About Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura
The Chennakesava Temple, also called the Keshava Temple, stands in the village of Somanathapura on the bank of the Kaveri, about 35 km from Mysuru in Karnataka. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is one of the best-preserved Hoysala temples. In 2023 it was inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, together with the temples of Belur and Halebidu. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and regular worship is not performed here today.
Inscriptions record that the temple was built in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala king Narasimha III, who also founded the village and gave it his name. The temple was consecrated with images of Vishnu in three forms. The main image of Keshava is no longer in the central shrine, while the images of Janardhana and Venugopala remain in the side shrines.
The temple is a trikuta, a temple with three shrines, each crowned by a star-shaped tower, all set on a raised star-shaped platform inside a walled courtyard lined with small cells. The outer walls are covered with horizontal bands of carving: elephants, horsemen, floral scrolls, mythical beasts and scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana. Above them stand large images of Vishnu in his many forms, along with other deities, many signed by their sculptors. The ceilings of the halls are carved as deep lotus domes, each with a different pattern.
Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura timings
Usually open from about 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura
By air
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is about 175 km away; Mysuru Airport, with limited flights, is about 30 km away.
By train
Mysuru Junction is about 35 km away.
By road
Somanathapura is reached by road from Mysuru via T. Narasipura or Bannur. Taxis from Mysuru are the easiest option.
Festivals at Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura
- Mysuru Dasara (in nearby Mysuru)Sep/Oct
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi (at living Vishnu temples in the region)Dec/Jan
- Makar SankrantiJan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- No formal dress code as it is a protected monument; modest clothing is recommended. Footwear is removed before climbing the platform.
- Entry
- ASI entry ticket (separate rates for Indian and foreign visitors). Regular worship is not performed here.
- Hire a guide or read up beforehand; identifying the many forms of Vishnu on the walls is part of the joy.
- Look up at the lotus ceilings inside the halls; each one is different.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon for soft light on the carvings.
- Carry water and snacks; there are few facilities in the village.
- Combine the trip with Talakadu and Srirangapatna for a full day from Mysuru.
Places to visit near Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura
- TalakaduSand-covered temple town on the Kaveri, about 25 km away
- Mysuru PalaceRoyal palace of Mysuru, about 35 km away
- Srirangapatna (Ranganathaswamy Temple)Island town with a major Vishnu temple, about 45 km away
- Shivanasamudra FallsWaterfalls of the Kaveri, about 50 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is puja performed at Somanathapura temple?
No. The Chennakesava Temple is an ASI-protected monument and regular worship is not performed here today.
Is Somanathapura temple a UNESCO site?
Yes. It is part of the Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, inscribed by UNESCO in 2023 along with Belur and Halebidu.
Who built the Somanathapura temple?
It was built in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala king Narasimha III.
What are the Somanathapura temple timings?
It is usually open from about 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
How far is Somanathapura from Mysuru?
Somanathapura is about 35 km from Mysuru, roughly an hour's drive.
Is there a dress code at Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura?
No formal dress code as it is a protected monument; modest clothing is recommended. Footwear is removed before climbing the platform.
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