The temple is attributed to Attiyabbe (Danacintamani Attimbbe), the wife of the local governor Dandanayaka Nagadeva.

[clarification needed] It was rediscovered by British archaeologists led by Henry Cousens in "deserted, filthy condition, occupied by a colony of bats" with beheaded Mahavira statue outside.

It was of considerable importance during the 11-12th century A.D. Western Chalukya rule, and hosted a number of Jain and Hindu temples.

The Brahma Jinalaya was built in 1007 CE[5] by Attimabbe, wife of Nagadeva, who served as general under both Taila II and Satyashraya Irivabedanga (997-1008 A.D.).

[7] In 1191 A.D., the noted Hoysala empire king Veera Ballala II made this town an important garrison.

[3] According to art critic Percy Brown, these elements are found commonly in all Western Chalukya temples.

This was a result of a shift in the basic building material, from sandstone to the more workable soapstone (Chloritic Shist).

[16] According to Cousens, the overall structure with its well proportioned tiers and finial (amalaka, kalasha) give the superstructure a "majestic" look.

Above the cornice are circular niches, each of which holds the image of a Jain saint (Jaina) in relief, with a kirtimukha decoration above.

On the door lintel at the entrance to the vestibule, an image of Gajalakshmi (Hindu goddess Lakshmi with elephants on either side) is shown like other historic temples of Jainism.