Chennakesava Temple - Sompalle - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 300 m from Sompalle Bus Stop, 40 km from Horsley Hills and 47 km from Madanapalle, Sri Chennakesava Temple is situated in Sompalle Village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

This Hindu temple was built by a local chieftain of the later Cholas and considerably improved by Vijayanagara kings during early 16th century. This temple is one of the finest temples in Andhra Pradesh with very rich artistic sculptures, nicely carved pillars and many mural paintings. The unique feature of the temple is the 52 feet high monolith pillar (dwajasthambha) with wonderful carvings throughout.

The interior of the temple is very ornate and has preserved traces of paintings depicting episodes from the Ramayana epic. Inside the enclosure the mandapa or hall that precedes the main Vishnu shrine has an overhanging double-curved eave with a brick and plaster parapet above. The columns are richly carved with figures of the divinities and the brackets have pendant buds. The beams have painted medallions and friezes.

The kalyana mandapa in the south-west corner of the temple complex consists of four square columns raised on a platform decorated with friezes. The columns, the brackets and the doorways are carved with miniature figures, animals and scrollwork. The stone car with four granite wheels, uyyala mandapa, and small mandapa with tall pillars are wonderful features of this temple.

In order to reach this place from Horsley Hills or Madanapalle by public transportation, take Kadiri bus and get down at Mulakala Cheruvu (33 km from Horsley Hills and 41 km from Madanapalle). Sompalle is 7 km from here and can be reached by Bus, Auto or shared taxis.