Indira, the king of the Devas, was suffering from an ailment caused by a curse, and even the renowned celestial physicians, the Ashwini Devas, could not cure him. In search of a powerful herbal remedy, the Ashwini Devas came to Earth. Maharshi Narada advised them to pray to Lord Shiva and Ambica at this sacred place to discover the herbals. Following his guidance, the Ashwini Devas prayed, and with Lord Shiva's grace, He kindly showed them the location where the herbals, Bala and Athibala, were found. The Ashwini Devas took these herbals back to the celestial world, treated Indira, and cured him.
However, despite Lord Shiva revealing the location of the herbals, the Ashwini Devas were unable to locate them initially as the area was shrouded in darkness. Taking pity on them, Ambica spread light across the place, enabling them to find the herbals. Hence, Ambica in the Marundeeswarar Temple is praised as Irul Neekkia Ambica, meaning "the goddess who dispelled the darkness."
The shrines of Chandikeswarar and Bhairavar are located side by side in the temple’s prakara. The idol of Chandikeswarar here is unique, having four faces like Lord Brahma, and is thus referred to as Brahmma Chandikeswarar. Devotees commonly perform abhishekam with honey on Mondays.
The temple is situated on a small hill, and Saint Sundarar has praised Lord Shiva as the medicine Himself on this hill. Near the flag post is a small pit, and devotees consume its contents for the cure of any disease. The Marundu Theertha Kinaru (Medicine Well) is also located nearby.
Those aspiring for excellence in the arts also pray to Lord Thalamoola Vinayaka at the temple.