The Kanaka Durga Temple has ancient origins, with references in the Puranas and Itihasas. The temple is mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Markandeya Purana. The earliest structural remains date to the Chalukya period (7th-8th century CE), with expansions during the Vijayanagara period (14th-16th centuries). Inscriptions from the Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya (16th century) record grants to the temple.
The temple was later renovated by the Maratha rulers and subsequently by the French and British colonial administrations. The Nayakas of Madurai and the local zamindars also contributed to the temple's development. The temple's architecture shows a blend of styles from different periods, with the main sanctum and vimana dating to the Chalukya period, while the outer mandapas and gopuram are Vijayanagara contributions.
The temple complex was modernised in the late 20th century with the addition of a new entrance and improved facilities. The temple's historical records indicate that it served as a strategic landmark for river navigation along the Krishna River during the medieval period. The British administration in the 19th century undertook significant repairs to the temple ghats along the riverfront, recognising the temple's importance as a pilgrimage centre.
The most significant modern addition was the construction of a 90-foot tall dwajasthambam (flagstaff) in front of the main sanctum, erected in 1975 with donations from devotees. The temple underwent a major kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) in 2016, which included the renovation of all subsidiary shrines and the repainting of the gopuram.
