Here’s a comprehensive guide to Shree Rajarajeshwari Temple (also known as Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple) in Polali village, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka:
🕉️ Overview & Spiritual Significance
- Dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari, a form of Lalita Tripurasundari, the temple is believed to date back to the 8th century AD, constructed by King Suratha.
- The idol is entirely made of clay mixed with medicinal herbs, measuring around 9–10 feet tall, and worshipped as a powerful Shakti presence.
- The temple appears in ancient Markandeya Purana, Ashokan inscriptions, and travelers’ records, highlighting its cultural and historical importance.
- Important royal patrons like the Alupa dynasty, Chalukya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Queen Chennammaji supported the temple, enriching its traditions and donating land and a ceremonial chariot.
⏳ Architecture & Setting
- Located in Kariyangala village, surrounded by lush paddy fields and near the Phalguni River, which flows north and turns south just behind the temple complex.
- The temple architecture features carved wooden roofs, copper‑plated panels, and decorative pillars in traditional coastal Hindu style.
⏰ Temple Timings & Daily Rituals
- Morning Darshan: 08:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening Darshan: 05:00 PM – 08:30 PM (Some sources note afternoon break between 12:30–4 PM; actual schedule may vary).
- Free darshan is available to all devotees. No entry fee required.
🎉 Festivals & Unique Traditions
- The major event is the month-long annual festival held during March–April, commencing with the Polali Chendu, a traditional temple‑football match symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
- During the festival, the clay idol is placed on a beautifully decorated circular crown called Prabhavathi, and on the 4th day, it’s moved to a platform known as Simhasana Katte, about 100 m away, for special puja and procession.
- Tipu Sultan reportedly admired the Polali Chendu and had a viewing platform—Sultan Katte—built for himself at the temple grounds.
🧘 Experience & Service
- Devotees describe the temple experience as serene, divine, and peaceful, noting ease of darshan and absence of hassles from locals.
- The temple offers free midday prasadam (Annadanam) during festivals and to regular visitors .
- The area includes amenities such as small canteens offering coffee and snacks, a meditation center, clinic, and facilities for children like a library and classes.
🪔 Sevas & Pooja Services
The temple provides various ritual services, including but not limited to:
- Hoovina Pooja, Kumkumarchane, Durga Namaskara, Tripura Sundari, Navaavarana, Sarvalankara Pooja, Sathyanarayana Puja, etc.
- Costs range from ₹5 to ₹600 depending on the seva. For example, Durga Namaskara is ₹100, Sarvalankara Pooja ₹600, Tripura Sundari ₹150–₹200.
🚗 Location & Accessibility
- The temple is located about 19–21 km from Mangalore, accessible via Bantwal taluk. Frequent buses operate from State Bank Bus Stand via BC Road to Polali.
- Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport (~20 km)
- Nearest railway station: Mangalore Central or BC Road (~19–22 km).
📅 Suggested Visit Outline
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00 AM | Morning darshan and prayers |
| 12:30 PM | Annadanam lunch (if available) |
| Afternoon | Leisure time: photograph temple, visit riverbanks or nearby canteen |
| 05:00 PM | Evening darshan and spend time in temple premises |
| March–April | Attend Polali Chendu match and festival rituals |
⭐ Why Visit Polali Temple?
- One of the oldest Devi shrines in Tulu Nadu, rich with history, legends, and royal patronage.
- The unique clay idol with medicinal properties, rare in Indian temple lore.
- Polali Chendu festival, combining devotion and folklore through traditional temple football.
- A peaceful and devotional atmosphere, with community services and serene rural setting