Kaidala is known to be the birthplace of Amarashilpi Jakanachari, the legendary sculptor who carved the awe-inspiring idols and sculptures in world famous Belur, Halebeedu and Somanathapura temples.

Located near Gulur on the outskirts of Tumkur is the village of Kaidala. Kaidala, a capital region under the reigns of Gooli Baachideva of Hoysalas, is a place of historical importance. Originally called Kreedanagari, Kaidala was once ruled by a Palegar named Macharachaiah, who is said to have built the temple dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava here.

Both the temples at Kaidala and Belur are dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava. According to experts, similar presiding deities apart, both the temples belong to the Hoysala style temple structure and sculptures.

According to legends, a youngster named Dakanachari (who was none other than Jakanachari’s son) pointed out defects in the temple idol mistakenly carved from an impure stone by Jakanachari, the master sculptor. As an atonement, Jakanachari disabled himself severing both his hands. Jakanachari could however regain his hands when the father-son duo together sculpted another idol of Lord Chennakeshava at their hometown Kreedanagari, aptly called Kaidala where the ancient temple of Chennakeshava now exists.

The five feet tall, exquisitely sculpted idol of Chennakeshava attracts devotees and art lovers alike. The deity has been installed on a three feet high Garuda Peetha. The idols of Sridevi and Bhoodevi stand on either side of the presiding deity.

Located near the main temple is Kaidala Gangadhareshwara temple where rare halegannada stone inscriptions can be found. According to two such rare stone inscriptions, the temple was built here in AD 1150 by a palegar named Gule Bachi, during the rule of Raja Narasimha.

The age old Kaidala temple, which was in a neglected state earlier, has now been revived by Dharmasthala Shri Veerendra Hegde and maintained by the Archeological Department.

The temple celebrated its annual car festival on March 29, 2008.