File:Chennakesava Temple in Somanathapura, Mysore.jpg

English: The Chennakesava Temple located in Somanathapura, Mysore, was built in the 13th century by the Hoysalas. The construction of the temple began in the village by Dandanayaka Somanatha upon receiving permission from the Hoysala ruler, King Narasimha III. An ancient Kannada inscription on a stone gate at the entrance of this great temple gives all the details and more about the history of this temple. The temple was completed in 1268 AD. The temple has a Trikuta, each of the Trikutas has its own Vimana and Sukanasi. The Trikutas are perfectly symmetrical. The Trikutas built have a 16-point star-shaped plan. The temple has two eaves, and small decorative towers run between the two eaves. Below the lower eaves is a quick set of 200 panels depicting various Hindu deities. At a lower level, there is the sound of panels displaying scenes from the great Indian Epics. The south side walls feature panels from Ramayana, the back wall has panels from Sri Krishna life and the north side wall features scenes from the Mahabharata. The three Trikutas are dedicated to three avatars of Vishnu, especially Krishna. The temple had beautiful sculptures of Keshava, Janardhana, and Venugopala. Now, the Keshava Idol is missing, but the other two remain in their original glory.