This temple is the city's main attraction. This temple is nearly 2000 years old placed in the heart of the old town- a splendid example of Dravidian architecture.

The present temple was designed in 1560 by Vishwanatha Nayak and subsequently built during the reign of Tirumalai Nayak. There are four entrances to the temple with an area of six hectares.

Each of its 12 towers has the height of 45 to 50 metres. The Potrama Raikulam or the Golden Lotus Tank is the place where the Tamil literacy society, called Sangam used to meet to decide the merits of the work presented to them. The temple museum has 985 richly carved pillars and each one surpasses the other in beauty.