#kopeshwartemple

[manatemples]

Kopeshwar Temple Khidrapur, District Kolhapur. Maharashtra Located at a distance of 70 km from Kolhapur on the banks of the Krishna and on the Karnataka border #kopeshwartemple https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3TbkesRtB/?igshid=hv4tfrjrck3w

[famousplacesinindia]

The ancient #KopeshwarTemple at Khidrapur in #KolhapurDistrict is dedicated to #LordShiva and sits on the bank of #RiverKrishna. There are reasons to believe that even though the construction of #Kopeshwar temple started sometime in 7th century AD, the work remained incomplete largely due to constant skirmishes between warring rulers of the region. The renovation was completed only in the 12th Century by the Shilahara and the Yadava Kings. This temple is in four parts, all interconnected through vestibules. The first structure you enter through is the Swarga Mandap (Heavenly Hall). The architecture of Swarga mandap is unique. This mandap is round in shape and is constructed with the support of 48 well carved rounded stone pillars which are placed in three circles. Each of the 48 pillars has been carved in different shapes -round, square, hexagon and octagon. Another unique feature of Swarga Mandap is that a part of the circular ceiling in the middle (with a radius of 13 feet) is open to the sky. 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. This is a unique temple inasmuch as visitors first get a glimpse of #LordVishnu as #Dhopeshwar in ling form instead of the #Shivaling which is usually the case in temples consecrated to Lord Shiva. The Shivaling is facing north and both lings are found in the same sanctum sanctorum. Another notable feature of this temple is that there is no Nandi at the entrance- which is the norm for all Shiva temples. https://www.instagram.com/p/B8iINn_BYOk/?igshid=ya8aw14pbbpe

[famousplacesinindia]

#KopeshwarTemple 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 in the 12th century by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the #KrishnaRiver. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mnuLkBW6h/?igshid=1zmsp4eno05v

[famousplacesinindia]

#KopeshwarTemple 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 in the 12th century by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the Krishna river. The entire temple is divided into four parts Swargamandapam, Sabhamandapam,Antaral kaksha and Garbha griha.The Swargamandapam 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 also called as swarga mandap, 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 " Kopeshwar " facing north. There is no nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & male-female artists in various poses are attractive. This is the only Shiva temple in India with idol of Vishnu. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzbzz2OhFLe/?igshid=copiexnrc2do