Sightseeing Highlights:
Although Somnathpur has only one major attraction, it is impressive enough to captivate you. Built in 1268 AD, the Keshava Temple is a magnificent structure set within a walled enclosure. Standing on a star-shaped platform, the temple has three exquisitely carved pinnacles and shrines, each housing a life-size model of the gods Venugopala, Janardhana and Kesava; the image of the last, unfortunately, is now missing.
The halls and inner sanctums in each of these shrines is covered with intricate and highly detailed carvings, friezes and stone work, depicting gods, goddesses, animals and scenes from epics. The main hall, common to all three shrines, features beautifully decorated and ornate pillars and ceilings, and the entire temple is surrounded by an open verandah that has 64 cells.
Other Activities:
There are some destinations worth visiting in the vicinity. The most notable of these is Mysore, famous for its spectacular palace, zoo, rail museum, the extremely picturesque Brindavan Gardens, with their musical fountains, and many temples.
Around 30 km from Somnathpur is the small village of Talakad, which is known as the home of the pancha lingams or five lingams, each depicting the five faces of Lord Shiva, in the five temples dedicated to the god. These houses of worship are superbly constructed and draw visitors from all over the country.
Tourism info:
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
Yatrinivas Buildings,
J.L.B.Road,
Mysore.
Tel: 0821-26352
Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
No. 49, 2nd Floor West Entrance, Khanija Bhavan,
Race Course Road,
Bangalore.
Tel: 080-22352901, 22352902, 22352903
Set on the shores of the Cauvery River, the tiny village of Somnathpur is situated just 45 km from Mysore and around 140 km southwest of Bangalore. This seemingly nondescript hamlet is known widely as the home of the Keshava Temple, one of the finest representations of Hoysala architecture.
Somnathpur seems to be enveloped in a timeless quality, reminiscent of a bygone era. Its past was characterised by rich and powerful rulers. The last dynasty to rule this region were the mighty Hoysalas, an affluent and influential empire that built several spectacular temples, the most impressive one being here. In fact, the village was named after Somnath, the Hoysala general who commissioned the temple's construction. |
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