India has always continued to baffle travelers as well as historians and architects across the globe for some of its most ancient and mysterious architecture - one such lesser known places is located in the youngest State of India - Telangana - Sri Chaya Someswara Temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple attracted me for its architectural wonder - the shadow (Chaya) on the Lord Shiva's lingam attracts not only ardent Shiva Devotees but also inquisitive travelers like me.
Like my typical Sunday rides, I had got up early but decided to leave for this place around 6:00 AM since this place was located only around 100 kms from Hyderabad - too short a distance than my usual weekend rides. It took me around 30 minutes to get out of the busy city traffic and hit the open roads.
Another 60 minutes and I had crossed the Hyderabad - Vijaywada Expressway Toll and before I could realize, I had reached my destination. The place has got ample parking space for visitors that was well maintained. As you enter the premises, there is a pond bang opposite to the front gate of the temple premises where one can wash their feet and hands before entering the temple.
📍 Nalgonda | Telangana | India
Distance (from Hyderabad): 107 kms
Google Map Link:
As you enter the premises, you are left in awe at the intricately carved pillars and sculptures of the temple - the pillars are carved with stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha. This temple was built during 11th and 12th centuries by the Ikshvaku family and got its name from the ever present shadow on the lingam.
After having explored the temple compound, I finally decided to step into the main temple that had its major attraction - the mysterious shadow that testifies the creative thinking and scientific knowledge of our architects from the past and often leaves me wondering if we really progressed in time!
The shadow (Chaya) that falls on the Shiva Linga looks like a shadow of one of the pillars carved in front of the sacred chamber, but it is actually not. Historians say that the dark area that is formed is due to the reflection of light through multiple pillars placed in front of garbhagriha and the shadow is a consolidated shadow of those four pillars. The pillars in the temple are strategically placed so that the light falls at the same place throughout the day - now isn't that a wonder worth visiting and checking?
One thing that really sets this temple apart from most of the popular temples in Telangana or even in other states is that this place is not commercialized and hence you can find this place pretty well maintained and strikingly peaceful. The best part is that this place is open throughout, however the temple timings are from 6 AM - 12 Noon and from 2 PM - 8 PM.
As usual before I end this blog, I would request everyone not to litter and leave every place better for our future generations to be also able to enjoy the beauty that these places have to offer.
Travel Tips: Carry sufficient water - and ensure to carry a garbage bag to ensure that you do not leave the waste and litter behind. Also try to carry food or have it just before you reach this place as there are no eateries nearby.
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