The Tirnneedu temple is mentioned in ancient Sangam literature (Akanaanooru), and its richness has been described by Sundarar and Appar. It is believed this shrine is indestructible even after the great deluge.

Legends: Indra, Surya, Chandra and Kali have offered worship here. Indra fashioned a lingam with the earth from the banks of the Kaveri. Shiva is known as Karkateswarar and comes from the belief that a crab had offered worship to Shiva. Legend states Surya worshipped Shiva at daybreak on the first Sunday in the months of Aries and Leo. Needur is also known as Vakularanyam, Makilaranyam and Magizhavanam.

Temple: There is an imposing shrine to Bhadrakali - Aalaalasundari here. The shrine to Sun is worshipped on Sundays in the month of Leo. Ambal here is also known as Aditya Abayambika. The ancient structure is from the period of the Nayanmars, and was replaced with a stone structure in the first decade of the 12th century. The Somaskanda, Shiva, is considered picture perfect and dates back to the end of the 11th century. . Inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga I, Rajadiraja II and Rajaraja Chola III are found in this temple and mention endowments made during the later Chola period (11th - 13th centuries.