Built during the reign of Chola king Kulottunga I, between AD 1070 and 1120, the temple has great religious as well as legendary importance.

The sanctum of the temple enshrines a 7 ft high image of Vishnu with his companions, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi on either side. Sri Rajagopalaswami is the processional deity with a commanding appearance standing in front of the cow, with Rukmini and Satyabhama.

This huge temple has 7 prakarams surrounding the central sanctum. The entrance of the outermost prakaram is decorated by a 154 ft high Rajagopuram. The temple has many beautiful pillared halls including the Thousand pillared hall, the Vallala Maharaja Mandapam, the Yaanai Vaahana Mandapam and Punnai Vaahana Mandapam.

Brahmotsavam, celebrated here in the month of Pankuni (March 15-April 15) for a period of 18 days, is a major draw attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.