The temple was patronised by the Chola, Pandya and Hoysala kings. During the Chola period the place was known as Rajadhiraja Chatur. Vedimangalam King Kulothunga Chola (1072 - 1122 AD)of the Great Chola dynasty is credited with the construction of the temple. The temple has sixteen Gopurams, Seven Prakarams and twenty four sannidhis. There is a monolithic granitesthambam in front of the temple and attracts our attention with its artistic design.
A special feature of this temple is the celebration of the annual Brahmotsavam. In the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) for eighteen days and the float festival (Teppotsavam for ten days in the month of Ani (May-June). The 32 forms of the Lord are nincely brought out in the course of the festival.
Several theerthams (temple tanks) adorn this shrine. The Haridra Nadhi tank is located located near the temple, and popular belief has it, that a river was transformed into a big tank, and that Rajagopala performed the famed Rasa Leela in the tank.