Walk into Somnathpur temple at 9:30 AM on any weekday and you’ll find the ASI guard unlocking the 13th century Keshava temple with barely 10 other visitors around. The entry costs exactly Rs.25 for Indians, Rs.300 for foreigners, making it one of Mysore’s most affordable heritage experiences.
Quick Information for Somnathpur Temple
Location: Somanathapura village, 35 km from Mysore
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
Entry Fee: Rs.25 Indians, Rs.300 foreigners
Contact: ASI Mysore Circle – 0821-2423652
Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool weather)
Average Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Parking: Free parking at temple entrance
Why Somnathpur Temple is Special
Built in 1268 AD by Somanatha Dandanayaka, army general of Hoysala King Narasimha III, this temple represents the pinnacle of Hoysala architectural achievement. The 16-pointed star-shaped structure houses three shrines originally dedicated to Keshava, Janardhana, and Venugopala – all forms of Lord Vishnu.
The temple’s unique feature? Every single wall panel tells a story from Hindu epics. Walk clockwise around the raised platform and you’ll see 750+ sculptures depicting scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana carved in sequence.
How to Reach Somnathpur Temple
By KSRTC Bus: Take Mysore-Bannur bus (Rs.35) from Mysore City Bus Stand. Get down at Belagola village. From there, catch shared auto (Rs.15 per person) to Somanathapura.
By Private Vehicle: 35 km from Mysore Palace via Mysore-Bangalore Highway. Turn right at Belagola village. Well-marked route with signboards.
By Cab: Rs.1200-1500 round trip from Mysore including waiting time.
Hoysala Architecture Marvel Details
Step closer to the outer walls around 10 AM when morning light hits the stone carvings perfectly. The temple showcases classic Hoysala features – soapstone construction allowing intricate carving, horizontal bands of sculptures, and 64 different types of decorative motifs.
- Base Band: Elephants symbolizing strength – each carved differently
- Second Band: Horses in various poses and mythical makaras
- Third Band: Floral scrolls and geometric patterns
- Main Band: Life-size sculptures of Hindu deities and epic scenes
Local’s Verdict
Worth every rupee if you appreciate art and history. Yes, it’s smaller than Belur-Halebid temples, but the preservation here is exceptional. The star-shaped design and narrative sculptures make it architecturally superior to many famous temples. Skip if you’re looking for active religious experience – this is pure heritage tourism.
Last Updated: February 2025