Karnataka is probably the only state in India where a number of exquisitely made rock cut monuments of the historical period are present. Infact, Karnataka is rightly called the cradle of stone architecture by historians. One temple which gives ample testimony to the above claim is the Somnathpur temple near Bangalore.


Accommodation and Connectivity



Somnathpur is a small village located in southern Karnataka near the Karnataka-Kerala border. The village is situated on the banks of river Cauvery and lies 140 kms south-west of Bangalore. The village is some 45 kms from Mysore. The other big town of Karnataka nearer to the village is Mandya. Somnathpur is directly connected through road to Bangalore via Mandya and Mysore.

It must be clearly mentioned that fewer accommodation facilities are available in Somnathpur. The tourist would either have to come from Bangalore or make the trip from nearby Mysore. Needless to say here that the accommodation facilities in both Mysore and Bangalore are excellent.

The Somnathpur Temple

History

All the historical facts relating to the Somnathpur temple could be seen inscribed in a stone slab at the very entrance of the temple. Written in Kannada, it informs that the reigning monarch at the time was Narasimha III (1254-91 A.D.). The brainchild behind the temple was the master architect and sculptor of Hoysala period Jakanachari.

Architecture

The Hoysala temple at Somnathpur is regarded as perfect in symmetry with exquisite stone carvings. The Somnathpur temple stands in the middle of a walled compound. All around the temple is an open verandah having 64 cells. The stellar shaped temple has carved pinnacles and a common Navranga. It stands on a raised platform. During the initial period, the three sanctums had beautifully carved idols of Kesava, Venugopala and Janardhana . Though the idols of Venugopala and Janardhana are still there, the one of Kesava is missing.

There are a number of star shaped folds on the outer walls of Somnathpur Temple. The surface is covered with plaques of stone. In the walls above the plinth also, very beautiful figures of gods and goddesses have been carved out. Most of these images have been inspired from Hindu puranas.

Another striking feature of the temple is that it has 16 different ceilings - each ceiling depicting different stages of a blooming plantain.

There are two other Hoysala temples at Belur and Halebid, but the one at Somnathpur stands apart for its much superior architecture. It may also be mentioned here that the temple attracts a number of foreign tourists too.