What started as a small shrine grew into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers. Evidence indicates there were additions made to the temple in the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, though most of the temple buildings are attributed to the Vijayanagara period. The huge temple building was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The initial shrine expanded into a large complex under the Vijayanagara rulers.  Evidence suggests additions were made to the temple during the late Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, with most of the temple structures attributed to the Vijayanagara period. The massive temple was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain serving Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire.