This is one of the important Vishnu temples built by the Pallava king Nandhivarman Pallavamalla in the 7th Century A.D. This temple was built a few years after the construction of Kailasanathar temple. Numerous inscriptions are found in this temple relating to the wars between Pallavas and Chalukyas. Besides these inscriptions, the battle scenes of the Pallavas with Gangas and Chalukyas are depicted in bas-relief around the main Prakaram.

The cloisters inside the outer wall consist of lion pillars and are representative of the first phase in the architectural evolution of the grand thousand pillar halls of later temples. The presiding deity Lord Vishnu is depicted in sitting, standing and reclining potures.