Somanathapura Temple, Mysore

Somanathapura Temple, Mysore | Kesava Temple | Chennakesava Temple

Somanathapura is a small, peaceful town on the banks of the Holy River Kaveri. The renowned Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, also known as the Kesava Temple, is the best and most representative example of Hoysala architecture. This Vaishnav Hindu temple was dedicated to the power and beauty of Lord Krishna in 1258 CE (Kesava means Krishna, and Chenna means beautiful). Visitors from far and wide travel to the temple to take in the stunning surroundings. The Chennakesava temple is one of the 1500 temples constructed around the kingdom by the monarchs of the Hoysala Empire. It is considered the pinnacle of Hoysala temple architecture, but it differs in many other aspects as well.

One of the three temples of its type to be nominated for the Unesco World Heritage list, it is a quintessential example of the renowned Hoysala architecture. Unfortunately, the invading Muslim troops have destroyed and desecrated the idols, therefore this temple is no longer a site of devotion. Nevertheless, the temple’s beauty continues to captivate thousands of tourists who come to see the amazing engineering and artistic accomplishments of the time, ask for the Lord’s blessing, and take in the exquisite sculptures and carvings, whose beauty is as distinct and unequal as the God it houses.

History of Somanathapura Temple 

While working for Hoysala King Narasimha III in the 13th century, a general by the name of Somanatha Dandanayaka established the town of Somanathapura. He then requested the king’s approval and gave Brahmins land and resources so they could construct and care for the temples in the town of Somanathapura, which was named after the patron. General Somanatha constructed and dedicated the Kesava temple in the centre of this new town in 1258 CE. A number of additional temples in the Hoysala architecture were also constructed in the city, but all of them—aside from the Lakshmi Narasimha temple—have vanished or are in ruins as a result of the region being devastated by conflicts between Muslim sultanates and Hindu kingdoms.

Inscriptions state that the Chennakesava Temple was severely damaged in the 14th-century war as well, but it was restored a century later with donations and financial assistance from the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. Evidence of these restorations may be seen in the verandah’s stone colour and workmanship, as well as in certain areas of the main temple’s platform and northern tower. The stunning temple was once more damaged in the 19th century and was restored by the Mysore government during the colonial era in the early 20th century.

Architecture of Somanathapura Temple

On the banks of the lovely Kaveri River, this exquisitely carved and elegantly designed temple was constructed in the thirteenth century. One of the many things that has made Hoysala famous worldwide is its distinctive and exquisite architecture. Because the entire temple complex, including the gates, mandap, and inscription stones, are made of soapstone, the painters were able to create the exquisitely detailed artwork.

Inscriptions on Chennakesava Temple 

Intricately carved mythological and theological imagery covers the entire temple complex, including the inner and outer walls. They show a variety of Hindu texts, including the Bhagwat Puran (Western section), the Ramayana (Southern section), and the Mahabharata (Northern section). Eight stones strewn throughout the temple complex also bear significant historical dates and events related to the area. The inscriptions attest to the temple’s construction and centuries-long restorations. The names of the artists who carved the block, pillar, or piece of art are also included in a number of additional inscriptions.

Chennakesava Temple Deity 

The names of Lord Krishna that appear in the Hindu literature Bhagavad Gita are Keshava, Janardhana, and Venugopal, the three sacred idols kept in the temple. The name Chennakesava itself means ‘handsome Krishna’ and refers to the Lord’s power’s spiritual and physical beauty. Unfortunately, numerous military expeditions and conflicts with Muslim troops have tarnished the splendour of the idols here.

Best Time To Visit Somanathapura Temple 

October through March is the ideal time of year to visit the temple. This region experiences extremely high temperatures and heavy humidity throughout the rest of the year, which makes travel difficult.

How To Reach Somanathapura Temple 

Road connections to Somanathapura from Mysore, Srirangapatna, and Bangalore are excellent. To see the temple, you can take a bus from Mysore and Srirangapatna to Somanathapura or hail a private cab from these cities. There is parking available outside the premises. Additionally, Somanathapura has a railway station from which you can catch a local bus to the Chennakesava Temple.

Timings : 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Time Required : 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee : Indians: INR 20 (Cashless Payment), INR 25 (Cash Payment),
Foreign Nationals: INR 250 (Cashless Payment) INR 300 (Cash Payment)
Children (Up to 12 years): No entry fee
Videography: INR 25