The temple's antiquity is proven by over 500 inscriptions dating back to the 11th century. While the original shrine is ancient, the current stone structure was largely built in 1267 CE by King Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty (the same king who built the Konark Sun Temple). It has withstood centuries of regional shifts, remaining a powerhouse of Vaishnava faith in the Northern Circars.

Kalinga Stone-craft and the Kappastambham

The temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga Architecture. The outer walls are decorated with elaborate carvings of the 'Dashavatara' and various celestial figures. A unique feature is the Kappastambham (Tribute Pillar) located in the Mukha Mandapam. It is believed to possess immense healing and wish-fulfilling powers; devotees traditionally embrace this pillar to have their prayers answered. The temple also features a beautiful stone chariot pulled by horses, similar to the one at Hampi but in the Kalinga style.

Legend says the demon king Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son, the devotee Prahlada, by throwing him into the sea and placing a mountain over him. Lord Vishnu rescued Prahlada by manifesting as a hybrid of the Varaha (Boar) and Narasimha (Lion) avatars. At Prahlada's request, the Lord stayed on this hill. Because the Lord was in a state of extreme 'Ugra' (fury) after slaying the demon, the celestial beings applied cooling sandalwood paste to soothe him—a tradition that continues to this day.

Worship follows the strict Vaikhanasa Agama. The daily rituals are centered around the sandalwood-covered deity. Fresh layers of sandalwood paste are applied four times a year in specific weights. The water used for the Lord's 'Abhishekam' comes from a perennial natural spring called 'Gangadhara' located on the hill, which is believed to have medicinal properties.

The most significant festival is Chandanotsavam (or Chandana Yatra), held on Akshaya Tritiya. On this day, the sandalwood paste is removed, and the Lord’s 'Nijaroopa' (true form) is revealed to lakhs of devotees for 12 hours. Kalyanotsavam (The Celestial Wedding) and Giri Pradakshina (trekking around the hill) are also major events.

A popular local belief surrounds the Kappastambham. Legend says that the pillar contains a powerful 'Santhana Venugopala Yantra' at its base. It is widely claimed in the region that couples who have difficulty conceiving will be blessed with children if they embrace this pillar with pure devotion and perform a specific number of pradakshinas. Additionally, it is said that despite the heavy humidity of the coast, the sandalwood paste on the deity never develops cracks or mold, remaining perfectly smooth until it is ritually removed the following year.