The temple was constructed in the 8th century AD by King Suratha and has been developed by many dynasties which ruled over the region.

The temple portrays Hindu architecture with roofs adorned with wooden carvings of gods and copper plates.

There are four head priests (Pradhana archaka) in Rajarajeshwari temple Polali and also four terms (Paryaya).

In polali Rajarajeshwari temple, the pooja rights are passed from father to son (heredity), this tradition has been followed from more than thirteen generations.

The temple is located in Polali on the banks of the river Phalguni in Kariyangala village of Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka.

The word Pural or Purel also has the meaning of changing sides, which may also apply in this case as the river takes an abrupt turn near the temple.

The king is reported to have carved the clay idol of Shri Rajarajeshwari himself and offered penance to the deity in return for his kingdom.

The remaining inscriptions, which are available today were obtained in kariyangala village, Ammunje and in the temple itself and is now under custody of the Karnataka Government.

[2] The region surrounding the temple were ruled by many dynasties including Kadamba, Chalukya, Alupa, Rashtrakoota, Hoisala, Vijayanagara, Ikkeri, Mysore etc.

[2] Records written by Abdul Razzak in 1448 suggest that the temple was initially built from molten brass.

An image of the deity, 5 to 6 feet in height, with red rubies for eyes were present on the highest of the platforms.

[6] During a religious event named Lepashta Gandha, the idols are coated with a special soil mixture with eight medicinal properties once every 12 years.

The roofs of other sections of the temple like the Dhwajastambha, the Garbagriha and the Pillar of lights are covered in copper plates.

During the festival the idol of the temple deity is placed on a circular crown called Prabhavathi, which is beautifully decorated for the purpose.

On the 4th day of the festival, the idol is placed on Simhasana Katte, a platform approximately 100 metres from the temple and a special pooja is performed.