Cycling to Sri Soumyakeshava Temple, Nagamangala

Cycling to Nagamangala - Soumyakeshava Temple 

• Distance to starting location from Bangalore: ~145 km
• Starting location: Melukote
• Cycling distance: ~45 kms 
• Destination: Sri Soumyakeshava Swami, Nagamangala
• One week before trek to Buran Ghati, Himachal Pradesh.  
• Road Condition: Very good roads and hardly any traffic. One the way, it was downhill and return was almost flat. 

Before Start of Bicycle Ride 

Four of us met near Sandal Soap Factory near yeshwantpur and started in 2 cars. instead of stopping at the usual place for breakfast at Dhurvatare on NH 75 ( Bangalore Hassan Road) we drove all the way to Melukote.

Very reason to reach Melukote, was to visit the famous 'Subbana Mess' for sumptuous breakfast. Usually, don't take large portions of breakfast before ride but food at 'Subbana's mess' was so awesome, we did load a little more.

Deciced not to visit the temple before the ride but visit after the ride as the temple was not open by the time we reached Melukote.

On the Way

Ride on the way to temple was downhill and the road has trees most of the way and hardly any traffic. 

Many villages and shops on the way, but didn't stop for break/tea.

On the return, original idea was to visit Basaralu (One of the top rated hoysala temple). But it took a while at the temple, so decided to return back on a different road. 

At the destination Sri Soumyakeshava Swami Temple

Temple has been modernised to an extent and a huge gopura is built in front of the original temple. Only back of the temple is old.

Were told not to take pictures inside and enjoyed the spiritual vibes without worrying of taking picures.

• Trikoota Temple. With three shrines but one Shikara (Gopura). Temple has Jagathi (Platform)
• Front part of the temple is rebuilt after hoysala perod
• Single gopura with no Kalasa (Water pot)  on the sanctum sanctorum of Sri. Soumya Keshava 
• Not many sculptures or idols on the periphery of the temple
• Look for 
• Exquisite snake at the center of the ceiling in the Navaranga
• Intricate carving on the gopura of the main deity 
  
  
  

Deities and brief history

Temple was supposed to built in 12th  century. The three deities are of Sri. Soumya Keshava, idol is about 6 feet tall and on the pedestal of Garuda.

The other 2 deities are Sri. Venu Gopala and Sri. Lakshmi Narasimha.

Temple was crowded with some Puja was ongoingi and the priest asked us to wait to see the Abhisheka. We spent around an hour and it was a great spiritual satisfaction.

Ride Details:

Date: 15th Jun 2024 (Saturday) 
Weather: Mostly Sunny and Occasional clouds, max  30 °C

Start Time: 9:00 AM

End Time:  3:00 PM

Ride Time: 3H 35M

Overall Rating for Sri Soumyakeshava Swami Temple

3 out of 5

5: Excellent - Plan your ride ASAP
4: Must Try - Add to your bucket list 
3: Average - If you are close by then visit
2: Unrewarding - Look for another destination 
1: Don't take a chance - Not worth it