According to legend, Pattiseema is considered the place where the sword (Pattisam in Telugu) of Lord Shiva had fallen after killing Dhaksha. Veerabhadra is born out of the lock of Shiva's hair during his tandava performance on sighting his wife Sati Devi getting burnt in the fire of the yagna conducted by Dhaksha. After killing Dhaksha, Lord Veerabhadra still continued with his pralaya tandava. All the deities requested Sage Agastya to pacify Lord Veerabhadra. Then Agastya approached Lord Veerabhadra and embraced him with both his hands, collected the unbraided long hair and tied it into a knot and requested him to settle down on the hillock of Devakuta. Then Lord Veerabhadra agreed to stay on the hillock in the form of Swayambhu Shiva Linga.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Veerabhara Swamy. The Shivalinga is a big one, measuring about 8 feet high. The walls of the temple are adorned with carved scenes from Purana. A life-size sculpture of Devi Bhadrakali adorned with several ornaments and a sword.Sri Bhava Narayana Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a large structure with fine sculptures. It was built in the 11th century by the feudal lord Nalaparaju who ruled over Avuku, and Emperor Kulothunga Chola added several sections including rare sculptures. There are temples for Rajyalakshmi, Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy and Anjaneyaswamy are situated in front of the temple gate.