[2] The presiding deity is Murugan (Kartikeya) in the form of the divine spear vel in the sanctum, the primary shrine, and in other forms, namely, Shanmugar, Muthukumaraswami, Valli Kanthar with consorts Valli and Deivayanai, and Dandayuddhapani, sans consorts in secondary shrines in the temple.

According to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the temple was developed at the site 13th century by Puvenaya Vaku, a Minister to the Jaffna King Kalinga Magha.

[7] The present rebuilt temple that exists now does not match their original locations which instead are occupied by churches erected by the Portuguese.

Today the temple has four Gopurams and six Bell Towers, along with its fortified walls, giving it an appearance of a citadel in Nallur.

Another New Raja Gopuram was unveiled on 4 September 2015 at 7:00 a.m. local time, creating a new Northern entrance to the temple complex.

[9] The cloth for hoisting is ceremonially brought to the temple in a small chariot from a family belonging to the Sengunthar Kaikola Mudaliyar dynasty, for centuries.

The festival is spread over a period of twenty-five days during which various Yāgams Abishekams and special poojas are conducted.

The glamorously dressed Murugan and his consorts are carried out on a silver throne called the simhasanam, an intricately carved masterpiece created by the 7th Custodian, Arumuga Maapaana Mudaliyar in the year 1900.

The huge and heavy chariot carrying the statue of the deity Murugan and consorts is paraded along the streets of the temple.