Somanathapura Chennakeshava Temple | Hoysalas Architectural Masterpiece

Somanathapura Temple: Welcome to my blog! If you’re a history lover, an ancient temple enthusiast, or a traveler exploring Mysore, you’re in for a treat.

I’m Rahul, and today, I’m taking you through one of the finest Hoysala temples in Karnataka—the Chennakeshava Temple in Somanathapura.

I’ve visited this temple myself, and trust me, standing before its intricate carvings and star-shaped platform felt like stepping into a time machine.

Located about 35 km from Mysore and 130 km from Bangalore, this temple is an architectural marvel, and I must say it is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Mysore.

If you love the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, you’ll be amazed by the trikuta (triple sanctum) design, star-shaped base, and incredibly detailed sculptures that tell stories from Hindu mythology. Even after 750 years, the carvings here remain breathtaking.

Built-in 1268 AD during the reign of Hoysala King Narasimha III, this temple was commissioned by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a tax officer in the king’s court.

That’s how the village got its name—Somanathapura. Interestingly, people often assume this is a Shiva temple because “Somanatha” refers to Lord Shiva.

But in reality, it’s a Vishnu temple, dedicated to Chennakeshava (meaning “Beautiful Keshava”).

In the sections ahead, I’ll walk you through the temple’s fascinating history, its destruction and restoration, and why it remains one of the most stunning temples of South India.

Stay with me—I promise this journey will be worth it!

The History of Somanathapura Chennakeshava Temple

Before visiting the Chennakeshava Temple, I made sure to do some research about its history.

But I knew that reading online wouldn’t be enough—so I hired a licensed guide named Shoba, who walked me through every detail of this magnificent structure.

Trust me, having a guide made a huge difference, and I’d highly recommend it if you ever visit.

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#1. When and Why Was This Temple Built?

The temple was built in 1268 AD during the reign of Hoysala King Narasimha III.

It took 68 years and two generations of sculptors and laborers to complete the construction.

It is said that 500 sculptors were working on the site at any given time during the building of this temple.

To promote religion and learning, he donated land to establish an Agrahara—a settlement where Brahmins could reside and maintain temples.

In ancient India, an Agrahara was a land grant given by kings or noble families, mainly for religious purposes.

These settlements typically had a Shiva temple on one side and a Vishnu temple on the other, with a road running through the center.

Somanatha Dandanayaka, the tax officer in Narasimha III’s court, took this responsibility seriously.

His first task was constructing the Chennakeshava Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Later, he also built the Pancha Linga Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Unfortunately, today we are only able to see the ruins of this temple.

And here’s a YouTube video showing the current ruined remains of Pancha Linga Temple.

The temple was constructed in the Hoysala architectural style, which is famous for its intricate carvings, star-shaped platforms, and interlocking stonework.

It is a trikuta (three-sanctum) temple, meaning it houses three main deities—Venugopala (Krishna), Keshava, and Janardhana, all forms of Lord Vishnu.

Unfortunately, the idol of Keshava was destroyed, and that changed everything for this temple.

#2. Why is there no pooja in Somanathapura temple?

For about 45 years after its construction, the temple was actively worshipped.

In those days, temples were the heart of many activities, such as education, marriage, and even storing the kingdom’s wealth.

They essentially served as vaults for the kings. However, once invaders realized the temples’ significance, they began looting them and destroying their beauty.

In 1311 AD, Malik Kafur, a general under Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji, invaded Karnataka and looted many temples, including this one.

He stripped the temple of its valuables but left the structure mostly intact.

The real destruction came in 1326 AD when Muhammad bin Tughlaq invaded again.

This time, the main idol of Keshava was completely destroyed and all the wealth inside the temple was looted with the help of 1000s of camels, and as per Hindu traditions, a broken idol cannot be worshipped.

Since then, no religious rituals have been conducted here, and the temple remains a historical monument rather than a place of worship.

While explaining this to me, the guide Shobha said,

“It took the continuous hard work of 500 sculptors over 68 years to build this temple, but it was destroyed in just a few days by the invaders.”

#3. Archaeological Survey of India Tookover the Temple

After centuries of neglect, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took over the temple in 1958 and declared it a protected heritage site.

They cleaned and restored parts of the structure, ensuring that this masterpiece wasn’t lost to time.

Thanks to ASI’s efforts, we can still witness the beauty of Hoysala craftsmanship today.

