Keladi Chennamma's Sacred Gift to Polali

This magnificent chariot was commissioned by Queen Chennamma of the Keladi Kingdom. Crafted entirely from precious Beeti wood (Lagerstroemia microcarpa), the chariot is estimated to weigh approximately two to two-and-a-half tonnes. In an act of deep devotion, Queen Chennamma gifted this chariot to Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple.

The intricate carvings and delicate fretwork adorning every surface of the chariot are a breathtaking testament to the master craftsmen of that era. Every panel tells a story; every joint is a marvel of precision woodworking that has endured four centuries.

For four hundred years, this historic chariot stood as a silent guardian within the Polali temple complex. Over time, however, the chariot fell out of regular ceremonial use, and maintaining a structure of such antiquity became an increasingly demanding undertaking.

Preservation required constant vigilance — particularly shielding the aged wood from moisture, which could invite termite infestation, and applying oil treatments at regular intervals to prevent the wood from drying and cracking.

Recognising both the cultural importance and the challenge of in-situ conservation, the Polali temple administration committee made the thoughtful decision to entrust this irreplaceable heritage piece to the museum at Mudipu ISKCON Meditation Center, where it can be properly preserved and appreciated by future generations.

As you pass through the main gate of the ISKCON compound, the chariot stands proudly on the right-hand side — four centuries of Tulunadu artistry, preserved for all to witness.