Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/55fyoGx5990
References:
https://nalgonda.telangana.gov.in/places-of-interest/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachala_Someswara_Temple
Location: “Ancient Shri Pachchala Someshwara Swamy Temple,
37HQ+V7M, vt temple backside, Panagal, Nalgonda, Telangana 508001”
Around 1.4 KMs
from Chaya Someshwara temple, is the Shaivite temple, Pacchala someshwara
temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main idol of the deity at the temple is
carved out of green onyx, which is the source of the temple's
name—Pacha meaning "green" in Telugu. The
temple dates back to the 11th or 12th centuries CE. Based on the inscriptional
evidence and the architectural style, the Pachala Someswara temple is dated to
the 11th-12th century CE. It was probably built during the rule of Kanduru Chodas and Prataparudra I of Kakatiya
Empire who ruled over the Panagal region. The temple has 4
shrines, the four shrines face into a large, common mandapa that
was originally open, but is now crudely walled in. Columns here have their
shafts covered with reliefs, as do the basements and walls of the shrines.
These well-preserved, exquisite carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, and popular
legends represent a sculptural tradition that has mainly been lost in
Telangana. One of the best sculptor works that I have visited till date,
the temple is currently under renovation and is a treat to visit.
Architecture
The architecture of the temple is unique
with no fixed pattern being followed. There are 2 main shikharas and 1 small
shikhara above a typical pyramid shaped Garbagriha with No gopurams in the
compound. There is a huge mandapa with 4 shrines. These shrines are
arranged three on the western side while there is only one on the eastern side
with a common and large rectangular mandapam. The historic temple represents
the rich legacy of Panagal region in Nalgonda district with its finest
sculptural works. The mandapa is built on pillars with exquisite carvings and
sculptures of stories from various Hindu scriptures. The temple features 70
pillars, each adorned with intricate carvings that depicts stories of Vishnu and Shiva
along with tales from Hindu Scriptures like Ramayana and Mahabharata. One of
the temple legends tells of a very big and brilliant emerald that
once rested beneath the shining lingam.
According to the legend, this emerald was stolen during the numerous Islamic
raids in the region.
Parking and Photography
The temple has proper dedicated parking
for vehicles.
Photography is allowed and Drones can be
easily used too from inside the temple.
How
to reach:
By Road: Nearest bus stand is Panagal
around 400 meters. Major nearest city is Nalgonda around 3 KM
By Train: Nalgonda railway station which
is around 3 KMs from the temple
By Air: Hyderabad Airport around 92 KMs
Nearby
places to visit:
·
Sri Meenakshi
Agasteswara Swamy Temple (70 KMs from Nalgonda) also known for Sangam of Musi
river and River Krishna
·
Nagarjuna Sagar Dam (69
KMs)
·
Pillalamarri Shiva Temple
(40 KMs)
·
Chaya 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