Once upon a time, there lived a sage called Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati. The couple was childless and pray to god Shiva. Shiva appeared before them. Shiva asked the couple if they desired an ordinary son with long life or an exceptional son with short life. The choose the latter. The Markandeya also grew up to be an ardent devotee of Siva. The destined time came, when Yama (the lord of death) tried to snatch the life of the boy. Markandeya went to the temple and clutched at the Shiva Lingam in a bid to escape death. Pleased by the boy's belief, Siva rescued him from death. This festival is celebrate every year in the Thirukadaiyur Temple . This is the important festival in this temple : Visit and watch the unique festival