Lakshmi Devi Temple

Lakshmi Devi Temple

Overview:

The Lakshmi Devi temple is situated at Doddagaddavalli, which is a village in the district of Hassan. It is located about 16 kilometres from Hassan and is enroute to Belur. The Lakshmi Devi temple was built during the Hoyasala rule in 1114 CE. King Vishnuvardhana built this beautiful temple. There is a beautiful lake surrounding this temple with coconut plantations. The beauty of the surroundings is simply magnificent. Doddagaddavalli is slowly becoming quite a hot spot tourist attraction, thanks to the rural scenic environment engulfing it.

Mythology:

It is said that Kallahana Rahuta’s wife Sahaja Devi constructed the temple. Kallahana Rahuta held the position of a high officer in the court of Hoysala.

Religious Significance:

There is a large pond adjacent to the Lakshmi Devi temple. There are granite steps leading to this beautiful temple. The main shrine of Lakshmi Devi is situated inside the compound. There are smaller shrines which surround the main deity.

Architecture:

It is interesting to note that the four shrines are situated at cardinal directions. At the entrance of the Kali sanctorum you can find the image of Nagakanya. What is interesting is that you can find both Shaiva and Vaishnava deities. The statues of Siva, Lakshmi, Kali and Vishnu will be present. The central hall’s ceiling is exclusively and intricately carved. You can also view the bold carvings which are circular in nature. The northern part of the hall has the image of Indra that is carved on the ceiling. Lord Indra riding on Airavat (the white four tusked elephant) has been beautifully depicted. Indrani, Indra’s consort can also be seen in the carvings holding a vajra.
The dancing Shiva is beautifully depicted in the hall. Similarly, Agni the Fire God is placed towards the South east direction. Agni rides on a one horned Ram holding his weapon Shakti. The South is the abode of the Lord of Death, Yama who rides his buffalo and holds his Danda. Southwest is held by Goddess Nirruta and her human form has been depicted very beautifully.
The sea lord, Varuna holds the West direction and rides a crocodile. The main deity faces the East direction. Goddess Lakshmi holds a conch in her right hand, chakra in the upper left hand. There are beautiful carvings of female attendances towards her sides. There is a Bhoothanatha Linga and next to it are the Subrahmanya and Ganapati images.

How to Reach:

The village of Doddagaddavalli is very big. There are not many direct buses to this place. The best way to reach the temple is by hiring a private car or van. There are private car operators.
The Lakshmi Devi temple is about a half an hour drive from the city of Hassan. You may also want to take the train from Hassan to reach Doddagaddavali. Hassan does not have an airport and you can travel either by road or by rail. Hassan is well connected with Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore. There are a number of State Road Transport buses that ply from Hassan to Belur. You have to get down at Doddagaddavalli which is on the way to Belur. You can visit this town anytime during late fall or winter, as the weather will be pleasant.