Monday, November 14, 2016

Chennakesava Temple, Somnathpura

Chennakesava Temple at Somnathpur is one of the masterpiece of Hoysala architecture. The temple within the high walled enclosure is entered through a porch supported by tall lathe-turned pillars. 



The construction of temple was initiated by Soma, a commander-in-chief of Hoysala king Narasimha III in 1268 A.D. The arhitect and sculptor of the temple was Ruvari Malithamma.



The temple built on a platform is a triple shrine with independent tower on top. The three towers are connected by a common rectangular closed mantapa. There is a gallery with lathe-turned pillars all along the enclosure of the temple complex.



This magnificent temple is built in soapstone. The outer wall of the temple has well decorated reliefs and friezes, with pierced windows screens above them.



Each shrine has 16 pointed star-shaped pattern and towers follow the same pattern. This decorated projections and recesses enhance the beauty of the temple. On the exterior the tower and and the walls have been carved with beautiful sculptures.



There are six moldings at the base of the outer walls divided into two sections. The lower section there is a orderly placement of friezes. Lower most is procession of elephants, above it horsemen in the second and a band of foliage in the third. In the upper section, the upper band has swans and lowest band has scenes from the Hindu epics and middle band has yalis.



The ceiling of the hall is supported by lathe turned pillars. The ceiling is intricately decorated with beautiful designs.

25 comments:

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

The amount of detail is amazing!

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice shots. Definitely one of the finest Hoysala architecture.

Vineeta Yashsavi said...

Very informative...

Sushma Harish said...

Lovely! The moment I came back to my blog world after long break and thought of writing few travelogues I was reminded of your blog.
Cheers

Maggie said...

Magical and mystical, what a wonderful place to visit, so glad you shared your time there with us on Mosaic Monday today.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

It's beautiful..I really appreciate having the close ups of the friezes and ornamental work. So much beautiful detail.

Photo Cache said...

I was wondering if they made postcards out of these wonderful temples.

Worth a Thousand Words

Fun60 said...

Such intricate carving.

Linda H said...

Wow, what amazing architecture. Thanks for sharing this lovely temple with us.

Lady Fi said...

Fabulous details!

DrillerAA09 said...

The level of detail is stunning. I'm not sure one could take it all in on a single visit. Very nice image set.

MelodyK said...

marvelous creations... must be like a miracle to visit them

Have a wonderful ABC-day / – week
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photowannabe said...

What amazing sculptures and such intricate design.

Alexa T said...

Lots of beauty in this ancient building, old temple; lots of stunning elements to admire, the embroidery of stone and the amazing work of architecture. Have a very good week!

Al said...

I'm very impressed - this is exquisite architecture.

Ruth said...

Rajesh, thanks for bringing us lovely scenes from India week after week. I enjoy all your posts. Have a great week! #OurWorldTuesday

Sneh Asnani said...

Awesome pictures!!! Great historical place to visit !!

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Amit Agarwal said...

Beautiful!

Roger Owen Green said...

such grandeur
ROG, ABCW

Jeevan said...

Worth visited temple and quite an architectural splendor! Admire the photos and detail

magiceye said...

Magnificent temple and well captured!

Veidehi said...

Love the architecture and the engravings :)

pushpendra dwivedi said...

its fabulous amazing pictures capturing

D.Nambiar said...

Hoysala temple architecture is amazing!

Rajeev Moothedath said...

It is as you explain it that one becomes aware of the detailed work that has gone to the creation of these marvels!