Somnathpur Chennakesava Temple

Somnathpur, which is around 25 KM from Mysore, was earlier under the rule of Cholas of Tamil Nadu. It was conquered by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. Subsequently it became a part of Karnataka.

The Chennakesava Temple / Chennakeshava Temple located at Somanathapur is one of the finest example of Hoysala architecture. The temple was built by Soma, (commander in 1268 C.E.) under Hoysala king Narasimha III, when the Hoysala Empire was the major power in South India.

This temple was built 151 years after The Chenna Kesava temple of Belur (1117 C.E.)  There are three shrines in this temple and this temple is not under worship now. It is under the care of Archeological Society of India. This is a Vaishnava temple and there are no depictions of any forms of the Hindu god Shiva.

The temple stands on a platform and has three towers. This temple is the last, and best-preserved, of the major Hoysala temples. Entire carvings in this temple are made of soapstone. They are preserved reasonably well. As usual Archeological Society of India (ASI) is doing a wonderful job of keeping the premises clean. Of all the governments departments in India, I am a great fan of ASI as they preserve all the monuments under their care very well with the shoestring budget under their command!

There is something interesting for philatelists also here. There is a post box outside the temple and if you post letters in that box you will get a special cancellation!