 As per Hindu legend, the Vedas worshipped Shiva in this place, giving the name "Vedaranyam" to the place.According to another Hindu legend, Rama, the seventh avatar of god Vishnu, is believed to have visited Vedaranyam to absolve himself from sins committed in the war against the demon king Ravana.The footprints of Rama is preserved in a place called Ramar Padam near Vedaranyam.