Thread by @pavpil

20 Km from Hassan and 24 km from the famous Belur Chennakesava Temple is a small temple. It’s practically approached by a dirt road from the main road. It’s named as the Lakshmi Devi Temple at Doddagaddavalli. #WalkToTemple
@ReclaimTemples @LostTemple7 @TeamGSquare @DrShobha

One of the earliest known temples built in the Hoysala style, it dates back to 1113 AD. The temple itself is believed to have been commissioned by a merchant and his wife. Entry to the temple is through a mandapa with 9 (not sure) pillars. @TheIndianTemple #WalkToTemple

This temple is possibly unique among the many Hoysala Temples as it has four shrines placed around a common centre. Note the Hoysala Lion atop the temple.
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From the outside, the temple looks modest, but the inside is a veritable treasure trove. The roof has a lot many carvings including Kali, Mahadeva and Parvathi, and a lotus shaped flower.
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There are carved pillars inside the temple, but these do not even come close to the magnificence of ones at Belur. The walls are carved and the lintel above the sanctum is also ornately carved.
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Another unique feature here is the presence of four more minor shrines at each corner of the temple complex with two sides of each shrine attached to the courtyard wall. In total, the temple complex features nine towers, which is unusual for a Hoysala Temple. #WalkToTemple

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.
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The sanctum of Bhairava, a terrifying form of Siva is guarded by the sculpture of a Betala (a demonic living corpse). Another of the sanctums is guarded by a Betala with a knife in one hand and a severed head in the other. My son was not thrilled to be there!
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The most gratifying part was that the caretaker was maintaining the temple well, and even doing pujas. Unlike at other ASI monuments, the fellow here really puts his heart into the upkeep and I did the least I could do to thank him, a few rupees and he was beaming.
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Urgent work needs to be initiated as water seepage has damaged and discolored the lovely carvings on the roof.
For more photographs and details, please look up
#WalkToTemplewonderjourney.org/2013/03/?m=1