Malik Kafur
The annual Kudhirai Eduppu ( Horse Parade) ritual of this temple refers to the thwarting of the Turk Invasion, with the intervention of the deity, as per legend. It most likely refers to the siege of Malik Kafur. Malik Kafur's forces were known to have marched up to Rameshwaram and Keelathooval is right on the route, with two beheaded Hindu stone sculptures as added testimony . "Kafur's siege on Madurai continued for weeks". Malik Kafur