 It is said that Gautama rishi performed penance to Surya(Sun God) and installed the idol of Arkeshwara, the presiding deity of the local Arkeshwara temple and the town was originally called Arkapuri (city of an image of Arkeshwara, the presiding deity).Hence the name Arkalgud came into existence.It was founded by Krishnappa Nayaka, one of the Aigur (Balam) chiefs in 1568 A.D.