Keshava Temple is visually striking and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Hoysala era. Here, you will find intricate carvings that display attention to detail. Many tourists visit this temple for spiritual guidance and insight into its history.
It is located in Somnathpur, a small village on the banks of the Cauvery River, about 140 km southwest of Bangalore and 45 km from Mysore. Your tour to Somnathpur will enlighten you about the sense of perfect symmetry and craftsmanship the artists of yesteryear possessed. On your tour of Kesava Temple Somnathpur, you will also come across the 16 different ceilings, another striking feature of the temple.
History of Keshava Temple
The famous Keshava Temple in Somnathpur was built in 1268 A.D. when the Hoysala rule had completed 260 years. Made by the army commander of King Narasimha III, Somnath set up this project to glorify Hoysala craftsmanship.
About 140 km southwest of Bangalore and 45 km from Mysore lies the famous Keshava Temple, Somnathpur, a fantastic example of Hoysala architecture. Rightly called the cradle of stone architecture, Karnataka has extraordinary objects ‘art of rock-cut temples in its coterie.
Architecture of Keshava Temple
The master architect and sculptor of the famous Somnathpur temple, Jakanachari, bestowed the Keshava Temple with perfect symmetry and exquisite stone carvings. Constructed on a raised platform, it grows into a stellar-shaped temple with carved pinnacles. It has 64 cells opening onto a verandah.
The three sanctums had exquisitely carved Kesava, Janardhana, and Venugopala idols. On your tour to Keshava Temple Somnathpur, you can admire the beautiful stone-carved statues of Janardhana and Venugopala but not the idol of Kesava since it is missing.
The outer surface of the temple has star-shaped folds on the walls on which beautiful figurines of gods and goddesses inspired by the Hindu Puranas are carved.
