Somanathapura with guide Mysore tourism Karnataka tourism temples of Karnataka.Somanathapura temple also known as Chennakesava temple at Somanathpura (also spelled Kesava temple, Somnathpur).Mysore tourism, Karnataka tourism, Karnataka temple.
This Hindu temple is located on the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura, Karnataka, India. The temple was consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III. It is located 38 kilometers from Mysuru city.
The temple is a model illustration of the Hoysala architecture.The main temple in the center is on a high star-shaped platform. The western sanctum was for a statue of Kesava, the northern sanctum of Janardhana and the southern sanctum of Venugopala, all forms of Vishnu.The outer walls, the inner walls, the pillars and the ceiling of the temple are intricately carved. The ancient stone carved temple of typical Hoysala design , the start shaped base of the temple is well preserved .
The Kesava temple is one of some 1,500 Hindu and Jain temples built by the Hoysala Empire kings in different parts of their kingdom. The other well studied Hoysala temples include those at Belur and Halebidu.
Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala are names found in the Bhagavad Gita, all in the context of Krishna. The term Chennakeśava means "handsome Keshava". The Keshava temple at the Somanathapura is a temple of the Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism, and one of many Keshava temples built in or before the 13th century in different parts of India, as well as in Belur in 1117 CE about 170 kilometres.
The inscription is in old Kannada.
Previously this was also a famous movie location where movies songs where shot .Tamil super start Ajiths song Thendral Thendral Vanthu from movie Raasi was shoot here. Barthanavva Song from Simhadriya Simha Kannada Movie ft. Vishnuvardhan, Meena and Bhanupriya. was also shot here.
This temple and the others around are part of Mandya tourism. The nearest towns which catches tourists interest are Malavalli, Talakadu, Bannur, shivanasamudra, Gaganachukki falls and Bharachukki water Falls, River banks of cauvery . Mysore Tourism and Mandya tourism have many such hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
Those visiting Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura on state highway 79 (T. Narasipura -Srirangapatna Road) make it a point to explore the Panchalingeshwara temple which lies a stone throw away just opposite the road in between the green fields. Both the stone carved temple along with the ruins of Lakshminarasimha temple are a treat to those who enjoy Hoysala architecture.These are temples of great heritage.
How to reach
Mysore to Somnathpur distance is is about 35km.You can reach by two routes, from Mysore. The first route is via Bannur, located about 8km north of Somnathpur. The distance is about 32km from Mysore.Take SH33 towards Malavalli and Bangalore to come out of Mysore city. At Bannur leave the highway and take the right diversion to Somnathpur.The other road route from Mysore is via T.Narsipur and Sosale. T.Narsipura is about 8km south of Somnathpur. Mysore to Somnathpur via T.Narsipur is about 41km (25miles). Take the NH212 out of Mysore city. At T. Narsipur leave the highway and take diversion to Somnathpur road (Bannur road).There are no direct buses to Somnathpur from Mysore. Your best bet is to get a bus to Bannur or T.Narsipur. And then look for a local bus or other shared means (van, auto-rickshaw etc) that goes via Somnathpur.
Both private buses and KSRTC buses operate to Bannur and T.Narsipur from Mysore.
At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls is Somnathpur. Bangalore Airport is the nearest airport which is about 174 km from Somnathpur. Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station, at a distance of 35 km from Somnathpur. Somnathpur has direct bus connectivity with Bannur (9 km), which can be reached by bus from Mysore (27 km) and Mandya (27 km).
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