Chaya Someswara Swamy temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the Telangana state of India. Also known as `Thrikutalayam`, it is situated in Panagal village, Nalgonda district of Telangana. It was founded by the Ikshvaku Dynasty during 11th - 12th centuries. The temple is known for its architecture. Devotees and tourists flock to this temple in large numbers at the time of Sivarathri.
Etymology of Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple
This historical temple got its name from its mystifying `Chaya` which in English means `shadow`. The formation of shadow of a pillar falls over the main deity of Shivalingam from dawn to crepuscule.
Attractions of Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple
One of the santum sanctorum situated in the west and facing east contains a continuing shadow in the type of one pillar throughout the day. This mysterious shadow is a huge attraction of the temple.
However, it is said that it is not actually the shadow of any pillar; it is a dark region where light does not fall. The door sill of the same chamber basically forms the shadow. Unaware of the wave properties of light, the architect of eleventh century built the temple in such a way that the light enters the inner chamber through two narrow gapes between pillars and wall on either side of entrance and diffracts. Due to this reason, it looks like a shadow of a pillar.
In addition to this mystery, the amazing architecture of this temple is also a crowd puller. Engineered by the Kunduru Cholas, this temple is accepted as Thrikutalayam. It reveals the fantastic creative thinking and scientific consciousness of the architects. The pillars and walls of the temple exhibit scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabaratha. The temple is also adorned with other images that reveal the fine craftsmanship of the sculptors. Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple is an epitome of beauty, arts and spectacle.
Connectivity of Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple
Hyderabad is 102 km away from Nalgonda and by road Nalgonda is 4 km away from Panagal. Bus services can be availed from any part of the city to reach this temple. The nearest railway station is located at Nalgonda.
