According to legend, the idol was temporarily placed for public viewing for half an hour under a banyan tree belonging to a Christian family, Tharakanmar.

It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as a saint to consecrate the temple, which led to the name "Harigeethapuram" for the present-day Haripad.

In the Malayalam year 1096, the temple suffered a fire, but the golden flag mast and the Koothambalam were fortunately saved.

During the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma, the temple was rebuilt, and the golden flag mast was reinstalled.

One notable aspect is the observance of three kodiyettu (hoisting the dhvaja (flag) on the dhwajastambha) utsavas in a calendar year.

Apart from the Utsava Trayam, the temple also observes other important festivals, such as Thrikkarthika in Vrischikam, Prathishta day in Idavam, Skanda Ashthami in Thulam, Navarathri in Kanni, and Thaipooyam in Makaram.