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An idol of goddess Kali was found broken in the 12thcentury Lakshmi Devi temple at Doddagaddavalli of Belur.

The temple is a Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument, and the incident occurred at a time when the organisation is observing World Heritage Week.

Location of the temple

The Lakshmi Devi temple, an architectural wonder, is located in Doddagaddavalli, a village in Hassan District of Karnataka

History of the temple

• The Lakshmi Devi Temple, built in a chatuskuta style (four shrines), is one of the earliest known temples built in the Hoysala style. 
• The temple was built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1113 CE.

Hoysala style

• Hoysala architecture is the building style in Hindu temple architecture developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire between the 11th and 14th centuries, in the region known today as Karnataka, a state of India.
• Hoysala influence was at its peak in the 13th century, when it dominated the Southern Deccan Plateau region.
• Large and small temples built during this era remain as examples of the Hoysala architectural style, including the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura.
• Other examples of Hoysala craftsmanship are the temples at Belavadi, Amruthapura, Hosaholalu, Mosale, Arasikere, Basaralu, Kikkeri and Nuggehalli.
• Study of the Hoysala architectural style has revealed a negligible Indo-Aryan influence while the impact of Southern Indian style is more distinct.

Architectural elements

Mantapa