Kopeshwar temple
Kopeshwar Temple at Khidrapur | |
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Kopeshwar Temple at Khidrapur | |
Kopeshwar Temple at Khidrapur Location in Maharashtra | |
Name | |
Proper name | Shri Kopeshwar |
Geography | |
Coordinates | 16°42′00″N 74°41′5″E / 16.70000°N 74.68472°ECoordinates: 16°42′00″N 74°41′5″E / 16.70000°N 74.68472°E |
Country | India |
State/province | Maharashtra |
District | Kolhapur |
Culture | |
Primary deity | Shiva |
History and governance | |
Date built | 11th century |
Kopeshwar Temple is at Khidrapur, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. It is at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka It is also accessible from Sangli as well. It was built by Shilahara King Gandaraditya in the 12th century by Shilahara kings Gandaraditya, Vijayaditya and Bhoj-2 between 1109 and 1178 AD and then by Seuna Yadavas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the Krishna river. This temple got recently came into discussion when the film shoot of Katyar Kaljat Ghusali was done for the song of "Shiv Bhola Bhandari" in the temple.
Structure
It has a vestibule with an open top. the sanctum is conical. The exterior has stunning carvings of deities and secular figures. Elephant statues sustain the weight of the temple at the base. ln the interior we first see Vishnu (Dhopeshwar) & Shivaling facing north. But there is no Nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & male and femnale artists in various poses are attractive. The ceiling is semi-circular with rnatchless engravings. On the out side, complete 'Shivaleelamrit' is carved. The Kopeshwar, Ancient & artistic temple situated on the bank of Krishna is a fine example of ancient sculpture. It was built in 11-12 century by Shilahara. The ceiling is semi-circular with matchless engravings. Inside there is statue of Vishnu( Dhopeshwar) and Shivling facing north. Theree is no nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & male-female artists in various poses are attractive.
References
Sources
- Kanhere, Gopal Krishna. The Temples of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Information Centre 1989 p. 105 asif