Doddagadavalli - Hoysala Temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi Devi , is a very unique temple and one of the oldest among all the Hoysala temples we have visited.
It houses many astonishing sculptures.
The temple contains four shrines and is called a Chatuskuta. Unlike most other Hoysala temples this one is not placed on an elevated platform or the jagati.
The four shrines host four Gods , Goddess Kali on the North and Lord Shiva in the form of a Linga on the west , Goddess Lakshmi who is the main deity of this temple on the east and to south is supposed to be Lord Vishnu , since the statue had gone missing over the centuries its been replaced with a small statue of Lord Vishnu brought from another Hoysala Temple.
Unlike other Hoysala temples , the outer shrine or the Vimana do not have intricate carvings , but have a beautiful unique stepped design of Kadamba Nagara Style.
The idol of Lakshmi is seen with Shanka ( conch shell ) , Chakra , Gadha , Padma ( Lotus ) in her hands.
The idol of Kali here is Shantha Kali - The form of Kali seen sitting in Shant or peace after the samhara or killing of the daemon. The other famous Kali is seen in Kolkatta is Ugra Kali who is seen in a standing posture doing the samhara of the deamon. Here the idol is seen with 8 hands with different weapons like Sword , Thrishula , Chakra , Damaruka. we can see a lot of detail gone into the carving of the statue , whether it is the teeth or the jewels adorning the Goddess. Bethala's dancing with damarukams are seen carved around the Statue of Kali and that's not just it the main highlight is the Bethala's seen standing guard on either side of the doorway , if we keenly observe the hair , one of the Bethal's hair is like Caribbean or Jamaican and the other is like a Japanese.
We visited the place on a beautiful day and got to experience the place amidst a small drizzle , it added to the magic of the place. The drive from Hassan to Doddagadavalli was also enjoyable with good roads and scenic beauty along the way.
How to reach:
Route: Hassan - Belur Road - Lakshmi Temple Road
Road Condition: Good
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