Please dont take references from legends and sthalapuranams of temples.Most of them are created when Nayaks ruled.They created them to unite Hindus and to give importance to the temples so that the people started coming to the temples and it will be protected (That's why Indran being a vedic God did so many sins!? and got "Pabhavimosanam" from most of the temples!!) .Nayaks are the real protectors of Old temples.
There are references about Pandya kings in Mahabharatham by Vyasar prier sankam age.
Being a born Hindu Malikafur's damages and looting from Hindu temples are really surprising and cruel.
In my personal opinion, Sthalapuranam should also be taken into consideration. Sometimes it leads to begining of a actual history.
Lord Shiva, or Vishnu had never been un approachable by us, as they had been Iraiyanar and Thiuvaraikoman for Tamils. Never to speak about Muruga and his big belly sweet brother. No need to speak about the first. The second one has indeed, given us the script and help Raja Raja to find Thirumuraigal and he also helped Thiruthondar on this Vatapi war.
So looking at sthalapuranam of Thiruchenkatankudi, I guess, will also speak about his Pillayar, came to this temple.
Sthalapuranam of Siruvachur Madurakali, will speak about Kannagi and Saamiyar.
So, some times, they are worth, to be taken as a guide for investigations and reasearch.
Now a days, few Sthalapuranam books published, surpisingly speaks about the History of the temples and on its Kalvettu's. I found this in, Thirukarukavoor Garbarakshambigai temple and Chandrachoodeshwarar, Hosur. This should be appreciated.