Ride to Somanathapura (ಸೋಮನಾಥಪುರ) – First one with my love

Its been a long time I ever had a trip with a TRIPPING MOOD!

It was recommended by Prajeesh, friend of mine who went Somanathapura (ಸೋಮನಾಥಪುರ) few weeks back. Since then I was thinking of going there on a weekend. Yes, the day had come on 28th May, 2017. Initially Logesh, my team mate had also planned to join the ride, but due to his health issues he had to step back.

Anyway, we left from home around 11:30 AM (Thanks to Logesh for the rain coat – cloudy! and camera!). Onward enroute was through T. Narsipura (T. Narsipura road) and return through Bannur.

Found a huge banyan tree, which later found labeled as Mysore Great Banyan tree in Google Maps!

Spent few minutes there and continued the ride. Next we stopped at the lake Varuna after Chikkalli.

Few clicks, continued…
Was actually confused with the route. In my mind, the enroute was through Bannur, and with that continued riding. Just stopped near the bridge at T. Narsipura for taking few snaps of old bridge and banks of Kaveri river.

Then I checked the route in Google Maps and realised I was on the other route and rode little further :D, back on the correct route! Stopped at the old bridge which are used only by two-three wheeler and few clicks, continued.

This route is totally through villages. Stopped near a field where we found some stork bird (?) and went to the field for taking snaps, farmer there helped me by showing the easier way to enter the field, thank you! The birds flew away when I tried reaching near them. Tried twice and gave up. Oops! I wasn’t having a tele lens!

At last we reached our destination by 2:55 PM, hardly 40km, but took almost 2.30 hours LOL! (Actually, had not checked the time; though was feeling bit hungry). Had mixed fruits and it was stomach full, just for ₹30! Love village!

Prajeesh had advised to go with guide service to understand the history as well as the details of each and everything there. However I ignored this time as I will be coming again with more people here, then I will definitely need a guide service. Read few notes there and continued exploring with all possible ways.

From the board seen there,

The construction of this temple was caused by Somanatha, a high officer under Hoysala king Narasimha III (1254-1291 A.D.) It is a splendid example of the Hoysala style of architecture. It stands on a raised platform in the center of a spacious enclosure having 64 cells. This three called (Trikutachala) structure consists of three Garbha Grihas, Three Antaralas and a Navarang. It has a mahadwara standing on the east. The images of Venugopala, Kesava and Janardhana are installed in the cells which are surmounted by elegantly carved sikharas.

The basement of the outer wall is highly ornamented with friezes of elephants, scrolls, epic and puranic scenes. Small images with intervening turrets and columns with figures in between, number of Gods and goddess and their attendants adorn the walls. The lathe turned pillars and delicately carved sixteen different types of ceilings are characteristic feature of the Hoysala art. The names of a number of sculptors. i.e. Mallithamma, Masanathamma, Chameya, Bhameya etc, are carved on the pedestals of the images. It is observed that Mallithamma has not only carved the maximum number of images but also carved the northern sikhara that of Janardhana cell.

Inscriptions engraved on a huge slab standing in the Mahadwara and on the beams of the navaranga ranging in date from 1269-1550 AD. Give the details of the construction of the temple and several grants for the upkeep of the temple.

I would say, this is a well maintained architecture!

Time passed very fast. Its 4 PM now! Oops, hungry now…. fruits might help us again.

On the way back, found a sunflower farm and its the first time I’m seeing one in my life time… I never expected this as I was thinking that flower season is in Aug-Sep and that too near Gundalpet… Anyway it was an eyecatchy scenery for both of us. Took few pics. Few other family were also taking pics in the farm.

Another 45 min to reach back home… has not rained yet, huh! Is it, NO!! It started raining. I made her to wear the rain coat as it just started drizzling. By the time she wore it, heavy rain started. I was wearing a jacket which is rain proof to an extend, but wasn’t having a rain proof pant… which resulted in getting drench in the rain. Enjoyed the ride and rain for 30 minutes and it was a fun…

Reached back home by 5:30 PM… Concluded the trip by hoping for more trips…