File:11th 12th century Chaya Someshwara Temple, Panagal Telangana India - 33.jpg

English: Panagal (Nalgonda) region of Telangana state has been a major Shaivism pilgrimage center. Many clusters of historic Hindu temples dating between 6th and 14th century are found in the region and in a band extending from western Telangana through northern Chhattisgarh state. These temples show a blend of influences between the northern and southern Indian style of temple architecture.

In Panagal, both Shaiva and Vaishnava temples and artwork is found. Of these, Pachala and Chaya temples are dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. These Shiva temples include shrines and artwork dedicated to Vishnu and other Hindu deities (Surya, Dattatreya e.g.). The reliefs, panels and artwork on the walls and square pillars in these temples largely depict famous legends from the Vedas, Puranas and major epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata).

The Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple was built during 11th&12th centuries by the Ikshvakus, during the reign of Kunduru Cholas. It consists of three shrines and a shared mandapam with many pillars. The design and alignment of the temple pillars is such that there is always a shadow (chaya) all day in every season on the Shiva Lingam in the sanctum of the second shrine. This feature has led to its name "Chaya" Someshwara temple (mandir). It is also called Chaya Someswara Swamy Alayam.

Of the three shrines, the main shrine is dedicated to Shiva, another to Vishnu, and third to Surya (sun god). The temple is highly ornate and richly carved, though with many signs of intentional damage to face, ears, limbs or chopped out Nandi heads during 14th- to 18th-century regional wars between Islamic sultanates and Hindu kingdoms.

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