Shri Rajarajeshwari Temple Polali Mangalore

About Shri Rajarajeshwari Temple Polali Mangalore

Shri Rajarajeshwari Temple is located in Polali at a distance of 19 kilometers from Mangalore in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district. This is a revered place of worship and has significant historic importance. The temple's construction is believed to date back to 800 CE. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari , a powerful form of Lalita Tripurasundari.

As per folklore, King Suratha lost his kingdom to betrayal, and in the process of escaping into a jungle, he met a sage named Sumedha. Following the sage's instructions, the king, along with a merchant named Samadhi, made clay idols of the goddess and other deities and actively prayed for the restoration of the king and enlightenment for the merchant. It is said that their efforts resulted in the altar being built.This Rajarajeshwari Temple has been provided aid by various powerful dynasties since ancient times, which include the Alupas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakootas, Hoysalas, Vijanagara rulers, and Mysore rulers. The temple is also referenced in ancient scriptures such as the Markandeya Purana alongside Ashokan-era stone inscriptions.

Temple architecture features ogival roofs as well as Southern Indian stylized embellishments culminating in a coppertone veil of intricate wood sculptures. Other religious idols are set to Bhadrakali and Ganapati alongside the main figure, standing 10 feet tall,crafted of medicinal soil, depicting Subrahmanya.