Keshava temple, Somnathpur

The Chennakesava temple or Chennakeshava temple or Keshava temple is located on the banks of Kaveri river in Somnathpura, Karnataka. It  is a Vaishnava Hindu temple that was inaugurated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala king Narasimha III. 

It is the best artistically designed temple and is a example of Hoysala architecture. This temple was built in a courtyard with a pillared corridor of small shrines. The main temple is in the center on a high star shaped platform with three orderly garbha grihas.

History:

The 15th century inscriptions shows that the Kesava temple was damaged too badly. It was repaired in the 16th century with financial support by the Vijayanagara rulers. The repairs can be seen at the different color of stones in the veranda and parts of the northern tower and platform of the main temple.

The Kesava temple is one of some 1500 Hindu and Jain temples built by the Hoysala empire kings in different parts of their kingdom. After so many attacks on the temple, some parts of the temples were restored by Vijayanagara Kings and later by Wodeyars of Mysore.

The name Keshava can be found in the Bhagavad Gita which is the other name of lord Krishna. The term Chennakesava means "handsome Keshava." The Keshava temple in Somnathpura faces east and is carved from soapstone, a green-grey chloritic schist material that feels soft but hardens when exposed to air.

How To Reach:

Somnathpur bus stand is located at a distance of around 1.4 KM from the temple. You can take a local taxi or auto to reach the temple from bus stand.