Cover Story : Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple
About the Temple
Chaya Someshwara temple, also known as Trikutalayam, was built during 11th-12th centuries by Cholas. It is believed that the formation of relentless shadow (Chaya in Telugu) of a pillar falls over the main deity of Shivalingam throughout the day. This amazing temple, engineered by the Kunduru, testifies the fantastic creative thinking and scientific knowledge of India's ancient architects.
What to See
The complex houses three deities—Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva facing three different directions connected by common mahamandapa.
Mysterious Shadow: Look for the shadow that forms on the Garbhagudi located in the west and facing east. The constant shadow in the form of a single pillar is visible from dawn to dusk.
The chaya that falls on the deity looks like a shadow of one of the pillars due to the strategically placed pillars.
Pillars of the temple: The pillars of the temple are decorated in great detail with sculptures of episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Museum: Several sculptures collected from the area are preserved at the museum constructed in the compound of temple. Some of the ancient shivalingas preserved in the museum were collected from a village called Yelleswaram, which was submerged during the construction of Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
How to Reach
The temple is at a distance of 1.4 kms from Panagal Bus Station, 4 kms from Nalgonda Bus Station and 104 kms from Hyderabad. Buses are available from Hyderabad to Nalgonda. Taxis or Auto rickshaws can be hired at the Nalgonda Bus station to reach the temple.
