[1] The temple and adjacent land is a Monument of National Importance, centrally protected under the Archaeological Survey of India.

[5] It is situated on a hill that is a well preserved Panjal trap formed by volcanic activity during the Permian period.

Kalhana also mentions that King Gopaditya built the temple on the top of the hill as a shrine to Jyesthesvara (Shiva Jyestharuda) around 371 BCE.

[7] The Alchon Hun king, Mihirakula is said to have been the founder of the temple, dedicated to Shiva,[8][9] a shrine named Mihiresvara in Halada, and a large city called Mihirapura.

[7][22][23] The Dogra King Gulab Singh (1792–1857 CE) constructed the steps to the hill from Durga Naag temple[b] side.

[25][26] The Maharaja of Mysore came to Kashmir in 1925 and made the electrical search light installations at the temple, five around it and one on the top.

[34] From the top of the hill, Justine Hardy, a British writer, counted over 1350 boats on the Dal Lake.

[clarification needed] The front, back and flanks are plain while the other four sides have minimal design but noticeable angles.

A doorway on the opposite side of the staircase leads to the interior, which is a small and dark chamber, circular in plan.

The ceiling is supported by four octagonal columns, which surround a Basin containing a Lingam encircled by a snake.

[37] During the yatra, on the lunar phase of the new moon, the associated tradition of bringing Shiva's holy mace to the temple is carried out.

[4][41][42] To ensure adequate preparations during festivals, as is the procedure with other religious and cultural centers in the city such as Hazratbal Shrine, the district administration reviews arrangements.

[56][57] According to the chairperson of Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti, there are 1,842 sites associated with Hinduism in Kashmir including big and small temples, springs, caves and trees.