Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/55fyoGx5990
References:
https://nalgonda.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/chaya-someshwaralayam/
Location: “Sri Chaya Someshwara Temple, 37GW+X3Q, Nalgonda,
Telangana 508004”
Chaya Someswara Temple is a Saivite Hindu temple located in Panagal, Nalgonda district of Telangana.
The temple was constructed in 11th-century
during the rule of the Kunduru Chodas (a branch of Telugu Cholas)
by the Ikshvakus.
The temple
got the name as it is believed that the formation of relentless shadow (Chaya
in Telugu) of a pillar falls over the main deity of Shiva lingam throughout the
day. This amazing temple, engineered by the Kunduru, testifies the fantastic
creative thinking and scientific knowledge of its architects.
The temple is situated around 42 KMs from
Suryapet and around 104 KMs from Hyderabad.
Many clusters of historic Hindu temples
dating between 6th and 14th century in a band extending from western Telangana
through northern Chhattisgarh state, showing a blend of influences between the
northern and southern Indian style of temple architecture. In Panagal, both
Shaiva and Vaishnava temples and artwork is found. Of these, Pachala and Chaya
temples are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These Shiva temples include
shrines and artwork dedicated to Vishnu and other Hindu deities (Surya,
Dattatreya e.g.). The reliefs, panels and artwork on the walls and square
pillars in these temples largely depict famous legends from the Vedas, Puranas
and major epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata).
Architecture
The temple is a pure Dravidian
architecture with the shikhara above a typical pyramid shaped Garbagriha. There
are however no gopurams around. It’s one of the finest examples of Dravidian
architecture with motifs, carvings and exquisite pillars all throughout. It is
situated on the side of a beautiful lake and is a treat to visit. The complex houses three deities – Surya,
Vishnu and Shiva facing three different directions connected by common
mahamandapa. The temple also demonstrates wonderful sculpture and art work. Of
the three shrines, the main shrine is dedicated to Shiva, another to Vishnu,
and third to Surya (sun god). The temple is highly ornate and richly carved,
though with many signs of intentional damage to face, ears, limbs or chopped
out Nandi heads during 14th- to 18th-century regional wars between Islamic
sultanates and Hindu kingdoms.
The pillars of the temple are decorated in
great detail with relief sculpture of episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Several sculptures collected from this area are preserved at the museum
constructed in the compound of Pachala Someswara Swamy temple. Some of the
ancient shivalingas preserved in the museum were collected from a village
called Yelleswaram, which was submerged during the construction of Pachala
Ramalingeshwara Temple lies 1.2 km from Sri Chaya Someshwara Temple in Panagal
Village is another wonderful place that can be visited.
The
Mysterious Shadow and exceptional architecture
The major
attraction of this temple is its mysterious shadow/Chaya on which the temple
has been named too. There is shadow that falls on the main deity, Shiva Lingam.
The shadow is apparent even today when you visit the temple. Although there is
not pillar in front of the lingam, a shadow appears in the form of one of the
pillars that have been sculpted outside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. It
was till recently that it was a mystery that many failed to solve.
However, now it is
known that it is the result of complex architecture and scientific
calculations. It is nothing less than an architectural wonder that the shadow
is created through the reflection of light through various pillars which have
been placed strategically in front of scared chamber.
Parking and Photography
The temple has proper dedicated parking
for vehicles.
Photography is allowed and Drones can be
easily used too from inside the complex from the other end of the lake.
How
to reach:
By Road: Nearest bus stand is Panagal
around 1.4 KMs. Major nearest city is Nalgonda around 4 KM
By Train: Nalgonda railway station which
is around 4 KMs from the temple
By Air: Hyderabad Airport around 95 KMs
Nearby
places to visit:
·
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (69
KMs)
·
Pillalamarri Shiva Temple
(40 KMs)
·
Pachala Someshwara Temple
(1.2 KMs)
·
Kundala Sathyanarayana
Kala Dhamam Mythological museum
·
Bhongir Fort (72 KMs)
·
Kapurala Gutta (6.5 KMs)
·
Sri Ranganayaka Swamy
Gutta
·
Musi River
·
Phanigiri Buddhist Site
(59.5 KMs)
Famous
Festivals:
Mahashivaratri
Timings:
·
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
·
Afternoon: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM