Somnathpur Temple - A Poetry In Stone

By Meera

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Thank you for joining me from Part I

All that occurs within the walls of this temple is uplifting and elevating. In this temple of Chennakeshava in Somnathapura, lies the purest essence of workmanship and abilities of ancient sculptors. As I go around taking a close look at the walls with such fine details, I wonder at the ultimate accomplishments of humans that were achieved sans any powered tools.

The base of the outer walls of the Somnathpur temple is highly ornamented with decorative figures, patterns, and motifs that rival the famous Belur and Halebid temples in Hassan district of Karnataka. The carvings are so exquisite and detailed that it is difficult to describe.

Friezes of elephants, scrolls, legendary epic, and Puranic scenes dot the walls. Further, tiny images with intervening turrets and columns with figures in between add to the beauty of the temple. Besides, several gods and goddesses and their attendants adorn the outer walls from one end to another without a break.

Intricate carvings of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Lord Krishna’s life on the walls along with various friezes of battle scenes are etched with every kind of detail. Even the corners and niches of the walls have different patterns that follow a specific theme. The figurines of elephants depicting the cavalry are exquisite with detailed variation.

The wall that starts from the basement is six-tiered. On the lowest tier of the wall, one can also find carvings of rows and rows of elephants depicting the symbolic strength and carrying the weight of the temple. And then above it, rows of horses and horsemen are carved denoting agility. In the tiers above them, one can see various animals and different gods and goddesses in different poses. If Vishnu is depicted in his various avatars, then Goddess Durga is shown slaying the demon Mahishasura. Other prominent images include - Dhanvantri, Indra, and many others. The metal-like polishing of the images is a mark of the Hoysala style.

However, it is surprising to see how the finer details of every image are so intricately carved. Be it their earrings, bangles, bracelets, necklaces, rings, amulets, etc. Every pattern and design are so minutely carved that one wonders at the time taken to embellish these details. Further, the corner walls have two elephants with one head to make the best use of the space available.

Since both of us – Me and Tharangini have visited most temples of the Hoysala style of architecture in the last two years, I would like to say the Somnathpur temple is another gem of the Hoysala architecture after Halebid and Belur. So, if you are planning a trip to Somnathpur, first buy online tickets and try to take the assistance of a heritage guide to understand and follow the various carvings and sculptures that dot the outer wall of this temple.

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