Description
The city of Somnathpur is at times also referred to as a poor cousin of Halebidu and Belur. It is the home of another and astonishing Hosyala architecture which is exhibited in this Temple. Unlike Halebidu and, Somnathpur wasn't severely damaged by the invaders and this is why we can still see the detailed and fine tuned stone craftsmanship which is still immaculate. This place is also the home of Chennakeshava Temple which is synonymously known as Kesava or Keshava temple. It is a temple which was built approximately 742 years ago. When you enter the complex of the temple, you will come across 3 temples all of which are enshrined within the premises of the temple which is star shaped and is standing on a jagali which is a raised platform. These three temples are dedicated to Lord Janardhana, Prasanna Chennakeshava and Venugopala who are the two different manifestations of Lord Vishnu.
History
This temple was built by a general of the Hoysala army in the 13th century. It was during this time that the Hoysalas were ruling the kingdom for 260 years. Dandanayaka Somanatha had only recently created a village by the name of Somanathapura and was located on the banks of the Kaveri River. He asked for the permission from King Narasimha III, of the Hoysala Empire to start the work on a grand monument which will be built in the dedication of the Lord. It would also depict the might of the Hoysala Empire.
Importance/Significance
The Somnathapura Channakeshava Vishnu Temple has been built in the form of a Trikuta meaning that it is a 3 shrine temple. Each shrine consists of its own Sukanasi and Vimana. The deck of the temple has lathe turned pillars all of which are decoratively sculpted. They have also been built in perfect equilibrium. The shrines have been constructed on a raised platform. The 3 shrines of the temple have been built in a sixteen point star-shaped plan. The temple consists of 2 eaves with decorative miniature towers that run between them. Below the lower eave, you will find a running frieze of around 200 panels which showcases numerous Hindu deities. At the lower level, you will also come across a frieze of panels which showcase scenes from the great Indian Epics. The south side walls has panels which depict scenes from the epic Ramayana, the rear wall consists of panels which depict the life of Sri Krishna and the North side wall highlights the scenes from the Mahabharata.The three shrines of the Somnathapura Channakeshava Vishnu Temple-Somanathapura Mysore Karnataka are dedicated to three forms of Vishnu and more specifically that of lord Krishna. Once upon a time they were the home of beautifully carved idols of Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. Now, the idol of Keshava is missing. However, the other two idols are still there.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
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