After hearing the news that his student Sura Badhman was killed in the war between Lord Murugan and him, Edumban the Asura Guru (tutor) of Sura Badhman was very much upset. Edumban on getting the advice of Agasthiar, started moving the two holy hills from North direction to get Mukthi (liberation from birth-death cycle). These holy hills are named as Shiva Giri and Sakthi Giri abode of Lord Shiva, Sakthi, Ganesh, and Murugan. Edumban used Bhrama Thandam as the beam to carry the two hills and used Snake as the rope to tie the two hills to the beam. The stone sculpture of Edumban carrying the two hills is found in Aavinankudi Temple at Palani.

Edumban carrying the two hills started moving towards Pothigai Hill from where Agasthiyar was meditating. On his way to Pothigai Hill Lord Murugan appeared infront of them in the form of small boy and enquired where they are going and recommended them a short cut to reach Pothigai Hill. When Edumban and Edumbi ( wife of Edumban ) reached Aavinankudi they were feeling very tired and they took rest. When they wokeup and Edumban lifted the Bhrama Thandam - the beam to which the two hills are tied, he felt the Shiva Giri side was heavier and he can not lift. He then saw Murugan was on the hill and challenged Edumban, if he can carry the hills he can proceed in doing so. Edumban was in anger and started fighting against Murugan and was killed. On seeing this Edumbi fell in the feets of Murugan and cried. Lord Murugan appeared infront of Edumbi and gave life to Edumban. Edumban was then given the job of making arrows for Lord Murugan. Edumban occupied Sakthi Giri now known as Edumban Hill and was doing the divine job. Since Edumban carried the Sakthi Giri and the Shiva Giri on a beam, the tradition of carrying Kavadi was adopted since then. Piligrims visit Edumban temple first and then visit Palani hill. There is also a small temple for Edumban and Agasthiar on the step ways of Palani Hill.