This temple has the story of Thiruneelakantar and Kanampullar nayanar.

Kanampulla Nayanar, a devoted farmer, dedicated all his wealth to illuminating the lamps in various Shiva temples. This Nayanar saint not only sang hymns in praise of Lord Shiva but also wholeheartedly served both the deity and fellow devotees. As a result of his unwavering devotion, Kanampulla Nayanar’s riches dwindled rapidly. Consequently, he relocated to the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, where he earned a livelihood by harvesting and selling Kanampul grass. With the proceeds from this endeavor, he purchased ghee (clarified butter) to continue lighting lamps in the Shiva temple.

Legend has it that Shiva chose to test Kanampulla Nayanar’s devotion. During a period of famine, the saint found it challenging to sell the grass, but his fervent desire to serve Shiva by illuminating lamps in the temple persisted. He fashioned a wick from the dry grass and ignited it, but it quickly extinguished. Faced with despair, he made a profound offering—he sacrificed his own hair to keep the lamp burning. He brought his head close to the lamp and spread his hair to fuel the flame. Touched by the depth of the Nayanar’s devotion, Shiva manifested before him and granted him liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

You can find more information about Thiru Neelakanta Nayanar in this link.