Durga | ✓

11. Light Diffraction Temple

Durga went to the room, fidgeting with her dupatta. Rudra noticed that Durga used to fidget with her dupatta whenever she would be nervous.

Why is she nervous?

" Durga please have a seat." said Rudra pointing at the chair in front of him. Durga sat down, constantly looking down. Rudra read the draft.

Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple

Thirukutalayam or Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple, at Pangal, Nalgonda, Andhra Pradesh is a temple which astonishes common people development of science in 11th century. An epitome of architectural marvel, the temple built by Kunduru Cholas, reveals the scientific consciousness of our architects.

The temple was built in between 11th and 12th centuries by Ikshvaku family. Pangal is an important religious place during Kakatiya period. An inscription mentioning the name of Kakatiya's greatest king Pratap Rudra on this temple supports the claim that these temples were constructed for the greater glory of the Kakatiya ruler's favorite god 'Shiva'.

Thirukutalayam derives its name Chaya Someswara Swamy Temple from the mystifying undisturbed shadow(chaya) formed. One of the Garbhagriha, which is in the west and facing east, designated as the main temple of the Thrikutalayam contains a constant shadow in the form of a single pillar from dawn to dusk.

Throwing light on the mysterious phenomenon, it is revealed that the properties of light particularly scattering was responsible for the formation of the single shadow. The pillars in front of the Garbhagriha (west) are placed in such a way that they allow formation of single shadow by scattering of light irrespective of the position of the sun.

The eleventh century architect might be aware of light diffraction and he constructed the temple in such a way that the light enters the inner chamber diffracting through two narrow passages on either side of the pillars in front of the chamber. The diffracted light enters the chamber making shadow of edges of entrance crisscrossing one with another leaving a gap between them.

" Thank you Durga." said Rudra who had finished reading the draft. Durga looked up, surprised.

" Sir?" asked Durga. She was unable to speak any word.

" Your draft has actually helped my company. Arvind had to agree with us. Otherwise his post could have been in danger. Our company will be recognised now. Now I may give all my employees the proper salary which they deserve. Your idea gave us good amount of money. It was like Godddess Lakshmi showered her wealth."

Durga got scared suddenly. She started breathing heavily.

" From the day you have entered the house I am always into some financial trouble. People say when a bride enters her husband's house she brings good luck to the family. You will always bring bad luck to whichever place you will go. You are actually a curse."

" Did I ever said anything to you regarding your gambling habits?"

" You are a woman. You should listen to me." said Indrajeet and slapped her.

" What do you think you are doing? Why do you always slap me? You are a failure. You have failed as son. As a brother. As a husband. Don't vent your anger on me."

Indrajeet took her to the room and locked her for two days. Without food and water.

" Durga! Are you okay? Why are you breathing heavily? Is there any problem? Should I call a doctor?"

He is concerned for you.

Why?

Because I am his employee.

How sure are you about that?

" No Sir. I think if I drink some water then that would be fine." said Durga and got up. Immediately, the door swung and Rosy entered the room.

" Sir I think we are in deep trouble." said Rosy.

" What?" asked Rudra, getting up from his chair.

" Please attend the phone call." pleaded Rosy. Rudra and Rosy left the room leaving Durga all alone.

Am I really a curse which Indrajeet spoke about?

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Garbhagriha : Sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Kakatiya period : Ruling period of Kakatiya dynasty. The most notable ruler of this dynasty was Rani Rudramadevi.

Okay so I was telling about this temple marvel which will make you think we Indians are smart. Don't you agree?

Thank you for reading.