[1] Dedicated to Shiva, the temple is notable for its integration of all major traditions of Hinduism – Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism, along with Vedic deities.

[2] This temple is managed and protected by the Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department of the state of Karnataka (monument S-KA-543).

It is between the cities of Mysuru and Hassan on State Highway 7, about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) southwest from Shravanabelagola which is known for its Digambara Jain monuments.

[1] A local oral tradition states that there once lived a tribal chief named Keeka, whose tribe was a source of complaints to the king by people of the Shravanabelagola region.

So, in the 12th century a woman named Bammave Nayakiti built the more spectacular Brahmesvara temple, where the deity was re-consecrated.

[2][3] Inscriptions in the 11th century (saka 1017) mention gifts to Brahmesvara in Kikkeri by Hoysala kings who proclaim themselves to be from Yadava-kula and ruling over Ganga-mandala.

[5] The existence of several major historic temples in Kikkeri suggests it was an important prosperous town in pre-14th century Karnataka.

This is further corroborated by many more major, intricately carved historic Hindu and Jain temples found within about 15 kilometers of Kikkeri, as well as the numerous inscriptions discovered in this region.

The other side enters into Navaranga mandapa (pilgrim's gathering hall), connecting to an antarala (ante-chamber, vestibule), followed by the Garbhagrihya (sanctum, cella).

[11] The kapotabandha adhisthana of the vimana, state Dhaky and Meister, has an ingenious and elaborately carved mesa-makara-pattika.

These girls are elegantly shaped and are modeling South Indian classical dance postures, in a manner that reminds of the salabhanjikas in the Hindu temple at Belur.

These include:[11] Some niches are empty, some removed and gifted or sold to major museums of the world during the colonial era.

Completed a bit later than the main temple, in the early 13th century, the intricately cut wall pilasters in this small shrine are notable.