Chennakeshava Temple, Somanathapura
ಸೋಮನಾಥಪುರ ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಾಲಯ
A star-plan Hoysala temple from 1268, part of the UNESCO-listed Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas, with exceptionally fine stone carvings.
The temple was built in 1268 in a small village about 35 km east of Mysore. It is a perfect example of Hoysala architecture and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2023. Three star-plan shrines stand on a raised platform. Their outer walls are carved from soapstone with epic stories, elephants, cavalry, and deities. The friezes are layered and carved with a rare degree of detail. The Archaeological Survey of India manages the site. Foreign visitors pay about INR 600. It is open about 08:30 to 17:30. No deity is worshipped inside now, so the temple sees fewer visitors.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Talakadu
- Lalitha Mahal Palace
- Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum
- Karanji Lake
- Chamundi Hill & Chamundeshwari Temple
- Nandi Statue, Chamundi Hill
- Gumbaz, Srirangapatna
- Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysore Zoo)