The Muñchiṛai Tirumalai temple complex houses two shrines; one of Śiva and the other of Vishnu both in different architectural styles. The Śiva temple in its earliest forms is considered the older one dating back probably to the first half of the 9th century A.D. In an inscription of Rajendra Chōla (1012-1044 A.D.), engraved on a rock in the outer prākāra of the Tirumalai temple complex, the God has been called Muñchiṛai-Thirumalai-Devar. Another inscription dating to Kollam Era 610 (A.D. 1435) refers to some offering to the Tirumalai Mahādeva temple at Muñchiṛai by a Trāvancore King.* The Muñchiṛai village also houses the Pārthivapuram Vishnu Temple, another ancient temple with great antiquity and many historical references.The Tirumalai temple complex is situated in Viḷavankōde Taluk of Kanyākumari District, about five kilometres west of Kuzhithurai Sachivōttama park junction. The Śivālaya Ōṭṭam, literally a 'run' by Śiva devotees on the Śivarātri day, covering twelve Śiva temples in the area on foot, makes its start here.

* Reference to Travancore Archaeological Series, Volumes VI and VII by H. Sircar in his book An Architectural Survey of Temples of Kerala published by Archaeological Survey of India.