The exact date of origin of this temple is unknown but the present structure is said to have built in the 13th century by King Visnuvardhana of the Hoysala Dynasty. The presiding deity if this temple is Vithoba who is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and his consort Rakhumai. The story behind the inception of this temple is really very interesting. There was a person called Pundalik who did not treat his old parents properly at all. Even after Pundalik got married he and his wife kept ill-treating the old parents. Frustrated with such behavior of the children the parents decide to leave for Kashi. It is believed in Hindu mythology that the one who dies in Kashi attains liberation or emancipation. But the Pundalik and his wife also decide to go along with the parents. During this journey all rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and many more take the form of women and tell Pundalik about his wrong doings in the way he treats his parents, which help Pundalik in realizing his mistakes. After which Pundalik becomes a devoted son and takes utmost care of his parents. Pleased with Pundalik, Lord Vishnu decides to grant him blessings and goes to visit him and knocks on Pundalik's door. Pundalik is busy attending his parents at this moment and asks Lord Vishnu to wait until he is done and throws a brick for him to stand on. Impressed more by Pundalik's devotion towards his parents Lord Vishnu grants him a boon. Pundalik requests the lord to stay on earth and bless his devotees. Granting this wish Lord stood on this brick and a temple came up there. Also the name of the deity “Vithoba” is derived from the Marathi word “Vit” which means a brick.