Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple- Karnataka

Address

Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple- Karnataka

Polali, Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada District

Karnataka– 574 219.

Amman

Shri Raja Rajeshwari 

Introduction               

• Located in Polali, Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka.
• Dedicated to Goddess Shri Rajarajeshwari, a form of Goddess Lalita Tripurasundari.
• Built in the 8th century AD by King Suratha and developed by various dynasties.
• Features a unique clay idol with medicinal properties and architecture with wooden carvings and copper roofs.

Puranic Significance

• Mentioned in ancient texts like Markandeya Purana and Ashokan inscriptions.
• King Suratha built the temple after losing his kingdom and being betrayed by his ministers.
• The king crafted the clay idol and offered his crown as a symbol of devotion.
• Inscriptions found in nearby villages (Kariyangala, Ammunje) are preserved by the Karnataka government.
• Supported by dynasties like Kadamba, Chalukya, Rashtrakoota, Hoisala, Vijayanagara, and Mysore.

Special Features

• The clay idol is the centerpiece of the temple’s uniqueness.
• The temple received donations of wealth and farmland from various dynasties.
• Its architecture showcases royal craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several festivals:

1. Simha Sankramana
2. Souramana Ugadi
3. Gokulashtami
4. Kadiru Habba
5. Navarathri
6. Deepavali
7. Laksha Deepotsava (Karthika Amavasya)
8. Subramanya Panchami and Shashti
9. Dhanurmasotsava
10. Mahashivarathri
11. Annual Festival (Meena Sankranthi).

Century/Period

8th Century

Nearest Bus Station

Polali 

Nearest Railway Station

Mangalore Junction

Nearest Airport

Mangalore

Location on Map

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