According to Sthalapurana (history of the place), it is said that Asuras (demons) and Devas (Gods) decided to consume the nectar from Kseerabthi (the milk ocean) in order to live longer. Hence, they churned the ocean with the help of Vasuki (the celestial snake) and the hill Mandhara, with Gods on one side and demons on the other. Unable to tolerate the pressure, Vasuki spilled out the poison from his mouth. The Gods and demons then approached Lord Shiva to save them from the harm of poison. Lord Shiva transformed himself into Vishabhakarana Moorthy and consumed poison.
The situation was such that if Lord swallows the poison, the living creatures on the earth would die and if he does not, the Gods and Demons would be killed. He then started feeling little giddy. Fearing this, his consort, Goddess Parvati, placed Lord's head in Her lap and gently pressed His neck so that the poison remained in His throat without affecting His body. Hence Lord Shiva got the name as 'Neelakantha' ('Neela'- blue with poison and 'Kantha'- throat) because of the accumulation of the poison in his throat and Goddess Parvati was called as 'Amudhambigai'.
On their way to Kailasa (Lord Shiva's aboard), Lord Siva who was feeling little dizzy, rested on the lap of His wife for a while in the place where the village stands today. Hence the village got its name as Suruttapalli, Surutta meaning 'Little dizzy' and Palli meaning 'Resting'.
Another prominence of Suruttapalli is that most of the deities are present with their consorts in their respective temples. Pradosha Pooja is said to have originated from this temple. A legend has it that, the Devas and Asuras resumed their effort to get the nectar from the ocean on Lord Shiva's orders, and got it on Dhwadashi (12th moon day). In that happiness, they forgot to thank Lord Siva who consumed the poison for everyone's well being.
Realising their mistake, they started praying Him on Trayodasi (13th moon day) for which the Lord forgave them and in a happy mood, began His celestial dance (Shiva Tandavam) between the horns of Nandi (the mount of Lord Shiva) where all the Gods, Goddess and sages joined Him.
This moment is celebrated as Pradosham every fortnight. It is believed that during Pradosha Punya Kalam, anyone who offers prayers will attain shanti (peace), sakala sowbhagyam (well being), and will be comforted from the obstacles of life. Even Lava and Kusha, who unknowingly fought with their father Lord Rama, over Aswamedhayana horse, came to this temple along with Sage Valmiki, to worship Lord Siva and to get rid off their sin.