Maha Lakshmi Temple (1114 A.D), Doddagaddavalli, Hassana Taluk, Hassan District.
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hamlet called Doddagaddavalli, situated just 16 kms away from the
Hassan town. The Doddagaddavalli temple here is considered to be one of
the first temples built in the Hoysala style. It is a Chatuskootachala
or four-celled temple and probably the only Hoysala structure of its
kind in Karnataka.
In fact, it is said that a merchant called Kullahana Rahuta and his
wife Sahaja Devi in 1114 AD constructed this temple. The Lakshmi Devi
temple here is situated in a courtyard, enclosed by a seven-feet-high
stonewall. The temple has two main entrances - one facing east and the
other facing west. Some of the main attractions of the temple here are
the four small shrines surmounted by stone towers and the Hoysala
crests found at the corners of the enclosure. The groups of stone
towers are constructed on the lines of Kadamba Naagara style,
resembling pyramids from one end, and 18 carved pillars support the
mantapa in the front.
Although this temple is not built on a star-shaped, three feet
platform, which is usually the case with the Hoysala style of
construction, it is resplendent in the unique architectural style of
the Hoysala period. The main sanctum of this temple has the presiding
goddess Lakshmi Devi, beautifully sculptured, measuring about 3 feet
high, with an attendant on either side.
The other ceilings have floral designs in the middle besides circular
panels carved with the figures of regents of the eight directions
(Ashta Dikpalakas). These carvings represent a workmanship of high
order. While the sculptures of Gajalakshmi, Thandaveshwara and
Yoganarasimha on the sanctum doorway are fascinating, the doors of the
east mahadwara are highly decorated. One of the main attractions of the
temple is the elegantly carved goblins or Betalas, situated in the
vestibule (sukanasi) of the eight-handed Kali shrine.
Rectangular in shape, the temple has four cells attached to a common
hall. While Maha Lakshmi and Bhutanatha linga occupy east and west
cells, Kali and Bhairava are located on the north and south cells
respectively. The Bhairava appears to have replaced Vishnu, probably in
the later years, as the carving of Garuda at the entrance indicates.
The main idol - Maha Lakshmi is in standing posture and is a little
more than one meter in height. Flanked by chowri bearers, she has four
hands with Shankha, Chakra, Rosary and Mace in each of them. The idol
of Kali is a terrific figure about a meter high with eight hands,
seated on a demon. The temple was derelict and remained unknown for a
long time. Recently though, it was fully renovated by the Archeological
Department as it is considered an important monument.
The shrine of Kali is designed as per Hindu mythology. Two nude Goblins
one of whom hold a raised sword on one hand and head of a human on the
other; guard either side of the entrance. The four tall towers of the
shrine enhance the temple's beauty. Apart from the main shrines, an
additional structure is found in the northeastern direction. Protected
by stonewall, the shrine has four small cells with towers, similar to
the main shrines.
Judging from the manner of its construction, this must have been a
hasty late addition to the existing cluster of shrines. A pratoli type
porch near the west gate of the enclosure has an exquisite sealing with
stone pillars on all the sides. The center of the sealing has a fine
carving of Thandaveshwara. The eastern entrance leads to a lotus pond,
located adjacent to the temple complex. If an additional tower is built
near the temple, it is possible to view all the nine towers of the
shrines here, which, without doubt, would offer a spectacular view of
the complex.
The temple is located 20 km northwest of Hassan town, 13 km off
Hassan-Belur road. The road that goes on the left would lead to the
monument.