The Bimala Temple was built in the 9th century CE during the Somavamshi (Keshari) dynasty, predating the current Jagannath Temple which was constructed in the 12th century CE by the Eastern Ganga king Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The temple's earlier construction date suggests that the worship of Bimala preceded the establishment of the Jagannath cult at Puri, and the later Vaishnava temple was built around the existing Shakta shrine.
When the Jagannath Temple complex was expanded, Bimala Temple was incorporated into the south-west corner of the compound. The temple was renovated and expanded during the Ganga period. Inscriptions from the Jagannath Temple record that offerings were made to Bimala before being offered to Jagannath, confirming that this ritual hierarchy has been observed for centuries. The temple survived the various invasions of Puri (including the 17th-18th century Maratha and later British occupations) intact.
It is currently maintained by the Jagannath Temple Administration under the Shree Jagannath Temple Act of 1954.
