The Chhaya Someshwara Temple in Telangana is a Shiva temple built by the Chola kings in the 11th century. In the garbhagriha behind Shiv Linga there is a mysterious, long shadow which is there all the time. It is amazing to note that there is no such object which can be said to be the origin of this shadow. The temple is located at Pangal village in Nalgonda district of Telangana, 100 km from Hyderabad.
The construction of this ancient temple is very beautiful and many incidents from “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” are carved on its pillars. Apparently the temple and its architecture seem very simple. The significance though is in the long (pillar) shadow which is constantly seen on the backside of the Shiv Linga. Devotees claim this shadow to be ‘Parvati’ or Gauri of Shiva, because Parvati is there, where Shiva is.
Normally any shadow should change the location as per the position of the Sun during the day. However, the most surprising fact about this shadow is that it is fixed in one position, it does not change its position with the movement of the Sun. Another important reason why this shadow seems astonishing is that there is not a single pillar in front of the sanctuary that can be said to be the reason for the shadow.
This temple is not very famous and it is not very crowded. There is always a kind of natural peace and tranquility in this temple. Ambience is perfect for meditation.
In order to unravel the mystery of this shadow, some scientists tried to study it. These scientists say that the existence of shadows depends on the theory of diffraction of light in physics. But mere narration of theory doesn't unfold the mystery. The real secret actually lies in the structure of the temple and the construction of the temple.
The shadow that is seen is actually the shadow of four pillars in front of the Garbhagriha, merged in one. To make this happen the accuracy of the location of these pillars and size and diameter of the pillars is essential. The extent and level of calculations and understanding demonstrated by the architect of the temple is astonishing. We bow to the knowledge and perfection demonstrated in temple architecture by our ancestors.
