Four thousand Rishies approached Brahman. They requested Brahma to show a place to do Dhabas. Brahman told him that he would throw a ring made of Tharpai ;where it fell, that place was fit for Dhabas. The ring fell at Tharuga Vanam. Here the Rishies with families resided and their head was in air as they thought they were equivalent to God, and they could do anything through Yagams.

They thought only the Rishi Padnis (their wives ) were noble women in the world. To teach them a lesson Siva took the form of Pitchandavar and Thirumal as Mohini. Both of them came to Tharuga vanam here.Mohini went to the Yaham place whereas Pitchandavar went to the streets where Rishi Padnis resided.The Rishis went mad on Mohini and followed her. The Rishipadnis went mad on Pitchandavar and followed him.The Tharugavana Rishis got angry on seeing this and waged war on Siva.They made one yaham and from this they sent various weapons on Siva.As their weapons rested on Siva’s hands, they again performed one Yaham and sent an elephant over Siva to kill Him. Pitchadanar made the elephant angry (matham) and disappeared. The elephant got mad and began to chase Rishis.

The Rishis felt the truth and realized the Parameswarar is the god who was above them. They prayed for help. Siva as a child went into the elephant’s womb.Umai was afraid of this. Siva got into the elephant body and camp out tearing the elephant’s body into two. On seeing this child Lord Muruga exclaimed and showed Umai Siva. Siva tore the skin of elephant and wore it on his body. (Gajam=elephant). Siva killed the elephant here; hence, he is also known as Gaja Samhareswarar. Through the Aatchara yaham done by the Rishis, the Rishis were cursed. As a remedy Siva ordered them to visit 1008 Sivalingam in 48days. As they coul not complete this, they formed a Sahashara Lingam (in one lingam 1008 small lingams engraved) and worshipped Siva. And they were blessed by Lord Siva.

Thiru Bhuvanam Temple

Thirumal, Brahman, Prahalathan, and Varagana Pandiyan worshipped here. Siva blessed them and made them free from fear over life. Asura Greevan, Vimshaba Greevan, Viyazha Greevan (greevam=head) , (Asuvam-horse),(Virusham-bull),(Viyazha-elephant).

Three Asuras prayed to Siva and Siva offered them three castles (gold, silver, copper), which could not be broken and destroyed by anyone. They disturbed one and all and often they quarreled with all. The Saints complained to Siva. Siva came in ratham here.

Manicka Vasakar describes the scence. Even Siva did not send the arrows. Siva smiled at them and the castles burnt away. As Siva killed the three buvanan (castles), this place is one of the Atta veertha thalams. After killing Iraniyan, the Narashiman out of anger had blown the places. Prathalathan prayed to Siva to protect him. Siva took the form of Sarabam and fought with the Narashima Moortham and cooled down there.