In the time of the Mahabharatha era, following their escape from Arakkillam, the Pandavas, accompanied by their mother Kunthi, arrived at the very location where the temple now stands. Bearing burns from the fire that had ravaged Arakkillam, Kunthi beseeched Lord Krishna for solace. In response, Lord Krishna advised her to worship Lord Aditya. It was Lord Aditya himself who enshrined the idol of Lord Siva and directed Kunthi to embark on a period of penance. Kunthi commenced her penance at this site, which was surrounded by tranquil backwaters. Impressed by Kunthi's unwavering devotion, Lord Siva and Parvathi Devi manifested before her. All Kunthi could find were more salt crystals strewn about, which she gathered and offered to the Lord with both hands. Touched by her penance, Lord Siva and Parvathi Devi granted their blessings upon Kunthi and the Pandavas, relieving them of their burns and sufferings. Subsequently, Kunthi installed the idol of Lord Maha Vishnu adjacent to the Siva temple and, together with the Pandavas, constructed a new pond in front of the Vishnu temple.