English: Wonder of Incredible Ancient Architectural design

Chaya Someshwara swamy temple is ancient Hindu Temple dates back to 12th century built during Kunduru Cholas. It is located at Panagal, Nalgonda District of Telangana State, India. This area has been ruled by many kings even after independence. In that process, it is most worshipped religious place during Kakatiya Dynasty.

The temple got its name from the word “CHAYA” which means shadow in telugu, resembling the importance of this maze shadow (Chaya). There are three main deities namely – The Brahma, The Vishnu, and The Lord Shiva facing three different directions which are connected by Maha mandapam. This temple is also called as Thrikuntalayam as it has three deities. Famous festival that is celebrated is Maha Shivaratri.

The Chaya falls on the Deity Lord Shiva facing east like shadow of one of the pillars inside the temple but it is not the shadow of any single pillar. The importance lies when vertical shadow falls on the main deity Lord Shiva throughout the day from dawn to dusk at the same position. It is a huge mysterious attraction for the visitors as many architects failed to discover the actual facts yet.

This stupendous architectural temple marvel, built by the Kunduru, needs to be accounted for their highbrow thoughts to design. Many researchers worked hard to prove the mystery but still it is a unsolved. Conjecture reason for the shadow could be because of the reflections of the multiple pillars that stock-still the shadow (Chaya) on the Deity all day undisturbed.

Also, the pillars of the temple are decorated in great detail with relief sculpture of episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata.