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.