Somanathapura Temple

This intricately carved and tastefully architectured temple was built in the 13 century on the banks of the beautiful river Kaveri. Unique and beautiful Hoysala architecture is one of the many features of the place that has made it famous all around the world. The whole temple complex, its gates, mandap and inscription stones are carved out of soapstone that enabled the artists to carve out the beautifully intricate artwork.

Outside
The Chennakesava Temple is enclosed in a walled courtyard that has the ornate main gate or Mahadwar. Outside this Mahadwar stands a tall pillar having a statue of the Garuda on top, that was considered as Lord Vishnu's vaahan (vehicle). The Garuda statue is now missing. As one enters from the Mahadwar, an open public courtyard, with the main three-towered temple in the centre, comes into view. The walls of the courtyard are frames a rectangular verandah with an array of 64 shrines. 

Main Temple
The main temple is built on a jagati, symbolizing a worldly platform, with the idol of Lord Vishnu on top. It is about 3 feet high and is shaped in the form of a star with stairs for climbing up on the east end. Near the stairs are the shrines of two dwarpals (gatekeepers), which are now damaged. Around the jagati is a narrow pradakshina patha (circumambulation path). While doing the parikrama, one can read pictorial stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana legends in the correct sequence.

Outer Walls
The outer walls of the Somanathapura Temple have horizontal patches of artwork carved into them divided into three major sections. The lowest section showcase a row of elephants, marching in the clockwise direction. Above the elephants is a row of armed riders mounted on horses or camels. The band further above represents flowers, fruits and occasionally some peacocks and wildlife. Another band above it is the mythology frieze depicts the legends and spiritual capturing stories found in the Ramayana, the Bhagavata Purana and Mahabharata. The upper level of the wall has nearly 200 relief carving showing the life of the people. Most of them are defaced or damaged. Apart from that, there are various other carvings of deities, predominantly Vishnu in his various aspects and avatars. 

Navranga
As one enters the wooden door to the inside of the temple, there is a Navranga with its usual nine squares as mentioned in ancient Hindu texts. There are three ankanas and jagali platforms for the visiting devotees to sit. The interior here and the Navranga suggests that the temple was designed per Panchayatana puja architecture found in Smarta Hindu tradition.

Pillars and Ceiling
The colossal mandap hall is supported by various posts. The four centre pillars portray common life themes stacked in sequence: disc, bell, pot, wheel and umbrella. The four central square pillars yakshas and brackets that are either damaged or have disappeared. Two other pillars on the east are in the shape of 32 pointed stars.

The outer walls, the inner walls, and the temple complex is entirely covered with intricately carved mythological and theological iconography. They display various Hindu text such as Ramayan (southern section), Mahabharata (northern sections) and Bhagwat Puran (Western section). Important historical dates and circumstances concerning the region are also inscribed in eight stones scattered across the temple complex. The inscriptions confirm the building and repairs that underwent in the temple across centuries. Various other inscriptions also carry with the names of the artist who carved the block, pillar or artwork.

The three holy idols housed in the temple, Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopal are all names of Lord Krishna found in the Hindu text Bhagavad Gita. The Chennakesava itself means 'handsome Krishna' and denotes the physical and spiritual beauty of the Lord's might. Unfortunately, the magnificence of the idols here has been marred by many military expedition and battles with Muslim armies that happened in the region.

The best time to visit the temple is during from October to March. During the rest of the year, the temperature in this part of the country is soaring high and is very humid, making the journey uncomfortable.

1. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main complex.
2. Pets are not allowed in the temple.
3. You may sit in the open garden surrounding the temple but maintain cleanliness.  
4. You can avail the facilities of a government certified guide for a fixed rate of INR 300 per 30 minutes.

Somanathapura is well connected via road from Mysore, Srirangapatna and Bangalore. You can take bus service from Mysore and Srirangapatna to Somanathapura or hire a private taxi from these cities to visit the temple. Parking facility is available outside of the complex. There is also a railway station in Somanathapura from where you can avail a local transport to take you to the Chennakesava Temple.