Dating from the late 7th century, it is attributed to the reign of King Mahendravarman I and his son Narasimhavarman I (630–680 AD; also called Mamallan, or "great warrior") of the Pallava Kingdom.

The entire complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

[4][5][7] The structure is named after the common consort Draupadi of the Pancha Pandavas, of epic Mahabharata fame,[3][5][8] though the nomenclature is not supported by history.

[9] The site is located at Mahabalipuram (previously known as Mammallapuram) on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal of Indian Ocean in Kancheepuram district.

Over the upapptha, which forms a common platform with the Arjuna Ratha, a stupi has been carved out of the bedrock in the corner and has not been separated from the main shrine.

The temple is stated to generate "primal energy" in consonance with the characteristics of deity of Durga; the dwarapalika on the left has a bow in her hand and that on the right has a sword.

This type of offering to a goddess, though ghastly, is seen in many Durga temples; it is related to the myth of her role as Mahisasuramardini (slayer of demon Mahishasura).

The adoption of the elephant-lion combination is inferred as more of a Buddhist tradition which was modified in the Pallava architectural style when animal motifs were added.

The lion, which is the vehicle of Durga, is a 6 feet (1.8 m) high stone sculpture carved from a boulder located in the prakara of the ratha.

[12] In the three niches in the chamber of the temple carvings are shown within two pilasters with decorations of a "florid makara torana" with double bends.