Kasi Vishveswara Swami Temple of Penukonda: A Living Gallery of Stone

Tucked against the rugged green slopes of Penukonda hills, the Kasi Vishveswara Swami Temple stands as a stunning showcase of Vijayanagara-era craftsmanship. Though modest in scale compared to imperial temples of Hampi, this shrine captivates through its densely packed sculptural narrative that sprawls across the outer and inner prakara walls.

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Architectural Grandeur

The temple follows a typical Dravidian layout with a sanctum (garbhagriha), ardha-mandapa, and a spacious circumambulatory path encased within two prakaras. What makes it architecturally striking is the superb adhisthana (base moulding) and bhitti (wall surface) work.

The prakara walls are divided into repeating bays defined by slender kumbha panjaras , which not only provide rhythm to the façade but also act as narrative panels. The adhisthana is richly moulded with sequences of yali friezes, floral scrolls, and animal processions, setting the stage for the story-filled bhitti above.

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

A Stone Narrative Unfolds

The walls here are not blank stone canvases but animated surfaces. As one walks along the circumambulatory path, entire episodes come alive in sculptural form.

• Ramayana Episodes: Multiple panels depict scenes from the Ramayana - Rama breaking the bow, vanaras preparing for war, Ravana abducting Sita, and the bridge to Lanka.

• Pasupata Astra Legend: A rare sequence shows Arjuna receiving the Pasupata Astra from Shiva after intense penance – a series depicted in progressive stone panels.

• Ashta Dikpalakas: The guardians of eight directions appear on the upper registers in their traditional mounts, like Indra on Airavata and Yama on a buffalo.

• Shiva and Uma, Rishis, and Purushamriga: Several panels depict celestial couples, meditating sages, and even the mythic Purushamriga (half-man, half-beast) in devotional postures.

• Hunting and Court Scenes: There are scenes of women archers, hunters riding elephants, wrestlers in combat, and noblemen engaged in leisure.

• Nidhi Guardians: Shanka Nidhi and Padma Nidhi, signifying abundance and prosperity.

• Vijayanagara Emblem: The boar-and-sword insignia of the Vijayanagara Empire is carved with pride amidst the narrative panels.

The narrative density and the range of subjects covered make the walls a veritable open-air purana.

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Koshta Deities and Icons

The sanctum enshrines a Shiva Linga, referred to as Sri Vishveswara Swami. Facing the shrine is an imposing and elegant seated Nandi icon.

Along the temple walls are found the typical koshta deities: Ganesha, Dakshinamurti, Lingodhbava, Brahma and Durga. All of these icons appear to be relatively modern insertions into older niches.

Interestingly, a stucco image of Mahishasuramardini is placed in one of the niches, and the figure of Veerabhadra, finds space nearby.

Another beautiful addition is the Navagraha, featuring all nine planetary deities, accompanied by their consorts, which is relatively uncommon in temple iconography.

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Setting and Surroundings

The temple gains further visual charm from its backdrop of Penukonda's granite hills, which rise dramatically just behind the sanctum. This setting adds not just photogenic value but a sense of spiritual seclusion and elevation.

The current temple premises are neatly maintained, with open space for gatherings, seating, and minimal modern interference in the built structure.

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Final Reflections

The Viswanatha Temple of Penukonda may not make it to mainstream guidebooks, but for those who seek stone stories, forgotten iconographies, and the quiet grandeur of Vijayanagara aesthetics outside Hampi, this temple is a treasure. Every inch of the wall has something to tell, every sculpture a gesture frozen in time. It is not just a monument; it is a narrative carved in stone.

Happy travelling.

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple

Penukonda Viswanatha Temple