Lost Temples of Karnataka: Somanathpura

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This Post is a part of the Hoysala Diary. Please Click here to read the main post
Overview: The Stamp of the Hoysalas, the sculptor Jakanachari began his artwork for the Hoysalas from Somanathpura. Based on his learning from here, he went on to create magic wherever he went, including Belur and Halebid. The temple is delicately carved and various deities are depicted in different scenes and some scenes from the great epics. Also are the carvings of various dances, animals, birds. A huge complex, full of exquisite carvings, reflects the age of perfect craftsmanship. The temple was destroyed following invasions but not as much as the temples in Belur and Halebid. It would be good if tourists visit Somanathpur before heading to Belur- Halebid. This temple is non-functional and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Somanathpura usually falls in the circuit of Shivanasamudra and Talakadu by the tourists. Many inscriptions have been found here written in old Kannada literature. To reach Somnathpura, travel along NH209 till Malavalli, from there take the road towards Bannur, before Bannur, turn left to reach Somanathpura.
 
                      

Comments

  1. R Niranjan Das20 December 2011 at 16:22

    Beautiful captures.

    www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Harish G.20 December 2011 at 18:22

    I see you have begun. There are a lot of temples ahead, great :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Padmapriya TS20 December 2011 at 19:04

    Awesome post and pictures Arun! Karnataka has always been my dream destination...hope to visit some time! Cheers Priya
    http://aalayamkanden.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Arti20 December 2011 at 19:22

    Exquisite carvings. Loved each and every pic, such detailed works... Ours is a land of such immense beauty.

    ReplyDelete
  5. http://mindlesslampoons.blogspot.com/21 December 2011 at 00:39

    The first time I heard of Somnathpur, was in 1990, when in school the place was chosen for our annual study tour. A visit to this place was captivating.having left my home zone on work, there has been this itch to return to Somnathpur someday. A chance glance at this blog has only made this resolve stronger.The write about the place was vivid and beautifully augmented by pictures.Will remember your post when I flag the place on my itinerary. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous21 December 2011 at 10:25

    nice info with photos

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  7. Teamgsquare21 December 2011 at 12:03

    Wonderful coverage of this place . There is one more Hoysala temple in Somanathpura called Panchalingeshwara temple completely in ruins now, Which is a panchakuta just like the temple in Govindanahalli .

    ReplyDelete
  8. Arun21 December 2011 at 13:16

    Thanks all for the nice comments..
    @Malini: Thanks a ton for nominating me for the award.
    @ Team G Square: Thanks for the info on the Panchalingeshwara temple. Got the below link from an article in the Hindu
    http://hindu.com/2003/07/19/stories/2003071903290500.htm

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous21 December 2011 at 14:31

    Arun,

    Third photo floored me. Never knew Somanathpur temple has one of these slabs (known as 'Shikhara Phalaka' in Kannada) which are placed in front of the shikhara after the sala statue. In front of which of the 3 shikharas it is located? This is rarely seen in the surviving Hoysala Temples. In some temples the slab is there but the carvings have vanished. Hullekere temple has a beautiful one. Thanks for the photos.

    Rajesh.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ramakrishnan22 December 2011 at 18:08

    Breathless & unmatched beauty. Superb sculptures, exquisite ornamentation & amazing architecture. The standing stone figures of Krishna & Vishnu are awesome. Glorious reign of Hoysalas. Thank you for sharing.
    Congratulations on the well deserved award. Your posts are outstanding & remarkably detailed and truly deserving of awards in so many more categories!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ramakrishnan22 December 2011 at 18:09

    In my comment please read "Breathless" as 'Breathtaking':)

    ReplyDelete
  12. obat penyubur kandungan25 July 2012 at 07:04

    postingan yang bagus tentang"lost-temples-of-karnataka-somanathpura"

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hai Baji21 February 2013 at 10:48

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

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