Lakshmi Devi Temple, Doddagaddavalli

On our Hoysala trail we visited an offbeat small village Doddagaddavalli. This village is known for Lakshmi Devi Temple a 12th century temple. This magnificent temple is lesser known when compared to the more prominent temples at Belur and Halebidu. 

This temple was commissioned on the side of a large pond by Kallahana Rahuta, a high officer in the Hoysala court and his wife Sahaja Devi. It is built using soapstone. Like other Hoysala temple, this temple does not stand on a platform. This is one of the earliest Hoysala style temples. The main shrines are located within a high walled compound. At the four corners of the walls are four smaller shrines.

The main temple is located at the center of the compound. In fact this temple has four shrines facing each other and sharing the common hall within the temple. The shrines contain deities, Lakshmi, Siva, Vishnu and Kali. The two entrances to the temple are located in this oblong hall.

The ceiling of the central hall are beautifully carved. At the eight cardinal quarters of the ceilings are carved with the guardian deities of the respective directions. 

The east facing entrance has two beautifully carved Dwarapalakas on either side. 

Flight of Egret at Bhitarkanika

Bhitarkanika National Park is home for many common as well as rare birds. Here we spotted egret flying across the river.

Finally it landed on the shore.