Kidal Temple originated in the Singhasari Kingdom in the XII century. The construction of the Kidal Temple is estimated to have been completed around 1260 AD. The purpose of the temple construction was as a form of respect for the second king of Singhasari, Raja Anusapati so that the king could get the glory of Shiva Mahadewa.
Anusapati was killed by Panji Tohjaya. This is part of Tohjaya’s revenge for the death of Ken Angrok. Tohjaya did not accept his father, who Anusapati killed. This incident is also believed to be the curse of the Empu Gandring kris.
The characteristics of Kidal Temple are in the reliefs of the Garudeya story carved at the temple foundation. The first relief depicts Garuda holding three large snakes. The second relief depicts Garuda with a jug above his head. The third relief depicts Garuda supporting a woman.
The garuda story contains a moral and mythological message. Based on the Garudeya relief, assumed that the relief depicts Anusapati’s devotion to his mother, Ken Dedes. He wanted his mother to be free from misery.