Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple - Somanathapura
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🛕 Temple Info
Gracefully situated on the banks of the sacred Cauvery River, Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple in Somanathapura is a divine marvel and a timeless representation of Hoysala craftsmanship. Built in the 13th century, this temple radiates artistic perfection and architectural finesse, enveloping visitors in its spiritual silence and sculptural beauty.
Though daily worship is no longer conducted due to its designation as a protected heritage monument, the temple continues to echo devotion through its sacred ambiance and reverence among devotees and art lovers alike
Architecture
- The temple follows the Hoysala architectural style, built on a star-shaped (stellate) platform.
- It is a Trikuta temple with three shrines—originally housing idols of Keshava, Janardhana, and Venugopala (only two remain today).
- A shared mandapa (hall) connects all three sanctums, adorned with ornate lathe-turned pillars and elaborate ceiling sculptures.
- The outer walls are richly carved with scenes from Hindu epics and Puranic texts, while also bearing the names of individual sculptors—a unique hallmark of the Hoysala period.
Every inch of the temple reflects the devotional precision and divine artistry that defined a glorious era of spiritual architecture.
Although regular rituals are not conducted today due to its status as a preserved monument, special poojas and symbolic rituals are performed on sacred occasions like:
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi
- Janmashtami
💫 Importance
Shri Chennakeshava Swamy Temple is more than a historical monument—it's a celebration of devotion, divine inspiration, and craftsmanship. Believers and visitors are awed by:
- The Trikuta design, featuring shrines dedicated to Keshava, Janardhana, and Venugopala.
- Richly carved outer walls that narrate stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Krishna Leela.
- Unique 16 different ceiling designs, each depicting various phases of a blooming plantain flower.
- Legend speaks of divine guidance to artisans, inspiring them to craft intricate carvings that glorify the Lord’s form and grace.
Although regular puja ceased centuries ago due to invasions, the temple still comes alive during major Hindu festivals like Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Janmashtami, drawing devotees who revere the temple as a sacred place of silent prayers and spiritual fulfillment.
📜History
Constructed in 1268 AD, the Shri Chennakeshava Temple was the pious offering of Dandanayaka Somanatha, a general under the patronage of Hoysala King Narasimha III. He established the village of Somanathapura and sought royal permission to build a temple in dedication to Lord Vishnu, as both a spiritual tribute and a beacon of Hoysala excellence.
The temple was created at a time when the Hoysala dynasty had already achieved architectural renown, and this structure was intended to showcase the culmination of their temple-building legacy. At the entrance, an ancient inscription slab tells the temple’s origin story, etched in stone for eternity.
Unfortunately, during medieval invasions, the temple was desecrated, and regular worship ceased. Today, it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), preserved with respect and pride.
🪔 Pooja Timings
9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (All days)
🚌 Transfort Options
By Road: Somanathapura is well-connected via road from Mysuru and Bengaluru. Regular KSRTC and private buses, as well as cabs, operate on this route.
By Train: Mysuru Junction is the nearest major railway station.
By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport, and Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is about 170 km away.
🏙️Near By Cities
Mysuru
Bengaluru
Mandya
Ramnager
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