The construction of the Main Tower (Rajagopuram) was taken up during the Chola period but was not completed. The Government of Tamilnadu took up the construction, completed it and performed the consecration on 9^{th February, 1992.}

Devotees seek child boon, removal of obstacle in marriage alliances, progress in education and protection from enemies.

The consecration of the temple was conducted 73 years ago. A wooden car (rath) was made, a trial run was taken with a festival on Chitra Poornima day. Since then festivals are conducted with Chandi Homam, Pradosha pujas all the 12 months of the year.

The statues of the three Tamil Kings – Chera, Chola and Pandya are placed in the entrance of the temple. There is also a statue for the great Tamil Poetess Avvaiyar which is the biggest in Tamilnadu. The antiquity and historical importance of the temple add to its glory.

Avvaiyar brought Angavai and Sangavai, daughters of Pari to this temple to ward off the enmity of the three kings against Pari and performed of their marriage very peacefully. Hence, the kings are also installed in the temple with the symbols of their flags – the bow, the tiger and the fish. The Pandya king picked pearls from the Tirumanimutharu river flowing near the Karapuranathar temple and made a chain for Madurai Meenakshi which still shines on Her divine neck.

A little boy Gunaseelan wanted to garland the Lord but his hands could not touch the Lord as it was tall. When he shed tears, the Lord obliged with a bend. Hence, the Linga is found in a slanting position.

Karadushana, brother of Ravana performed penance on Lord Shiva and was about to fall in the fire. Lord stopped him and granted His darshan. The Lord is named Karapuranathar after this incident.

The place is known as Karapura in Dredhayuga and Cholapuri in Kaliyuga according to Uthamacholapuram Karapuanathar Puranam. There is no information about the author of this text.

According to this book, the devotee could gain all the benefits in this birth and attain Moksha (salvation) with his worship in this temple alone without going to other temples, as Sun, Moon and the celestial beings surrender at the feet of Karapuranathar.

The name of Karapuranathar finds mention in the hymns of Tirugnanasambandar, Tirumoolar and Arunagirinathar. There are epigraphical evidences about the presence of the three kings in this temple visiting for worship.

The place where Chola stayed is called Uthamacholapuram, that of Pandya as Veerapandi and Chera’s as Servarayanmalai.

The linga is in a slanting position on one side.