If you’ve visited Belur and Halebidu, you’ll notice many similarities with this temple. Like them, Somanathapura features:

1. A star-shaped platform (nakshatra peetha)
2. Intricate carvings depicting Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Vishnu’s Dashavatara
3. Sculptures of elephants, warriors, and celestial beings
4. An interlocking stone system—no cement or mortar was used!

While Belur and Halebidu remain active temples, Somanathapura stands as a testament to Hoysala artistry.

In 2023, all three temples were officially recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, securing their place among India’s greatest architectural wonders.

Here’s the video of Somanathapura Chennakesava Temple where the guide has beautifully explained everything about the temple:

Somanathapura Temple Architecture and Mind-Boggling Carvings

Standing in front of the Somanathapura Chennakeshava Temple, I was in complete awe.

Every inch of this temple is covered in intricate carvings, mythological depictions, and masterful stonework, making it one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture.

Mainstream historians say it was done by hand using simple tools, but after seeing this temple up close, I’m not convinced.

The level of precision, symmetry, and finishing makes me suspect that ancient builders had access to advanced stone-softening or shaping technology—something beyond what we understand today.

#1. The Hoysala Style – A Marvel of Engineering

Unlike Dravidian temples, Hoysala temples are built on an elevated star-shaped platform, giving them a unique appearance.

The entire temple is made from soapstone also known as steatite or chloritic schist, a soft material when extracted but hardens over time.

This softness allowed sculptors to carve out the most intricate designs, which remain remarkably detailed even after 750 years.

One of the most fascinating aspects is the interlocking stone system used in construction.

No cement or mortar was used—each stone was cut precisely to fit into the next, ensuring the temple’s stability.

Even today, you can see how these stones were designed to fit like a puzzle, a technique far ahead of its time.

#2. The Trikuta Structure – Three Shrines, One Platform

The temple follows a Trikuta (triple sanctum) layout and the entire temple is built on Vesara Style (a style of Hindu temple architecture that combines the Nagara and Dravida styles), housing three main deities—Venugopala (Krishna), Keshava, and Janardhana—all forms of Lord Vishnu.

Each shrine has its own garbhagriha (sanctum), but they are all connected by a common mandapa (hall), creating a stunning symmetrical layout.

The shikaras (towers) above these sanctums were once beautifully ornamented but have suffered damage over the years.

#3. Layer-by-layer carvings on the Outer Wall

Walking around the temple, I was mesmerized by the thousands of carvings that covered the walls.

The temple’s outer walls feature six distinct horizontal friezes, each telling a different story:

1. Elephants – Representing strength and stability
2. Cavalry (horses) – Symbolizing speed and power
3. Ornamental creepers and floral patterns – Depicting artistic beauty
4. Scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata – Bringing mythological stories to life
5. Vishnu’s Dashavatara (10 avatars) – Showcasing Vishnu’s divine forms
6. Celestial beings, dancers, and Kamasutra carvings – Illustrating life in ancient times

I was fascinated by the six distinct horizontal friezes, each telling a different story—elephants, warriors, mythological tales, celestial beings, and floral patterns.

These carvings reminded me of the Konark Sun Temple, which follows a similar layered storytelling approach.

Praveen Mohan, a well-known Youtuber & temple researcher, explains in his video that Konark’s sculptures were designed as an encyclopedia, with different layers dedicated to various subjects.

The lowest levels depict animals and daily life for children, the mid-sections showcase martial arts, dance, and astronomy, while the uppermost layers feature deities and divine elements.

Interestingly, both Konark and Somanathapura include carvings related to Kamasutra, which were not just about eroticism but also about educating society on relationships, fertility, and human emotions.

This indicates that ancient temples were not just places of worship but also centers of learning.

The structured arrangement of sculptures suggests that knowledge—whether about gods, war, or human relationships—was passed down visually through temple architecture.

These temples were, in many ways, 3D textbooks carved in stone, preserving wisdom for generations to come.

#4. The Master Sculptors of Somanathapura Temple

This temple wasn’t built by just one artist—it took a team of over 500 sculptors working for 68 years to bring this masterpiece to life. Among them, five names stand out:

• Mallithamma – One of the most celebrated sculptors of his time, responsible for many intricate carvings in the temple.
• Masanithamma, Bamaya, Chowdeya, and Rameya – Other master sculptors who contributed to the temple’s exquisite detailing.

What’s even more fascinating is that the sculptors signed their work in Old Kannada, leaving behind their legacy for future generations to admire.

#5. The Star-Shaped Design & Engineering Genius

Like other Hoysala temples, Somanathapura is built on a 36-cornered star-shaped platform, making it visually stunning.

