Ancient Temple with Hoysala Architecture - Sri Soumyakeshava Swamy Temple, Nagamangala

Sri Soumyakeshava Swamy Temple, Nagamangala

This is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka state located in Nagamangala town in Mandya district around 70 KMs from Mysore City and 125Kms from Bengaluru.

Since it was half a day visit, we started our journey to this temple post lunch. It took us approximately around 2.5 hours to reach this place. The roads leading to this temple are very narrow and in few places, google maps misguides you. Hence once you enter Nagamangala, please ask locals for directions to the temple. We reached temple at around 4:30 PM and the first look of this temple as you enter from the narrow roads gives you a WOW moment.

Unfortunately it was closed but the temple caretaker opened the temple main door for us and allowed to explore the temple premises from outside. However, the keys to the main temple which hosts Lord’s deity were with the priest. He told us that the priest will come at around 5-5:30. So until then we decided to explore the temple premises from outside.  

This is the oldest temple of Hoysala Era and it is very evident with the architectural styles you will find around. 

Walk along the temple corridor is a visual treat since the temple is as beautiful as every other Vijaynagara temple, with its intricately designed walls, ceilings and beautiful pillars. The surroundings were very clean and well maintained.

While taking parikrama we saw a small well and found some small turtles there. And then we sat there for some time admiring the sheer beauty of the temple in front of us.

Around 5:15 PM the temple priest arrived, and we were let inside the main temple. As you enter this sanctum from the door, you will be led into one large Mahamantapam (large pillared gathering hall). The roof of the closed mantapa is supported by lathe turned pillars, a standard feature in Hoysala constructions. The temple gets its name from the "serene" (lit, "Saumya") six feet tall image of Keshava, a form of the Hindu Lord Vishnu that stands on a Garuda (eagle) pedestal. On the left side, you will find Lord Krishna’s idol with Rukmini and Satyabhama on his sides. On the right side, you will find Lord Lakshmi Narasimha. You will also find Adi Shesha naga in the same Mahamantapam(large pillared gathering hall). The temple priest told us that people with Naga dosha come here to offer prayers or any other kind of seva. 

Post darshan, the caretaker was super excited to explain the history of this temple and give us a walkthrough of the most important attraction of this temple which is Naga Mandala.

When you stand at the center of the Mahamantapa, you will find Naga Mandala on the ceiling. You will find one big shanka surrounded by 108 shankha’s. You can also find Adi Shesha snake wrapped to the big main Shankha and due to this it gives you an appearance of hanging lotus bud. This place is called Parihara Kshetra. For any Naga dosha, kala sarpa dosha, financial problems, health issues or any kind of problems, you can offer prayers here. Hence it is called Praihara kshetra. And it is believed htat if you stand beneath this Naga Mandala and do sakalpa or offer prayers its more effective. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to click pictures from inside. Hence I don’t have any pictures to post here. But this place is really worth the visit. 

There is also a Yoga Narasimha temple right behind this temple. You can come out of SoumyaKeshava temple and walk towards the back to visit this temple. 

When we reached there, temple was closed and locals told that it opens after 6:30 PM. We waited for sometime and since it was getting dark decided to leave and visit this next time. Don’t miss to visit these 2 temples whenever you plan a drive towards Nagamangala. But please make sure you inquire on the temple operating hours and plan accordingly. 

This place is a perfect weekend getaway for those who are interested in ancient historical architectural carvings and also for those who are looking for sublime divine experience.