Information of Shree Kshethra Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Rajarajeshwari Temple at Polali is a renounced Hindu temple in south Karnataka. This temple is also known as the Porala Devi as per the ancient records of this place history. This is an ancient temple and as per temple inscription found here, this was built by King Suratha who ruled this region a 1000 years back. Later this temple was many times developed by its following rulers of this province. It was also a patron temple for many Kingdoms who ruled this region. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Raja Rajeshwari. Its annual Jaatre called the 'Polali Chendu' is plunged by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. This is an important pilgrim centre located at Polali, Kariyangala Village, Bantwal Taluk of Dakshina Kanada District in Karnataka State of south India.

Shree Kshethra Rajarajeshwari Temple Religious Significance

Raja Rajeshwari is female deity and attracts many female devotees of the Hindu religion. Since, it is a pilgrim place it is visited by its local peoples too. There are daily 3-4 time poojas conducted here. It is a special worship place for its local's peoples on all Hindu festival days. Pilgrimage to this temple is mostly covered on its festival time by its devotees. Its annual festival is conducted in between March and April month. This is a month long grand faire in front of its temple ground and inside this temple. This temple is maintained by its Devasom as incorporated as a trust.

Shree Kshethra Rajarajeshwari Temple Mythology & History

According to mythic stories, this village was fed with Rakshas (Demon). They were exploiting this villager very much. The villagers prayed to Goddess Kali who is the destroyer of Rakshas. As per the wish of these Villagers, Kali Devi came in the form of Rajeshwari and killed all these Demons living here. Later on she was worshiped here as the safe guarder for this village.

Shree Kshethra Rajarajeshwari Temple Architectural Significance

This temple is a Kerala architectural marvel. It is a large rectangular shaped 2 storied structure built of laterite stone, teak woods and lime stones. The main entrance is found on a small mandap (Porch) with four pillars. On entering in side we can a large pole with braze covering, which is the temple flag hoisting place. It has vast open space near the central areas. The inner and outer structures are seen in the typical Kerala model temple structure. These have major wood works on its structure. Many of its complexes are found in grilled with woods on it mid way to upper portions. All these complexes have a beautiful wooden roofs and steps. Its roof is covered with terracotta tiles, which are placed in a slanting manner. All of these temple idols are made of clay, this shows it's an ancient make. The main deity is a unique clay idol of Rajeshwari in a seated position on a throne. It is believed that this clay has a property of medicinal mixture. There are also idols of Lord Vinayaka, Subramanya Swamy, Saraswathi Devi and Bhadhrakali placed here, these are also found in clay make. There are many murals found on the inner complexes. These are found to be ancient one and have the essence of vegetable oil paints. A few story narrations are also found here. The most important part of this temple is it has got many ancient inscriptions. It records the history of this temple and its province history. Many were reported to be stolen from here. It has got a very vast temple ground in front of this temple. Its major functions like the temple festival are held here. This temple has got a beautiful Ratha (chariot). This chariot was sponsored by Queen Chennammaji, who belongs to the famous Keladi dynasty.