverse characters and complicated natures and reflect in a happy and peaceful environment.