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Context

• The Sangameswara Temple got submerged in the Srisailam project's backwaters in Nandyal district due to heavy inflow.

Sangameswara Temple

Location:

• Sangameswara temple is in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh.

Proximity:

• Situated near Muchumarri at the confluence of the Krishna and Bhavanasi rivers.

Construction:

• Built in 740 AD by Chalukya ruler Pulakesi II. Originally located where the Tungabhadra and Krishna Rivers merged, it was dismantled and reconstructed rock-to-rock at its current site in 1979 due to the Srisailam Dam construction.

Architectural Features:

• Built in Nagara style on an elevated platform with a fortified wall.
• Features a large hall with 12 pillars, a sanctum, and a circumambulatory path.
• Ceiling relief of Nagaraja; pillars have carvings of Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Kumaraswamy, and celestial figures.
• Outer wall carvings include Ardhanareeswara, Ganesha, Siva killing demon, Harihara, Manmadha, Yama, and Shiva with 18 hands.
• Carvings of crocodiles with human figures inside at all four corners.
• Outer walls have beautifully carved Toranas and lattice windows.

Additional Features:

• Small shrine of Lord Venkateswara near the main entrance.
• Large Nandi mandapa opposite the temple.
• Several inscriptions on the temple pillars and a pillar near the Nandi mandapa.

Religious Significance:

• Temple's wooden Lingam, Sangameshwaram, is believed to have been installed by Dharmaraja, a Pandava, after visiting Srisailam Mallikarjuna temple.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Who built the Kudala Sangameswara Temple, which was relocated due to the Srisailam Dam construction? A) Pulakesi I B) Pulakesi II C) Vikramaditya I D) Somesvara I Answer: B) Pulakesi II

SOURCE: THE HINDU