Pachala Someswara Temple Panagal

Pachala Someswara Temple is a prominent Shaivite temple situated in Panagal, a village located in the Nalgonda district of Telangana.The ancient temple looks has 70 pillars with intricate carvings depicting stories of Vishnu and Shiva,as well as episodes from ancient Indian epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is recognized for its unique idol of the deity, which is carved out of green onyx. This distinctive feature gives the temple its name, as “Pacha” in Telugu means “green.”
The temple also features a Nandi (sacred bull) situated at the end of a pillared hall, facing the presiding deity, Lord Pachala Someswara.

The Pachala Someswara Temple dates back to the 11th to 12th centuries CE. It is believed to have been constructed during the rule of the Kunduru Chodas and Prataparudra I of the Kakatiya Empire, who governed the Panagal region during that period.

According to one legend, beneath the radiant Lingam in the temple, there used to be a massive and brilliant emerald. This precious gem was said to have been stolen during various Islamic raids in the region.

It is a popular pilgrimage site during Maha Shivaratri.