The intricate carvings on the ceilings depict blooming lotuses, symbolizing purity and divine energy.

Each of the 16 ceilings in the temple represents a different stage of a lotus flower blooming, creating a mesmerizing effect as you walk through the hall.

Despite centuries of weathering and destruction, the Chennakeshava Temple still stands as a timeless symbol of Hoysala craftsmanship.

Even with its missing shikaras and broken idols, the beauty of its carvings and the precision of its architecture continue to amaze visitors like me.

#6. Main Deities of Somanathapura Chennakesava Temple

The Somanathapura Chennakesava Temple is known for its intricate carvings and statues of various deities, which reflect the artistic mastery of the Hoysala dynasty.

Inside the temple, you’ll find three main deities: Venugopala (Krishna), Keshava, and Janardhana—all forms of Lord Vishnu.

The outer walls of the temple are adorned with 194 large deities, most of which are depictions of Lord Vishnu in various forms.

Among these, 164 are forms of Vishnu, and the remaining 30 deities are other gods, including Brahma, Ganesha, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Dhanavantri.

If you look closely, you’ll also spot over 6000 deities in total, both large and small, carved into the temple’s stone surfaces.

Unfortunately, most of these deities were damaged or destroyed by invaders.

The sculptures, once a testament to the skill and vision of the artists, were either partially or completely ruined during these attacks.

However, a few notable deities and carvings remain, showcasing the richness of the temple’s design:

1. Kshetrapala (Guardian of the entire temple) at the entrance of the temple complex.
2. Jaya and Vijaya at the entrance main temple – The dwarapalaka’s of Lord Vishnu.
3. Eight Deities of Dashavatara – These depict the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, arranged around the temple.
4. Statue of Lord Vishnu Sitting – A rare representation of Vishnu in a sitting position, which is unusual for Hindu temples.
5. Dancing Ganesh – A lively sculpture of Lord Ganesha captured in a dance pose.
6. Dancing Lakshmi – Another graceful carving, this time of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
7. Goddess Saraswati – The goddess of knowledge, depicted in her serene form.
8. Yoga Narayana Statue – One of only two such statues of Lord Vishnu found on Earth, this carving represents Vishnu in a meditative pose.
9. Chaturmuka Brahma – The four-faced statue of Brahma, the creator god in Hindu mythology.
10. Dhanvantri – The Lord of Ayurveda, holding a pot of nectar.
11. Lord Indra Riding Airavata – The king of the gods, riding his white elephant, Airavata.
12. Lord Krishna Lifting Govardhan Mountain – A beautiful depiction of the legendary moment when Krishna lifted the mountain to protect his devotees.
13. Goddess Lakshmi Sitting on Vishnu’s Lap – This stunning carving shows Lakshmi resting on Lord Vishnu’s lap, with her leg on a lotus flower. The flower bends under her weight, and an elephant nearby supports the flower to keep it upright, illustrating the creativity and imagination of the sculptor.

The guide mentioned that most of these deities and statues were left damaged intentionally.

The authorities decided not to restore them because modern sculptors cannot fully replicate the original craftsmanship.

According to her, “Once an ancient temple is destroyed, it cannot be repaired to its original beauty.”

The invaders not only ravaged the temple’s physical beauty but also looted its wealth, leaving behind a shadow of what once was a marvel of artistry and devotion.

6 Things to Do in Somanathapura Temple

Visiting the Somanathapura Chennakeshava Temple isn’t just about admiring its beauty—it’s about observing, questioning, and experiencing the sheer brilliance of ancient craftsmanship.

As I walked through the temple, I couldn’t help but wonder: How did they achieve such precision using just chisels and hammers?

The mainstream explanation is that Hoysala sculptors carved everything by hand, but looking at the intricate details.

I suspect they might have had advanced technology, possibly even rock-melting techniques. Otherwise, such flawless interlocking stone structures seem almost impossible!

#1. Walk Around the Outer Walls – A Journey Through Mythology

One of the first things to do is to walk around the temple’s outer walls.

Every inch is covered in detailed carvings that tell stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana.

The panels include scenes of Krishna lifting Govardhana Hill, Vishnu’s ten avatars (Dashavatara), and depictions of epic battles.

The sheer level of storytelling in stone is something that needs to be seen to be believed.

#2. Look Up at the Ceilings – A Floral & Geometric Wonder

While most people focus on the walls, don’t forget to look up! The temple’s 16 ceilings feature beautifully carved lotuses, floral patterns, and geometric designs.

