Chennimalai Temple was built by Sivalaya Cholan of the Kongu Chola clan. One has to climb 1,000 steps to reach the temple. It can also be reached through a motorable road. legend tells us that
Lord Vishnu worshipped at this sacred hill in the Krita Yugam and it was known as Makutagiri. The hill was worshipped by
Goddess Lakshmi in the Treta Yugam when it was known as Kanakagiri and by the Ashta Durgas in the Dwapara Yugam when it was known as Pushpagiri.
One of the 18 Tamil siddhars, Pinnakku Siddhar is believed to have lived at this place. It is believed said that there is an underground passage from here leading to the Bhoga Siddhar cave at Palani.
The deity of the temple is in the form of Dhandayutapani. Two temple theerthams (sacred tanks), the Markandeya theertham and the Kumara theertham are located near the Senkazhuneer Vinayakar shrine. The annual festival is conducted at the Kailasnathar temple at the bottom of the hill.
