Polali at Kariyankala Village of Bantwal Taluk is home to the beautiful Shri Rajrajeshwari Temple. Polali falls in the South Kannada district of the Indian state of Karnataka, near Mangalore. The village that is home to this temple is flanked by a group of tall mountains and long stretches of paddy fields. The sprawling river named Phalguni also flows through the northern side of the temple.

Previously, Polali of Mangalore was known as Pural and the resident deity was addressed as Porala Devi. In Sanskrit, this place is known as Puliapura. Legend has it that the king of Suratha had constructed this temple. He also placed his own crown on the head of the idol to show his respect and gratitude. Both, the foreign travelers who had visited India as well as the Ashokan inscriptions had vaguely mentioned about this gorgeous temple.

The well-known Queen Chennammaji of Keladi, who had paid a visit to Polali at Mangalore, got a chariot constructed for the temple. Shri Rajrajeshwari Temple is situated at a picturesque location in the midst of a beautiful village. People from all over India visit this incredibly beautiful spot almost throughout the year.

Another attraction of Polali in Mangalore is the well known festival known as Polali Chendu. Most of the travelers visit this place just to relax and unwind and to be part of this huge celebration. Majority of the inscriptions that are carved on the temple at Polali are being carefully preserved by the Government of Karnataka.

Last Updated on 21 September 2011