Somnathpur Temple Mysore Entry Fee
- 5 per person for Indians
- 100 per person for Foreign Tourists
- No charges for Still Camera
- 25 for Video Camera
No entry fee for children below 12 yrs of age
Somnathpur Temple Mysore Phone
094439 37137
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 72 reviews
Somnathpur Temple Mysore Address: Somanathapura, Mysuru, Karnataka, 571120, India
Prasanna Chennakeshava Temple, also known as Somnathpur Temple is another popular shrine located near to Mysore. This temple still stands majestically as one of the finest exemplary of Hoysala Architecture. Located in Somanathapura town, about 35 km away from Mysore, it is a place not to be missed when on your Mysore tour. It has been also nominated for the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other two temples which represent Hoysala temple’s architectural brilliance are located at Belur and Halebid. One can see miniature and elaborate carvings and sculptures which is a specific feature of Hoysala architecture.
History of Chennakesava Temple
Now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this temple was built in 1268, by Somanatha who was general of King Narasimha III during the Hoysala reign. The construction of this temple was completed in 1268 AD. By this time, Hoysala reign was already more than 250 years old. It is said that Dandanayaka Somanatha, after establishing a village on the banks of cuvery River- Somanathapura, had taken the permission of King Narasimha III to create a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was created not only to seek blessings of the lord but also to showcase the enviable brilliance of Hoysala architecture and to represent its grandeur and intricate craftsmanship.
At the entrance of the temple, you can see a stone slab with inscriptions on the temple’s history carved on it. One can read in detail about the temple here.
Architecture of Chennakesava / Somanathapura Temple
Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakeshava Temple is built in the Hoysala architectural style. Like many other Hoysala temple, it is also built on a raised platform. It is Trikuta, temple with three shrines. Built in 16 point star shape, the three shrines in the temple have been built in symmetry, each with their Vimana and Sukanasi. The three shrines had idols of Lords Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. At present, statues of only two have remained in the shrine with idol of Lord Kesava missing. However, the devotees still offer prayers to the Gods here.
Common mandapa has three beautifully carved peaks. There are two attics in the temple with sculpted towers between them. It is covered by a walled courtyard. The outer walls of the temple also showcase beautiful carvings. There are various intricately carved stone plates and star shaped folds on the walls. Other walls in temple are also decorated with carvings of various God and Goddesses’ as well as depicting instances from Hindu sacred literature such as Ramayana, Mahabharata, childhood of lord Krishna, etc. One can also see the names of the sculptors carved on their works, a common and import practice during Hoysala rule. The central wall space is one of the most attractive features of this temple. Another striking aspect of Chennakesava Temple is the sixteen different types of ceilings, with each showcasing a different stage that goes during the blooming of plantain.
Timings and Entry Fee of Chennakesava Temple
There is an entry fee of Rs.5 for Indians and Rs.100 for Foreign tourists at Somnathpura or Chennakeshava Temple. Opening timings of Chennakeshava Temple are from 9 AM to 5.30 PM.
The best time to visit this temple is from the month of October to March. It doesn’t take more than 3 hours to explore and admire beauty of this temple as well as seek the blessings of the Lord.
Reaching Chennakesava Temple
Chennakesava Temple is located in Somnathpura town. It is located about 35 km from Mysore and 137 km from Bangalore. A popular weekend getaway from Bangalore, this temple is also frequented by tourists who are on a tour to Mysore.
There are many buses from Bangalore, Mysore and Srirangpatna to Somnathpura. If interested in travelling at their pace then tourists can also hire a cab from Mysore to Chennakesava Temple. It takes around 1 hour to reach this temple from Mysore.
This temple is also quite close to Shivanasamudra falls (50 km) which is another popular tourist attraction.
