The temple was constructed during the reign of the Kunduru Chola dynasty, a feudal dynasty that ruled parts of the Telangana region under the Kakatiya overlords. The exact builder is attributed to the Chola king Rajendra Chola I (or a local feudatory). The temple was part of a larger complex of temples at Panagal, which was an important religious and cultural center during the Kakatiya period.
The temple fell into disuse after the Kakatiya decline and was buried under earth for centuries. It was rediscovered and excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India in the early 20th century. The temple's shadow phenomenon was first scientifically documented by British archaeologists, who were unable to explain the source of the shadow. The temple is now protected under the ASI and attracts visitors interested in both its architectural beauty and its unsolved mystery.
