Somanathpura

About 40 km to the East of Mysore is Somanathapura, home to the exquisite Channakeshava temple built in Hoysala style. Though similar and contemporary to the temples of Belur and Halebid, it is lesser known and surprisingly intact. The temple dates back to the mid 13th century and stands in the middle of a walled compound with verandah and 64 cells. The main temple is star-shaped and has 3 intricately carved pinnacles under which there is a Navaranga on a raised platform. The deities within the sanctum sanctorum are missing but everything else is remarkably preserved. The walls of the temple, inside as well as outside, features pillars that have exquisite carvings and sculptures depicting stories form mythology, celestial figures, gods and goddesses, dancers and musicians, animals, plants and flowers and various patterns.