Panagal

 
The shrines of Panagal
constitute perhaps the finest examples of the medieval deccan temples. The temple complex consists of the main shrine dedicated to Siva with the Nandi mandapa in front. The architecture of the temple is the finest. It has 66 pillars. The four central pillars of the mandapa are highly ornate at the bottom and, on them, the scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are depicted. The perfected-screen pattern on the flanks in various dancing poses displays the supreme workmanship accomplished during that period. Dancers and hair styles also adorn the outer walls. These are specially noted for their graceful carving. The beauty of their proportion and the vibrant texture of the shapes which enrich the exterior and their impressive clarity testify the architectural genius of their builders. They also reveal the high perfection reached by the sculptors and architects of that age. The Kakatiya Stapati mastered the idioms of the earlier Chalukya style.
  

         

        

The Chayala Somesvara temple is yet another temple near Panagal. The temple is known for the Chhaya (shadow) of Siva Linga which is said to be stationary from sunrise to sunset. The technique of the architect is unique. It is regarded as the most imaginative work of the Kakatiya architecture. The temple also contains valuable inscriptions of Rudramba's time.

The most conspicuous feature of the Pandya style was the emergence of the monumental gateway or Gopuram which is the dominant point of temple complex. The walls of the temples imposed an ornamental appearance. The gateways are treated with rich plastic decorations

 

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