This temple has Hindu and Buddhist histories. Buddhism was practised here till the 10th century AD. But after the decline of Buddhism, the devotion of Manjusri and Avalokiteśvara continued in this region. The Nath cult was embraced towards Buddhism and continued Tantric Shiva tradition as well. As a result, many Buddhist temples came into the Hindu vortex. According to M. Govinda Pai this temple was known as "Kadri Manjunatha" where is "Manjunatha" relates to Shiva and "Kadri" is derived from "Kadri Vihara" which was Buddhist monastery of Vajrayana cult.