Tirukandiyur is one of the Ashta Veeratta Sthalams (eight places where God Shiva displayed heroic deeds). At the request of Goddess Parvati, God Shiva plucked off one of the five heads of Brahma at this sacred site. Hence, the place came to be known as Kandiyur Veerattam.

The Layout - The temple's westward orientation initiates a structured progression through its sacred spaces, commencing with a prominent five-tiered Rajagopuram. Passing through this gateway leads to the outer prakaram, which formally introduces the customary elements of a temple complex: the Kodimaram, Balipeetam, and Nandi, accompanied by 'Kodimara Vinayaka', all precisely aligned with the entrance. Within this outer precinct, to the left of the central alignment, is situated the sannidhi of Dhandapani, housed within a distinctive structure known as the 'Vavval Nethi Mandap', characterized by its architectural resemblance to the forehead of a bat, while adjacent, the sannidhi of the female deity Mangala Nayaki is positioned towards the south, depicting the Goddess in a standing posture expressing divine grace through the Abhaya Varada Mudra, and to the right stands the sannidhi of Vinayaka. Proceeding through the inner gateway accesses the inner prakaram, where the layout continues with the sannidhi of Subramanya, flanked by Valli and Deivanai, followed by the sannidhis dedicated to Mahalakshmi and the Nataraja Sabha. The circumambulatory path around the central sanctum reveals a series of sannidhis including Vishnu Durga, Bhairava, various manifestations of Vinayaka, Surya, Ardhanareeswarar, and Chandeswarar within a dedicated shrine, furthermore, the koshta deities strategically positioned around the sanctum encompass Brahma, Lingodbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, and Bikshadanar.

Progression into the inner layers of the temple, beyond the gateway guarded by the pair of Dwara Palakas, reveals a structured arrangement of sacred spaces and deities. Immediately to the left is situated the Navagraha Sannidhi, featuring the primary solar deity, Surya, accompanied by his consorts, while an idol of Sage Sathathappa stands adjacent to a Dwara Palaka. Within the Artha Mandapa, positioned on the northern side, are found seven lingams representing the Sapta Sthana temples, five lingams symbolizing the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams, and an image of Kalathinathar, associated with his appearance to Sage Sathathappa. The central deity, Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar, manifests as a Swayambhu Lingam, distinguished by its elongated form and westward orientation, with the entrance to its sanctum sanctorum notably flanked by icons of Murugan on both sides, a relatively rare feature. Furthermore, the complex incorporates individual shrines dedicated to Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati, whose representations are characterized by distinct iconographic and divine features.

The sannidhi of Brahma and Saraswathy is next to the sannidi of Brahma-Shira-Kandeesar. Within this sannidhi, Brahma is depicted in a majestic form, traditionally holding a lotus and a 'Japa Mala', with Goddess Saraswati positioned to his right, representing knowledge and divine grace. The sthala purana suggests that god Shiva, having severed one of Brahma's heads, subsequently granted him the enhanced beauty and wisdom across his remaining four faces following Brahma's penance for forgiveness. Further reinforcing this narrative connection, an idol of Shiva in his fierce 'Vaduka' aspect, symbolizing the very act of decapitation, is situated opposite the main sanctum.

Every year, during the Tamil month of Maasi (February–March) on the 13th, 14th, and 15th, sun rays directly fall on the presiding deity between 5:45 PM and 6:15 PM, creating a divine spectacle.