Enchanting Somnathpur and Brindavan Gardens

A day’s trip to Sonathpur and Brindavan Gardens with colleagues and researcher from the U.S Dr. Wayne Steward was something that was decided in a short span of time but was a best shot. The last time I went to Talakadu with colleagues and friend we missed Somnathpur which was just on the way! Aww... But I had never thought I’d get a chance to experience this lovely Hoysala temple so soon from the last time I missed. It also flashed our minds to visit our very own Brindavan Gardens. I had been to Brindavan several times but this time I got a view to my heart’s content with all my lovely colleagues. Thanks guys for all the wonderful moments I have shared with you… Wish time just froze :)

As we reached Somnathpur, a small village on the banks of the river Cauvery that was founded by the commander of the Hoyasala army, Somnath. The temple was consecrated in 1268 AD and is dedicated to Lord Keshava. As we entered the beautifully maintained lawn which held some of the stone sculptures was most welcoming. Amidst the lasting rural serenity I could see the Kesava temple, one of the grandest of the Hoysala monuments standing high in pride!

The Kesava temple at Somnathpur, resting 45 km from Mysore, is one of the most famous Hoysala temples in Karnataka, the two others at Belur an Halebid being equally famous.

This splendid temple has been built in the Hoyasala style of architecture . The Hoysalas were a mighty martial race who ruled large parts of present day Karnataka between 1100 and 1320 AD.

The temple is famous for its elaborate and intricate sculpturing and is built on an elevated star shaped platform. The sides of the raised platform are decorated with richly carved friezes, portraying rows of cavalry, elephants and scenes from the epics. The rows above have sculptures of Gods mainly Vishnu in various forms. The shrine has three shrines and three sanctums. The temple has three intricately carved pinnacles and a common Navranga. The northern sanctum has the idol of Lord Janardhana and the southern sanctum has the idol of Lord Venugopala. The main hall has exquisitely turned pillars and ceiling panels. The image of Lord Keshava that once adorned the main hall is missing today, but the other two still adorn the sanctums in their original form.

The temple is an example of the grand and glorious temples built by the Hoysala rulers. The names of the sculptors are inscribed on their works, which was a common practice during the reign of the Hoysalas. This Hoysala temple at Somnathpur, is truly unique in design, perfect in proportion and the stone carvings are striking marvels in stone! One can feel an eternal stillness and freshness in the air as if the place is if saying eternity grows here …

After the wonderful everlasting experience at Somnathpur, we reached Brindavan just around noon just on time for lunch. It was time to unpack all the delicious food my colleagues had bought and of course, I could never forget all the “team work” we put in to prepare those tasty (hmm ‘m not sure about that :) sandwiches!

The Brindavan garden is located about 19kms from the heart of Mysore. This beautiful garden was laid out below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam built across the river Cauvery. The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam (KRS) (known as Kannambadi to the locals) itself is a superb example of excellent engineering by Sir M. Vishveswariah, one of India's finest engineers, built it in 1924.

The dam is named after the then Maharaja of Mysore Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar who financed the dam. The dam is 3 kms long and is located at the confluence of the rivers -Cauvery, Hemavati and Lakshmanathritha. The lake that is formed by the dam is one of the largest in India. The dam is a multipurpose project conceived by Sir M. Vishveswariah for supplying water to the agricultural lands of Mandya and Mysore districts and for ensuring power supply to the Shivanasamudra project.

The gardens were designed by Sir Mirza Ismail another important and progressive Diwan of Mysore. Spread over an area of 150 acres, the Brindavan Gardens is considered one of the best gardens in India. The garden not only been meticulously laid out and has beautiful lawns and shrubs, but has thousands of fountains in different shapes and sizes that are lit with colorful lamps and are set to pleasant music.

The best time to visit the gardens is after sunset when all the bright colourful fountains come alive and seem to dance with joy to the accompanying music. This is a sight worth beholding as the entire garden is transformed into a fairyland. Well we wished we could stay back till then hmm… not all in life happens as per your wish :)