The Chola King Kandaraathithya renovated this temple into a granite edifice. The inner Mantapa was built by Seikkizhar. Govinda Dikshitar, a minister to Acchuthappa Nayak, constructed the outer mandapa. Sambumali, a king built the beautiful Surya Pushkarani. The roof and other renovation work were done by Arimalazham Annamalai Chettiar. According to legends, the serpents Aadi Seshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshiped Shiva here. Once Sugarma, son of Sushila muni was bitten by a snake, the sage cursed the snake for hurting his son. Raghu Bhagavan got rid of his curse inflicted by Sushila Muni by worshiping Lord Shiva here. Hence, Lord Shiva is also worshiped as 'Naganatha Swamy' here owing to the deliverance of Raaghu Bhagavan from his curse by his grace. Offering worship at this Nageswarar temple in the morning, at noon and at in the evening on a given day is considered to be of special significance. King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple. Bringi Muni prayed only to Shiva. Girigujambikai is believed to have appeared before Bringi Muni along with Lakshmi and Saraswati in this sthala. Parvathy did penance for Ardhanareeshwara form. Shiva was pleased and shared half of his body with hers and appeared as Ardhanareeshawara here in this place.