The Pachala Someswara temple consists of four shrines on a square plan, a shared mandapam and 70 intricately carved pillars.
Based on the inscriptional evidence and architectural style of the temple, it is dated to the 11th-12th century CE. The temple was probably built during the rule of Kanduru Chodas and Prataparudra I of Kakatiya Empire over the Panagal region.[2] The ground plan of the temple is markedly different from other shrines in Telangana. It has four shrines and three of the shrines are arranged on the western side while one is on the eastern side with a common and large rectangular mandapam. The main shrine is dedicated to Shiva who is in the form of a Linga made out of green onyx stone (Pacha in Telugu) and hence the name Pachala Someswara.[5] It has a pillared hall at the end of which is a Nandi facing the presiding deity Pachala Someswara (Siva linga).
The temple has 70 pillars with intricate carvings depicting stories of Vishnu and Shiva. Scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabaratha were exquisitely carved onto the pillars and the walls of the temple.[1] One of the temple legends states that just below the shining lingam in the temple there used to be a very big and brilliant emerald which was stolen during the numerous Islamic raids in the region.[6]
Museum
Panagal museum, an archaeological museum was established in the premises of the temple in February 1982. Spread over three acres, it has a collection of around 640 art objects and antiquities.[7] The museum also has statues and sculptures of various Hindu deities dating back to the Andhra Ikshvaku dynasty of 3rd century CE.[8]
Gallery
Pachala Someswara temple
A complete upper relief on outer temple walls, lower reliefs are damaged
The temple has four shrines that share a mandapa with 70 pillars, many depicting Vedic and Puranic legends
Nandi
Ganesha
A relief on the temple walls depicting dancers and musicians