A Guide To Chennakesava Temple At Somanathpur, Mysore - Updated 2024

Somnathpur Temple Mysore
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 3 min read

Somnathpur is a Grama Panchayat and town in the Mysore district in Karnataka, India. The town is located 38 km (23.6 mi) from Mysore and its main claim to fame is the beautiful and intricately carved Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur. This is a Vaishnava Hindu temple, nestling along the banks of the Kaveri River and was originally consecrated in 1258 CE by the general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III, Somanatha Dandanayaka. The temple has a number of other names, including the Chennakeshava Temple, Kesava Temple or Keshava Temple and is surrounded by peaceful gardens. Visit the splendid interiors of the temple and understand the rich past of India. The carvings on the wall have glorious stories to tell. Read up on this beautiful temple and the various things to see and do here in the guide to Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore, India.

Highlights

Somnathpur, Keshava Temple (9902722016)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Arian Zwegers used under CC BY 2.0

Shrines

The Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpur is known as a “Trikutam” or three shine temple. It is possible to visit each shrine, each of which has a Vimana and Sukanasi. All three shrines were constructed in a 16-point star-shaped plan and the shrines, Vimanas and Sukanasis are perfectly symmetrical. Each shrine has been dedicated to the three forms of Vishnu and in particular, Krishna. In the past, the temples contained a series of beautifully carved idols, representing Janardhana, Keshava and Venugopala. The Keshava idol has gone missing, but it is still possible to see the other two idols.

Decorative eaves

There are two eaves on the temple, each with beautifully intricate and decorative miniature towers running between them. The lower eaves feature a running frieze containing approximately 200 panels that depict the various Hindu deities. The other eaves depict a series of panels decorated with scenes of the great Indian epics.

Walls

The walls on the southern side of the temple offer intricate panels decorating with scenes from Ramayana, while the rear wall displays panels relating to the life of Sri Krishna. The northern wall features scenes from the Mahabharata.

Package tours

While visiting this architectural marvel is nothing less than sheer delight, it is even more engaging when a knowledgeable guide walks you through history. These enjoyable and interesting tours take visitors to some of the most beautiful and impressive sites within the temple. The tour itineraries are usually packed consisting of early-morning travel, visit to some beautiful temples such as the 14th-century Vaidyanatheswara Temple and Keertinarayana Temple and an elaborate tour of Chennakesava Temple in Somnathpur, with its intricate carvings which date back to the 13th century.

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Travelers tips

Relief carvings on vesara tower over shrine in Chennakeshava temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Adam63 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore, is between October and March. The rest of the year offers soaring temperatures and high humidity, making it uncomfortable to visit the temple. A tour of the temple takes approximately three hours.

Photography

While it is allowed to photograph or video footage of the exterior of the temple, photography is strictly prohibited inside the main complex.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore.

Garden

Visitors are welcome to relax in the open garden which surrounds the temple but are urged to maintain cleanliness and not litter.

Tour guide

It is possible to hire the services of a government-certified guide at the temple at a rate of 300 INR (4 USD) for 30 minutes.

Wheelchairs

The interior of the Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore is not wheelchair-friendly.

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How to get there

Chennakesava Temple, Somnathpura - Exquisitely ornated exteriors
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bikashrd used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bus

The easiest way to travel to Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore, is by bus. Look for buses 328 and 340 and their routes from Mysore to gauge viability. Alternatively, you can check out the Moovit website or app for more information.

Car

The journey takes about an hour to travel 36 km (22.4 mi). The fastest route is via Jattipalla through Kanakapura Road in Malavalli driving onto Mysore Road :

You have to drive through Dr. BR Ambedkar Road and then Vani Vilas Double Road towards MG Road. Then you can drive to Kollegal Road and make way through Trichy Road which is in KR Mohalla. This takes only about 10 minutes. Once you reach Jattipalla to Kanakpuri Road in Malavalli keep driving and reach Mysore Road and then Sriranga Road. This journey covers about 50 minutes. Your destination is only two minutes from here.

Parking

Free parking is provided at the temple.

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How to book tickets

Somnathpur Chennakesava Temple
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Karthik.Mane used under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur entry fee is 5 INR (0.07 USD) per person for Indians, 100 INR (1.40 USD) for foreign visitors and 25 INR (0.35 USD) for a video camera. No entry fee is charged for a still camera or children under the age of 12 years. You can either purchase tickets onsite or book your tickets in advance online through third-party websites.

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Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur information

Courtyard, Chennakeshava Temple, Somnathpur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ganesh Gopalan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Chennakesava Temple at Somanathpur, Mysore

Address: Somanathapura, Karnataka 571120, India

Official website: Mysore Tourism

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm (daily)

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Bangalore Private Talakadu and Somnathpur Tour

Duration: 9 hours

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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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