Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple – Karnataka

Address

Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi Temple – Karnataka

Doddagaddavalli, Belur Taluk,

Hassan district,

Karnataka 573216

Amman

Lakshmi Devi

Introduction

Lakshmi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi located in Doddagaddavalli Village in Belur Taluk in Hassan District, in the Indian state of Karnataka.

Puranic Significance

The Temple was built in 1114 CE by Sahaja Devi, wife of Kullahana Rahuta, during the reign of King Vishnuvardhana (1106-1142 CE) of Hoysala Dynasty.

Special Features

Early Hoysala Architectural Style:

The temple represents one of the earliest examples of the Hoysala architectural style, characterized by its unique features.

Lack of Raised Platform:

Unlike later Hoysala temples, this temple doesn’t have a raised platform (jagati).

Enclosed by Stone Wall:

The temple is enclosed by a 7-foot-tall stone wall, adding to its historical and structural significance.

Entrance Pavilion (Dvara Mandapa):

A pillared entrance pavilion (dvara mandapa) is located on the southern side of the temple. It is supported by rounded lathe-turned pillars.

Chatushkuta Construction:

The temple stands out as a unique Chatushkuta construction with four shrines and towers, each featuring distinct deities and depictions.

Primary Shrine:

The primary shrine, facing east, houses an image of the goddess Lakshmi, flanked by attendants. The image depicts Lakshmi in a samabhanga posture with four arms, holding various symbolic items.
Gajalakshmi is depicted on the lintel above the sanctum door.

Eastern Shrine:

The eastern shrine contains a sanctum housing the Bhoothanatha Linga, accompanied by depictions of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya.
The lintel above the sanctum door features a depiction of Nataraja.

Northern Shrine:

The northern shrine houses an image of Goddess Kali, seated on the corpse of a demon. Unfortunately, this idol has been vandalized.
Doorkeepers in the form of large nude Bethala sculptures (Bhuta & Preta) are on either side of the shrine entrance. Naga Kanya and Visha Kanya sculptures, as well as Sapta Matrikas, are depicted on the lintel.

Southern Shrine:

The southern shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, although the idol that once occupied the sanctum is now missing.
The lintel above the sanctum door features a sculpture of Yoga Narasimha.

Superstructures (Shikaras):

The original superstructures (shikaras) over the sanctums of all four shrines remain intact.
The shikara over Lakshmi’s shrine follows the Dravidian style, while those over the other shrines follow the Kadamba Nagara style.
Shikaras above the shrines of Kali, Vishnu, and Shiva lack ornamentation and feature a stepped pyramidal design with a series of indented horizontal moldings topped by a kalasa.

This temple’s architectural and artistic features are a testament to the early Hoysala style and the intricate detailing that characterizes Hoysala temples, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark in the region.

Century/Period

1114 CE