BANGALORE: “There is a stillness and everlastingness about the past, it changes not and has a touch of eternity,” wrote Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his Discovery of India.
Nehru’s dictum on this ancient wonder stands as a testimony to the rich archaeological heritage of Somnathpur, even unto this day.
Famous for Lord Chennakeshava Temple, Somnathpur, a village near Mysore, that is now an illustrious symbol of the kingdom’s majesty, speaks volumes about the Hoysala dynasty.
Built in 1268 AD under the reign of Narasimha III, the temples at Somnathpur boast of Hoysala’s signature architecture, with carvings of various gods, dancers, animals, soldiers and so on. The tiny village on the banks of river Cauvery houses temples dedicated to Lord Janardhana, Lord Venugopala and Lord Chennakeshava.
Despite being more than 800 years old, these temples stand strong and please our eyes. With meticulously carved temple exteriors, people can be seen staring at them in awe of the pure beauty of the works of art.
Though religious rituals or worship no longer exist here, people can still get inside to take a look at the sanctum-sanctorum of Lord Chennakeshava, whose idol was allegedly taken away. It is now on display at a British museum.
A stroll around the temple will help one understand the architecture style of the Hoysala dynasty. Somnathpur ranks third in Hoysala’s architectural creation, the first and second being Belur and Halebidu.
Surprisingly, Somnathpur is recognised lesser than its counterparts, despite the fact that it is relatively well maintained than Belur and Halebidu. However, this architectural wonder is not free from the usual problems most of other heritage sites face.
The statues carved on the walls are defaced. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has declared the village a heritage site, has ensured no renovation or refurbishment.
Shutterbugs paradise
Often hailed as a perfect haven for architectural photography, Somnathpur offers great photographic scope for beginners and professionals alike.
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