What’s fascinating is that these carvings showcase different stages of a lotus blooming, as if narrating the cycle of life.

#3. Observe the Sculptures of Vishnu’s Avatars

As a Vishnu temple, this place is filled with stunning sculptures of Vishnu’s different forms. Some rare ones to look for include:

1. Yoga Narayana (Meditating Vishnu) – A rare depiction of Vishnu in deep meditation.
2. Dancing Lakshmi & Saraswati – Uncommon sculptures of these goddesses in dancing poses.
3. Krishna’s Butter Theft Scene – A playful carving showing young Krishna stealing butter.

#4. Admire the Trikuta Vimana – The Three Sanctums of Vishnu

The Trikuta Vimana (triple shrine) is the heart of the temple. Unlike many single-shrine temples, this one has three interconnected sanctums dedicated to Venugopala (Krishna), Keshava, and Janardhana. Sadly, the main idol of Keshava was destroyed by invaders, which is why worship no longer happens here.

#5. Study the Gopurams & Star-Shaped Platform

Another must-see is the temple’s star-shaped platform (nakshatra peetha), a signature of Hoysala architecture.

The intricate gopurams (tower structures) above the sanctums once stood tall but were partially destroyed.

Even in their damaged state, they reflect the grandeur of Hoysala engineering.

#6. Question the Mystery – Ancient Engineering or Lost Technology?

As I walked through the temple, I couldn’t stop wondering:

• How did the builders achieve such symmetry and detailing without modern tools?
• How did they carve such intricate patterns on soapstone, a material that hardens over time?
• Is it really possible to create thousands of perfectly interlocking stone pieces just with chisels?

When is the best time to visit Somanathapura Chennakeshava Temple

The best time to visit Somanathapura Temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant, making it easier to explore the intricate carvings without the harsh summer heat.

Avoid peak monsoon season (June–September) as heavy rains might make travel difficult.

The temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and it’s best to visit early in the morning to enjoy the site with fewer crowds.

Location & Nearby Tourist Attractions

The Chennakeshava Temple in Somanathapura is located about 35 km from Mysore and 130 km from Bangalore, making it an easy day trip from either city.

Nestled on the banks of the Kaveri River, this temple is surrounded by lush greenery and historic sites, making the journey as exciting as the destination itself.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, there are several must-visit attractions near Somanathapura that perfectly complement your temple visit.

#1. Talakadu – A Land of Temples & Sand Dunes (25 km)

Once a grand city, Talakadu is now a mysterious place buried under sand.

It is home to five ancient Shiva temples and offers a beach-like experience along the Kaveri River.

You can walk through the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple, learn about the legendary curse of Talakadu, and enjoy a peaceful coracle ride on the river.

#2. Shivanasamudra Falls – Twin Waterfalls of Karnataka (45 km)

One of the most stunning waterfalls in Karnataka, Shivanasamudra is split into two majestic cascades:

• Gaganachukki Falls – Best viewed from a distance, showcasing a powerful water flow.
• Barachukki Falls – A wider and more segmented waterfall, where you can even get closer to the water.

The best time to visit is during the monsoon season (July–October) when the falls are in full flow.

#3. T. Narasipura Sangam – The Sacred Confluence (17 km)

At T. Narasipura (Tirumakudalu Narasipura), the Kabini River merges with the Kaveri River, creating a scenic and sacred confluence.

The place is believed to be as holy as Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.

Devotees often take a dip in the river, and the peaceful surroundings make it a great stop for nature lovers.

#4. Shri Mudukuthore Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple (23 km)

Situated atop Somagiri Hill, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Panchalinga Darshana in Talakadu.

The climb up the hill offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kaveri River and the surrounding landscapes.

#5. Varuna Lake – A Scenic Boating Spot (25 km on the way back to Mysore)

If you’re heading back to Mysore, make a stop at Varuna Lake, a serene waterbody where you can enjoy boating.

It’s a great place to relax after a long day of temple-hopping. Pedal boats and motorboats are available, making it a fun activity for families and couples.

#6. Lalitha Mahal Palace – A Royal Stopover (30 km on the way back to Mysore)

Before reaching Mysore, visit the Lalitha Mahal Palace, one of the grandest heritage buildings in the city.

Once a royal guesthouse for the Maharajas of Mysore, it now serves as a luxury hotel.

Even if you’re not staying here, you can admire its stunning white domes, colonial architecture, and royal interiors.