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Town in Mysuru, Karnataka India
Photo: Vedamurthy J, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Somnathapura (alternative spelling: Somanathapura or Somnathpur) is a town in Karnataka close to Tirumakudalu Narasipura Taluk. The area was ruled by the Hoysala Dynasty. A minister of the Hoysala dynasty, by name Somanath, planned to establish a temple here, based on the Hoysala architecture. As Hoysalas were mainly Lord Vishnu devotees, a temple, dedicated to Lord Chennakeshava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a flute (Resembling Lord Krishna) was established here, on the left bank of River Cauvery
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Channakesava
built by the Hoysala dynasty in 1268 CE. The Temple was subjected to various invasions, during one of which, the Main idol of the deity is supposed to be reportedly stolen, owing to its beauty. The main deity has therefore been replaced by a replica and hence, no sort of Poojas or activities take place for the Lord. Hence, it's relatively quiet and has not that many visitors. There are excellent soap stone sculptures covering the complete temple outside and showing of several Hindu gods and goddesses. Good light for photos is during low standing sun, i.e. in the morning (frontside with entrance has best light) or evening (sculptured backside has best light). Guides with governmental test will explain the temple for a fixed rate of ₹300 per 30mins. No separate charges for Focussing charges for sculptures inside the Temple levied.
By bus
There is no direct bus from Mysore to Somanathapura, the best is to take a bus from Mysore to T.Narasipura and then another bus to Somanathapura.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxi at T.Narasipura opposite to bus stand. It will cost you around ₹250 to hire a taxi for a round trip to the temple. One way takes around 90 minutes.
Lord Channakeshava Temple is the only place of interest here. Parking is allowed outside the temple.
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Mysore · Regional · MYQ
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