Somnathpur – Village of exquisite architecture
Somnathpur is located on the banks of river Cauvery. This tiny hamlet is just 45 km from Mysore of Karnataka state in southern India. It is located 140 km south west of Bengaluru, the capital of the state.
History:
Somnathpur was in the famous Hoysala kingdom. Hoysalas were the most powerful rulers who kept most part of Karnataka under their power and control between AD 1100 and 1320. It was under the rule of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, a patron of arts and sculpture, that a number of temples with fabulous architecture were built.
These rulers were famous for their peacefulness. So they encouraged and created a healthy competition between the artisans. This policy ultimately resulted as beautiful temples and sculptures with intricate craftsmanship. These artisans were also allowed to carve their signatures under their own creations. This was a sort of incentive for them granted by the rulers.
The Hoysala rulers considered building temples on battlefields as an act of thanksgiving. The fine inscription on the stone slab at the Kesava temple depicts that the founder of the Somnathpur village was one Somnath. He was a high-ranking officer under the Hoysala king Narasimha III (AD 1254-1291). Somnath named this village after himself. He was also the person who constructed the famous Lord Vishnu temple here in AD 1268.
Prasanna Channa Kesava Temple:
This temple is a masterpiece of Jakanachari, the master architect and sculptor. It is the major attraction of Somnathpur. Tourists will be awestruck on seeing this wonderful masterpiece. It’s the best example of Hoysala architecture. In an open courtyard, the temple stands on a three feet high stone platform. Around the temple there is a long verandah which contains 64 cells. The angles of the platform are supported by sculptures of outward facing elephants.
Travelers will come across three cells with a star structure inside the temple. While the main cell is facing east, the other two are facing north and south respectively. Its sanctum sanctorum houses a 6 ft tall bronze statue of Lord Krishna (Prasanna Channa Kesava) in the south altar and an idol of Lord Vishnu in the north altar.
The Sanctum’s domed ceiling is beautifully carved with intricate designs. Outside the temple one can also see some six rows of parapets on which various flowers, animals, swordsmen, scenes of battle fields, and scenes from the great Indian epics are carved. Each of the sculptures on the outer wall carries the name of their creator on its pedestal. Some of the notable creators were Mallitamma, Baleya, Choudeya and Yelamasaya.
Mysore:
Located 45 km away from Somnathpur, Mysore is famous for its palace. Tourists who love to sit down and relax in a garden must visit Mysore’s Brindavan garden. This Garden has musical fountains. Mysore is also famous for its beautiful temples.
Talakad:
This small village is located 30 km from Somnathpur. It houses the Pancha Lingam (five lingams). These lingams depict the five faces of Lord Shiva in five temples. This place attracts a number of pilgrims from all over India.
The nearest airport to Somnathpur is at Bengaluru (140 km). The nearest railhead is at Mysore (45 km), from where tourists who visit Somnathpur are connected with the rest of India. Somnathpur is also well connected by roads.
History:
Somnathpur was in the famous Hoysala kingdom. Hoysalas were the most powerful rulers who kept most part of Karnataka under their power and control between AD 1100 and 1320. It was under the rule of the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana, a patron of arts and sculpture, that a number of temples with fabulous architecture were built.
These rulers were famous for their peacefulness. So they encouraged and created a healthy competition between the artisans. This policy ultimately resulted as beautiful temples and sculptures with intricate craftsmanship. These artisans were also allowed to carve their signatures under their own creations. This was a sort of incentive for them granted by the rulers.
The Hoysala rulers considered building temples on battlefields as an act of thanksgiving. The fine inscription on the stone slab at the Kesava temple depicts that the founder of the Somnathpur village was one Somnath. He was a high-ranking officer under the Hoysala king Narasimha III (AD 1254-1291). Somnath named this village after himself. He was also the person who constructed the famous Lord Vishnu temple here in AD 1268.
Prasanna Channa Kesava Temple:
This temple is a masterpiece of Jakanachari, the master architect and sculptor. It is the major attraction of Somnathpur. Tourists will be awestruck on seeing this wonderful masterpiece. It’s the best example of Hoysala architecture. In an open courtyard, the temple stands on a three feet high stone platform. Around the temple there is a long verandah which contains 64 cells. The angles of the platform are supported by sculptures of outward facing elephants.
Travelers will come across three cells with a star structure inside the temple. While the main cell is facing east, the other two are facing north and south respectively. Its sanctum sanctorum houses a 6 ft tall bronze statue of Lord Krishna (Prasanna Channa Kesava) in the south altar and an idol of Lord Vishnu in the north altar.
The Sanctum’s domed ceiling is beautifully carved with intricate designs. Outside the temple one can also see some six rows of parapets on which various flowers, animals, swordsmen, scenes of battle fields, and scenes from the great Indian epics are carved. Each of the sculptures on the outer wall carries the name of their creator on its pedestal. Some of the notable creators were Mallitamma, Baleya, Choudeya and Yelamasaya.
Mysore:
Located 45 km away from Somnathpur, Mysore is famous for its palace. Tourists who love to sit down and relax in a garden must visit Mysore’s Brindavan garden. This Garden has musical fountains. Mysore is also famous for its beautiful temples.
Talakad:
This small village is located 30 km from Somnathpur. It houses the Pancha Lingam (five lingams). These lingams depict the five faces of Lord Shiva in five temples. This place attracts a number of pilgrims from all over India.
The nearest airport to Somnathpur is at Bengaluru (140 km). The nearest railhead is at Mysore (45 km), from where tourists who visit Somnathpur are connected with the rest of India. Somnathpur is also well connected by roads.
