As per Hindu legend, once Shiva was explaining the importance of Vedas and Agamas to Parvathi in Kailash.
She was not paying attention and Shiva cursed her to born in earth in Bharathava community.
Muruga, their son was angered that his father cursed Parvathi and argued with him.
Shiva was further angered and he cursed Muruga also be born as a dumb boy in trader community.
He was born as Rudrasarma in Madurai to an army lieutenant.
The boy went to many Shiva temples for relief and when he finally came to the temple for worship, he got his speech.

As per another legend, the celestial deities were enjoying the place and took the form of birds.
Some hunters were trying to hunt them and by divine intervention, the hunters turned into Erukam trees whose wood is not useful.
Thus the place came to be known as Erukathampuliyur.
As per Hindu legend, once Shiva was explaining the importance of Vedas and Agamas to Parvathi in Kailash. She was not paying attention and Shiva cursed her to born in earth in Bharathava community. Muruga, their son was angered that his father cursed Parvathi and argued with him. Shiva was further angered and he cursed Muruga also be born as a dumb boy in trader community. He was born as Rudrasarma in Madurai to an army lieutenant. The boy went to many Shiva temples for relief and when he finally came to the temple for worship, he got his speech. 
As per another legend, the celestial deities were enjoying the place and took the form of birds. Some hunters were trying to hunt them and by divine intervention, the hunters turned into Erukam trees whose wood is not useful. Thus the place came to be known as Erukathampuliyur.
Thirukumaresar temple