File:11th 12th Century Chaya Someshwara Temple, Panagal Telangana India - 18.jpg
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.
The image has been donated to the public domain by the photographer (P. Madhusudan). The donation and licensing rights are covered by Ticket 2021010810000756. The uploader (Ms Sarah Welch) has reviewed and modified the images. Any creative rights I have as an uploader, I herewith donate it to public domain and wikimedia commons.(Reusing this file)