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Somanathapura Keshava Temple: A view from the northwest side

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Somanathapura Keshava Temple – Northwest Side View
Dedicated to Vishnu, the Somanathapura Keshava Temple is an east-facing temple with three garbhagrihas (inner sanctums), each facing one of the other three cardinal directions and crowned by a beautifully carved shikhara (tower). The image shows a view of the temple from the north west side, showing the outer wall and the shikharas of the north and west garbhagrihas.

Standing inside each garbhagriha is an idol depicting a manifestation of Vishnu. The sculptural reliefs on the outer walls depict a variety of Hindu gods and scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas.

The Somanathapura Chennakeshava Temple is a shining example of Hoysala architecture. While not as big and famous, it is as stunningly beautiful and intricately carved as the Hoysala temples in Belur and Halebidu. It is an unusual temple in that it was commissioned not by a king, but by a Dandanayaka (military leader) serving in the court of Hoysala King Narasimha III. It took 68 years to build and was completed in 1258 CE.

Other views of the temple
Front View
Rear View
Southwest View

Related Pages

Hoysala Temples
Somanathapura Keshava Temple
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Garbhagriha Outer Wall
Kappe Chennigaraya Shrine
Badami Chalukya Temples
Badami, Cave – 1, Cave – 2, Cave – 3, Cave – 4
Durga Temple at Aihole

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