As you drive down from Hassan enroute Belur, you will find a small 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.
Good post. I recently visited this temple. I fact a post is in the making for my blog.
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