The territory of Gerusoppa was a Jain capital during 1409–1610 CE ruled by the Saluva dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is said that 1,084 temples existed in the region, but were destroyed and presently only six remain. In 1865, the veranda roof, the spire and the floor slabs were carted away by tehsildars from Honnavar for construction of another temple. There is an inscription dated from the 16th century that mentions Rani Chennabhairadevi's (popularly called the "Pepper Queen") ascension to power. The chaturmukha temple was constructed in 1562 CE during the reign of Chennabhairadevi.
