Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/hn1_sUEXbjg
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nameswara_Temple,_Pillalamarri
Location: “Sri Parvati Mahadeva Nameswara swami temple,
5H9M+PR8, Pillalamarri Rd, Pilalamarri, Pillala Marri Rural, Telangana 508376”
Also known as Parvati
Mahadeva Nameshwara temple, this is a Saivite Hindu temple located in
Pillalamarri village of Suryapet district of Telangana, India, It is a double
temple, with the Nameshwara temple (Alayam) aligned in parallel to it on the
immediate south.
The
Nameswara temple was constructed on the banks of the Musi river in c. 1202 CE
by Namireddi of the Recherla family, who ruled this region and served as the
feudatories of Kakatiyas. Double temples of Nameshwara Temple is one among the four prominent and intricately carved stone and
granite temples located in Pillalamarri village—the other three are about 250
metres east of the Erakeswara temple. These include the two other temples: Erakeshwara Temple and the 4th
being the Chennakesava Temple (Vishnu) in ruins that is a few hundred feet southwest
of the double temples. They are all from 12th to early 13th century period.
Architecture:
The temple
is on a square plan with four entrances and associated ardhamandapas. The main
mandapa has a granite Nandi, intricately carved and decorated with jewellery.
The pillars are simpler, and are not as carved as the other temples in this
village. The spire is missing (with signs of being pulled down), yet the
architecture of the temple as it remains is remarkable.
The first
temple consists of a porch leading to the entrance which is facing east and
there is a hall behind it (sort of Ardha Mandapa). This is followed by the
antarala and garbhagudi (sanctum) in the western direction. The mandapa has
space and pitha for a large Nandi, but it is missing (the nearby temple has a
finely carved granite Nandi). The walls of the temple contain frescos. One of the paintings depicts Samudra mathanam with Devas and Asuras on the opposite sides holding the serpent Vasuki
as a string wound round Mount Mandara which acts as the churning rod. The contemporary Vimana of the temple is modern in a
style closer to Nagara architecture. According to
photographs of this temple taken in 1926, the original Vimana had been lost and
broken portions were on top of the sanctum.
The second
temple is more flatter in appearance and without even a shikhara above the
sanctum. Probably it was destroyed and never restored. But the pillars and
walls are still covered with extensive sculptures.
This and
other temples in Pillalamari were badly damaged after 14th-century, during the
wars between Hindu kingdoms and Islamic Sultanates. This temple's stone statues
such as of Ganesha and others show significant violence and defacement (chopped
faces or nose, chopped limbs, and in some cases beheading). The temple premises
retain ruins and local population has put back broken statues of Ganesha and
other deities into the temple for active worship. This and other temples are
under review and conservation efforts by the Telangana government. They have
numbers stamped on them, a part of the preservation and restoration efforts.
How to reach:
By Road: The temple is around 8 KMs
from Suryapet bus stand. Any local commute like auto can be hired from
Suryapet.
By Rail: Nalgonda Railway station
is around 45 KMs from erakeshwara temple. Also Rayanguda (RYCA) is a railway
station which is in Suryapet district
By Air: Hyderabad airport is the
nearest airport.
Parking and Photography:
There is no dedicated parking, but
parking your vehicle is not an issue.
Photography is full allowed. Drones
can be used easily.
Timings:
All Days 06:00 AM - 12:30 PM 05:00
PM - 08:00 PM