Visit the Majestic Somanathapuram Temple While Enjoying the Comforts of Hotels in Mysore
Mysore, the second-largest city in the Indian state of Karnataka, lies about 140 km from Bangalore, the capital of the state. Popularly known as the Palace City of India situated at the base of the Chamundi Hills, it is one of the most important tourist destinations of South India. The city, since ancient times, has played a significant role in the history of this part and is famous for its royal splendour, exquisite temples, Dasara Festival and scenic beauty. Every historical building has a palatial touch to it, and vaulting arches and grand domes are a common sight in the city. The temperate climate of this city, moderate variations in temperature in different seasons, makes it an ideal place to spend holidays. There is a range of hotels in Mysore available at affordable tariffs with many special services, where you can check in during your stay here.
The city is also known for sandalwood and is aptly called the Sandalwood City. It exports a large variety of incenses, along with a wide range of sandalwood, rosewood, teak and ivory carvings and furniture. There is no dearth of attractions in the city as its famous for its St. Philomena Church, Jaganmohana Palace, Somanathapuram Temple, Nanjangud Temple, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji Lake and Park.
Somanathapuram Temple
The Somanathapuram Temple, earlier known as Vidyanidhi Prasanna Somanathpura, is situated on the left banks of Cauvery River about 35 km from Mysore. This star-shaped Hoysala temple-style structure with triple towers, built in the 12th century, is devoted to Lord Keshava and is often known as the Keshava Temple.
Originally constructed by Somanatha, a minister of Veera Narasimha Devarasa, a Hoysala king, the temple has two more shrines devoted to Lord Venugopala and Lord Janardhana. The outer walls of the temple that has been well maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are intricately carved with images of various deities, mythological birds and beasts, caparisoned elephants and charging horsemen.
The last and the best-preserved of the Hoysala temples, this temple has an east-facing entrance with lathe-turned columns. The main hall is adorned with elegant pillars and ceiling panels with names of sculptors inscribed on their works, a common practice during those days. This temple is equally beautiful as the world-renowned Halebid and Belur temples and is worth visiting as its sculptural beauty will certainly leave you spellbound. Before planning your tour, look for special packages offered by various travel websites on Mysore hotels. On these websites, you will find a list of premium to budget hotels in Mysore, and you need to choose the one that suits your preference, travel schedule and pocket. So, make a booking and visit this glorious city to witness its grandeur.
The city is also known for sandalwood and is aptly called the Sandalwood City. It exports a large variety of incenses, along with a wide range of sandalwood, rosewood, teak and ivory carvings and furniture. There is no dearth of attractions in the city as its famous for its St. Philomena Church, Jaganmohana Palace, Somanathapuram Temple, Nanjangud Temple, Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji Lake and Park.
Somanathapuram Temple
The Somanathapuram Temple, earlier known as Vidyanidhi Prasanna Somanathpura, is situated on the left banks of Cauvery River about 35 km from Mysore. This star-shaped Hoysala temple-style structure with triple towers, built in the 12th century, is devoted to Lord Keshava and is often known as the Keshava Temple.
Originally constructed by Somanatha, a minister of Veera Narasimha Devarasa, a Hoysala king, the temple has two more shrines devoted to Lord Venugopala and Lord Janardhana. The outer walls of the temple that has been well maintained by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are intricately carved with images of various deities, mythological birds and beasts, caparisoned elephants and charging horsemen.
The last and the best-preserved of the Hoysala temples, this temple has an east-facing entrance with lathe-turned columns. The main hall is adorned with elegant pillars and ceiling panels with names of sculptors inscribed on their works, a common practice during those days. This temple is equally beautiful as the world-renowned Halebid and Belur temples and is worth visiting as its sculptural beauty will certainly leave you spellbound. Before planning your tour, look for special packages offered by various travel websites on Mysore hotels. On these websites, you will find a list of premium to budget hotels in Mysore, and you need to choose the one that suits your preference, travel schedule and pocket. So, make a booking and visit this glorious city to witness its grandeur.
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