The Chennakesava Temple located at Somanathapura ( about 1 hour drive from Mysuru, Karnataka) is one of India’s finest architectural stone-cut temples. This temple was built in 1268 C.E. by Soma, a Dandanayaka (lit, “commander”) Â under Hoysala king Narasimha III when the Hoysala Empire was the major power in South India. If you visit Mysuru, take a trip to Somanathpura to admire the architectural beauty of this temple.