In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Department, Government of Karnataka.

Vishnu handed him an idol which Brahma gave his son Sanatakumara who in turn installed it in current Melkote.

Similar "Tulukka Nachiyar" (Turkish sacred woman) stories are seen for Srirangam and Madurai temples to show how Bhakti transcends socio-religious boundaries.

[5] After Ramanujacharya was made the rajguru of Hoysala Empire, Lord Vishnu in a dream ordered Ramanuja to move to Melkote, where he would find the holy earth.

Traditional accounts mention that the reason for travel was to search for namam clay for Srivaishnava Urdhva Pundra which was abundant in Melkote.

[9] The utsavamurthi (ಉತ್ಸವ ಮೂರ್ತಿ), a metal idol sculpture used for processions and certain religious rituals, represents the deity Cheluvanarayana Swamy.

The Mysore king Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1799 - 1831 CE) has donated a crown set with precious jewels known as Krishnarajamudi.

[4] All three crowns are kept in the custody of the government and are brought to the temple on a specific annual occasion to adorn the image of Cheluvanarayana Swamy.