Dikpaalakas, Ornate Ceiling,Doddagaddavalli, Lakshmi Devi temple

                     The Guardians of the Directions, Dikpaalas are the deities who rule the specific directions of space according to Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism, especially Kaalachakra. As a group of eight deities, they are called Aṣhṭa-Dikpaala, literally meaning guardians of eight directions. Ancient Java and Bali Hinduism recognize Nava-Dikpaala, literally meaning guardians of nine directions that consist of eight directions with one addition in the center. The nine guardian gods of directions is called Dewata Nawa Sanga (Nine guardian devata). In Hinduism it is traditional to represent their images on the walls and ceilings of Hindu temples.

                  Normally a single panel consisting of the nine deities is found in many temples. At Doddagaddavalli Lakshmi Devi temple, the nine images are carved individually in the respective corner ceilings. All the images are exclusively and intricately bold carvings which are circular in shape.The dancing Shiva is beautifully depicted at the center of the hall and the Aṣṭa-Dikpaalas are found carrying their weapons with their consorts riding on their vahanas (vehicles).

                    This Mahalakshmi temple is the only Chathushkuta temple (four shrines and towers) built in Hoysala Architecture style. The plan of this temple is very unique, because it has four shrines placed around a common center. Three of them share a small open hall, and at the fourth side of the hall there is an oblong extension providing two lateral entrances to the temple and connecting it with shrine number four. Each gopura(tower) has the kalasha and Hoysala crest at the top. Besides the four shrines and towers, there are four towers at the four corners of the temple compound.

South East – Agni on Mesha (the male goat) with consort Svaha holding Sakti(Spear) in hand

South – Yama on Mahisha (the male buffalo) with consort Yami holding Danda(staff) in hand.

East – Indira on Airavata – the white elephant with consort Saci holding Vajra (thunderbolt) in hand. 

North – Kubera on Nara (Man) with consort Kuberajaya holding Gada (mace) in hand. 

North East – Isana on Vrishbha (bull) with consort Parvati holding Trisula (trident) in hand.

South West – Nirurti on Ashwa (horse) with consort Khadgi holding Khadga (sword) in hand.