If you are around the ruins of Belur and Halebidu, one thought craves your visual mind. . . that’s to see something good and not vandalised. My suggestion is to head to this hidden, less visited temple of Lakshmi at Doddagaddavalli. This temple was hidden and protected by the villagers against the invaders. It’s less than a 30 minute drive.
It’s believed that this is one lucky temple to beget wealth – It houses Goddess Lakshmi, Kali (in peaceful form, called Adhishakthi) with Lord Vishnu, Shiva (in various avatars including Kalabhairava – the most powerful one), Kubera, along with Lord Krishna. It also has the representation of the Seven Godess Sisters along with Betha and Pretha.
Here the Goddess Lakshmi is in standing posture holding – Shanka, Chakra, Gadha and Hasta unlike where at other places she just holds a lotus flower! This is considered very auspicious. This 3 feet Idol replicates the diety at the famous Kholapur Mahalakshmi Temple at Maharashtra. This Temple Complex is located in a village of narrow road drive of 3 Kms. It is officially known as ‘Lakshmi Devi Temple of Doddagaddavalli’. There’s a banner guiding you on the highway. Own vehicle is a boon here or private hired vehicles are advised. Public transport is limited to this village. Unlike all Hoysala Temples built on a platform, this doesn’t have one. It’s got 4 towers and called ‘Chatushkuta Temple’. It’s stone paved courtyard, A 7 feet stone wall encloses the temple which is located on the banks of a rain water fed lake. Very few tourists or pilgrims visit this temple, it just takes an hour to go through the temple complex. The caretaker acts as a guide and lives close by! Don’t be alarmed if this edifice is locked, the ASI guide spots you and eagrly takes you around the temple. Carry cash and your picnic basket. No shops, eateries or ATMs in this village.
This Temple was built by Kullahana Rahuta and his wife, Sahaja Devi – a successful merchant couple from Kholapur who earned a lot of wealth in this region. This Temple was built with the blessings and patronage of the greatest Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana in 1114 AD. This Temple is a rare example of Hoysala Art and Architecture. It’s built of commonly known stone called the, Slate Stone or Soap Stone. This stone is technically known as, ‘Chloritic Schist’, it’s a soft stone which enables the artisans give it the ivory carving workmanship and finish. The landmark designs elements of the Hoysala King slaying the lion. The pot of wealth called the ‘ Kalash ‘ are appropriately embedded and placed structurally. This Temple sure is a lesser known Jewel of the Hoysala Temple.
Mapping this place, following are the distances to Doddagaddavalli Temple. Belur – 24 Kms. Halebidu – 18 Kms. Hassan – 20 Kms. Bangalore 205 Kms. Shravanabelgola – 95 Kms. Mysore – 140 Kms. Chickmagalur – 50 Kms. Great to go this summer on a Temple Circuit tour of education… rest and relaxation at the picturesque hillstation Chickmagalur!
-Jagdeesh Laxman Singh
aka Jugie Singh
