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Architecture: Koviloor temple was originally constructed by the Pandya Dynasty. Hence, the architecture of this temple portrays the Dravidian culture. While entering the temple, two astonishing chariots are constructed with concrete on both sides of the entrance. These chariots have been designed as a welcome symbol for devotees who visit this holy shrine. From this point a road is seen that leads to the Southern Gopuram of the temple. On the eastern side, which is the front of temple, is the holy tank Madhu Pushkarani with a Mandapam at the centre. The temple is bounded by four wide Mada Streets. The southern side of the temple has been dedicated to the mutt. The Mutt stands majestically and it’s completely constructed with granite. The Rajagopuram (the main temple tower), has been constructed with seven levels as per the 'Agama' tradition. The Rajagopuram boasts of intricate and mesmerizing carved sculptures.

Famous for: The temple is extremely famous for its establishment of the Koviloor Mutt. The Aedheenam (establishment) earns the merit of being known as the First School of Systematic Vedantic Studies, with the medium Tamil. Koviloor foundation was the brainchild behind bringing out genuine and factual Tamil versions of fourteen significant Vedantic texts that include: Viveka Cudamani, Bhagavadgita, Vedanta Cudamani, Jnanavasishta and Pancadasi.

Legend: Legend says that, once the Pandya ruler King Veerasekaran went on a hunt near Saliwadi village. While hunting, he misplaced his sword. Later on, the sword was found intact. The king commanded the construction of this temple and he called the deity Kotravaleeswarar or Raja Katka Parameshwar (the God who saved the King's sword and his valour) Another story explains how compassionate and kind the temple Goddess has been towards her honest devotees. Long back, there lived a devotee named Sivagupthan at Saliwadi with Sudanmai (his wife) and daughter Aradhanavalli. One day Sudanmai asked her little daughter to visit their farm and guard rice grains from the birds. At lunchtime, Sudanmai took curd rice to the fields for her daughter, and fed her. However, to her surprise, a short while later, Aradhanavalli came running home and asked her mother for lunch. When asked, she admitted that she had been playing with her friends, and had not been to the farm at all. Who then was it at the fields that Sudanmai had fed? Sivagupthan and Sudanmai came to the conclusion that it was only the grace of Mother Universe, through which their rice grains had been guarded. When they hurried to the temple, they saw the Goddess seated in her abode, smiling and specks of curd rice on her lips. This day forward, She became knows as ‘Thirunellai Amman’ (Goddess who guarded the rice grains)

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