Maha Vishnu harbored a desire to manifest as a Linga, a sacred symbol of divine energy. In pursuit of this transformation, he earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva; however, Shiva initially declined to grant this request. Undeterred by Shiva's refusal, Vishnu continued his fervent prayers, demonstrating unwavering resolve. Recognizing Vishnu's steadfastness, Shiva ultimately chose to bestow his blessings upon him. He told Vishnu to venerate the Swayambu Linga located at a site oriented towards the west, assuring him that through rigorous penance, he would achieve his desired form. Following this divine guidance, on the banks of the Vegavati River, MahaVishnu engaged in penance while standing and facing east towards the Swayambu Linga. During this time, Tirunnasambandar, a devoted follower of Shiva, visited the site on his pilgrimage and, mistaking Vishnu for Shiva, recited a pathikam from a distance. The heartfelt recitation deeply touched MahaVishnu, leading him to dissolve into a Linga, leaving His feet intact as the Linga took shape. Consequently, the Linga of Mahavishnu known as Odha-Urugeeswarar appears with feet.
The temple's 3 tiered Rajagopuram is oriented towards the east. The sannidhi of Dwara Ganapathi and Dwara Muruga are on either side of the gateway.
The gateway leads to a spacious area which houses the Nandi and Balipeetam and to the right is the Sannidhi of Navagraha. Within the west-facing sanctum, we can see the presiding deity Metralinathar. Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Tirumal, Brahma, and Durga adorn the wall surrounding the sanctum as 'Goshta Murtha's. Adhering to the Agama rules of Shiva temples, we can also see the sannidhi of Chandikeshwarar. The sannidhi of the female deity is to the left of the presiding deity's sanctum. In the whole of Kanchi region, Kamakshi is revered as the embodiment of the female deity. The female deity here is also known as Kamakshi which is said to be consecrated at a later period. Near by the 'Nalvar' sannidhi, also believed to have been consecrated later. The prakaram houses sannidhis for Selva Vinayaka, Subramania, kashiviswanathar, Bhairavar and more.
The primary deity worshipped in this temple is Tirumettralinathar. Nevertheless, the Rajagopuram and the main entrance of the temple are oriented towards Otha Urugeeshwarar. Pradosha puja is performed for the Nandi which is in front of Otha Urugeeshwarar.
Mettralainathar temple is in one end of Thirumetrali street, while the temple of Tirugyanasambandar is in the opposite end of the street. The latter is a small temple with only one sannidhi dedicated to Gnansambandar. Sambandhar's idol in the temple is depicted in a standing posture, slightly bent, facing Thirumetrali temple's Gopuram. Next to this idol is the 'Urchava' idol of Gyanasambandhar, holding a bowl in the left hand and pointing the right finger. In the middle of Thirumetrali street, there is another temple dedicated to 'Uttru-kaeta-Muktheesar' (the one who listened attentively). Legend has it that when Gnanasambandar visited this place and sang Pathikam, Lord Shiva sat here to listen attentively.
Outer courtyard
Nandi mandapam and balipeetam
Vimana Gopuram
Odha urugeeswarar sannidhi
Durga
Dakshinamurthy
Navagraha