A shrine dedicated to Lord Skanda or Murugan, god of war and the second son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Kovil is located close to Kankesanthurai, which was formerly known as Gayathurai. However, since the image of Lord Skanda, also known as Kankesan, first arrived in Gayathurai, it is believed that the name changed to Kankesanthurai. Maviddapuram, the place where the temple is situated translates to ‘the holy city where the horse face was removed’ (Ma – horse, vidda –removed and pura – holy city). It is believed that this legendary temple temple was built by a Chola Princess from Tamil Nadu. According to history princess Maruthapuraveegavallli, had a disfigured face resembling that of a horse. It is said that Maviddapuram is the place where the gods answered her prayers and transformed her appearance to that of a woman.
The architecture of the Kovil is breathtaking with elaborately decorated columns and a towering gopuram. The six faced statue of Lord Murugan is accompanied by statues of his wives Valli and Devanai. Devotees visit the Kovil all year around to seek the blessings of Lord Murugan.