Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura (Somnathpur Temple or Somanathpur Temple)

This breathtaking Chennakeshwara temple is one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture next along with Belur & Halebid. This Vaishnavite temple was built in 1268 by Somanatha Dandanayaka, who was general of King Narasimha III during the Hoysala reign. By the time when the construction of this temple was over, Hoysala's reign was already more than 250 years old. It is said that Dandanayaka Somanatha had taken the permission of King Narasimha III to create a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as the latter was also a devotee of Vishnu.

He established this village in his name Somanathapura, on the banks of Cauvery river especially for this construction. This is a beautiful Trikuta Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in three forms – Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. For unknown reasons, the main Keshava idol is missing, and the other two idols are damaged. This temple was destroyed by Muslim rulers like Malik Kafur in 1311 and Muhammad Bin Tughlaq in 1326. Some parts of the temples were restored by Vijayanagara Kings. The difference can clearly be seen in the color, carving, and polishing. The enclosed wall and small Basadis have also been repaired by the Government and are still not in its actual shape.

The entrance of the temple showcases the typical Hoysala style as a square unlike the typical Dravidian temple. The outer wall of the temple is divided into horizontal bands depicting elements of religion, culture, nature etc. At the base is a line of elephants, the strongest animal in the army of the kingdom. The beauty is that none of these elephants looks the same. Above the elephants are the staged line of the horses, another important animal for a strong army. The horse riders seem to be carrying different objects. The stories from the Hindu Mythologies Ramayana and Mahabharata surround this temple. Not all details are elaborated but it is enough to understand the important events.

Almost all the major deities have been beautifully carved by different sculptors. It is strange and exceptional that each structure bears the sign of its creator below. This shows the contribution of approximately 500 sculptors who contributed in these ornate carvings. At the ceiling of the main shrine’s sanctum, there one can find insanely dwarf figures that are extensively carved. Pillars are the iconic hallmark of Hoysala architecture. The pillars here are handcrafted with geometric and nature’s design on them. They are a combination of 5 different parts attached together. The bottom square, the chiselled body, lamp holding plate and finally the connector to the ceiling are the main parts of the pillar. Though the temple is unfortunately not functioning for worship, it showcases the enviable brilliance of Hoysala architecture representing its grandeur and intricate craftsmanship.