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Somnathpura The mid-13th century Kesava temple at Somnathpura is the best-preserved example of an unusual temple style developed under Hoysala patronage, and mostly built in South Karnataka. Evolved from Late Chalukyan archetypes, Hoysala temples are compact, with low towers and complicated floor plans (often with triple santcuaries opening into a common mandapa) and profuse decoration on the outer walls. The Chalukyan style developed on somewhat similar lines under Kakatiya patronage in North Andhra. Somnathpura belongs to a smaller set of Hoysala temples where the outer wall decoration becomes spectacularly ornate.

South Vimanam	Porch Screen	Vishnu and Ganesa	Nritya-Sarasvati	Gayathri
Vishnu Avatars	Vishnu and Lakshmi	Mahisamardini	Porch and Shrine	South Ambulatory

Photos and Text © Amit Guha	Feedback