Ancient inscription found during Polali temple renovation

Mangalore Today News Network

Moodbidri, Sep 17, 2017: An ancient inscription, possibly nearly nine centuries old, has been found during the renovation works of the famous Polali Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple in Bantwal Taluk. The inscription    written  in Kannada  was found outside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum in an upside down  position. The  rear portion of this inscription was being used as a peetha or platform to enable Abhisheka to the  idols of the Lord.

Historian Dr Pundikai Ganapaiah Bhat who has studied this inscription says it has documented the valour of a martyr named  Nambi of Bilive who was a  confidante of  Alupa  clan king Kulashekhara.The nearly 38 inch long inscription is 24 inch wide and the writings  in 20 lines are  beautifully sculpted.

The lower portion of the inscription has a carving of a man  resembling a king seated with a woman in between two lions.

The inscription of Kulashekhara Pandya Pattiga in the Polali shrine is a significant  document pertaining to the history of Tulunad during Alupa era, says Dr Pundikai Ganapaiah Bhat.