Chennakesava, Somanathapura

Exquisite Hoysala star-shaped Vishnu temple, quieter than Belur–Halebidu.

दर्शन महत्व: Carving close-ups rival Belur without peak crowds.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Feb

History

Chennakeshava at Somanathapura is a 13th-century Hoysala star-shaped Vishnu temple, among the most complete of its style. It is quieter than Belur and Halebidu but equal in carving.

Legends

• Kesava (Krishna-Vishnu) with Janardana and Venugopala occupy the three sanctums — a Hoysala vision of one Lord in three lovely forms.