Khidrapur which is about 17 kms from Narsoba Wadi via Kurundwad nor the name of Kopeswhar Lord Shiva Temple.Khidrapur is to the east of Kolhapur Maharashtra.Kopeshwar Shiva temple is ancient and artistic situated on the bank of the Krishna.Here is some fact about Kopeshwar Shiva Temple at Khidrapur in Kolhapur District Karnataka India.
Location: Khidrapur ,Taluka Shirol of Kolhapur , Maharashtra
Built in: 7th Century AD
Built by: Chalukya kings
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Main Attraction: hidden gem of an architectural marvel
Significance : 1200 years old temple of Lord Shiva
Entry:Free
Photography: Allow
Temple timing: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Visiting timing: 1 hour
Best time to visit: July to March
How to reach by Air:
How to Reach by Rail: The Nearest Railway station is Kolhapur station.(58 KM)
How to reach by Road: There are many public and private vehicles available to reach temple.
More Information about Kopeshwar Shiva Temple
Kopeshwar Shiva Temple is located at on the bank of the Krishna in Khidrapur Kolhapur District Karnataka India.The temple was built in 7th Century AD and built by Chalukya kings.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva , here known as Kopeshwar .The temple is known for one of most outstanding and beautiful examples of Temple Architecture in India. The inscriptions dating back to the 12th century clearly support this.The exterior of which is founded on 92 elephant carvings and the interiors embedded amidst 108 stone carved pillars. Besides, the temple is studded with stunning pieces of carvings, ranging from that of Gods and Goddeses, dancing girls, men from Africa and Arabia besides that of birds and animals.In the interior you see first Vishnu( Dhopeshwar) and Shivling facing north. But there is no nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods and male-female artists in various poses are attractive.
The legend says that When sati Parvati jumped into Daxa sacrifice, Lord Shiva was angry. He got peace of rnind in this temple From entrance to Shivaling, we feel peace, coldness and Dark Shankaracharya had appointed servants for the management. In Shravan on Monday and Shivaratri the Mandir is crowded.
Architecture of Kopeshwar Temple
The Temple is divided into four major sections - the Swargamandapam, Sabhamandapam, Antaral Kaksha and Garbha griha. the Swargamandapam is separated from the main temple and has 12 round pillars ascending towards the ceiling. beautiful images of kings, queens and their vehicles are carved on them. the three rows of 12 pillars each are adorned with beautiful artistic designs. A large, black, flat stone 14 feet in diameter is installed at the centre of the Swargamandapam. The Swargmandapam has a circular open ceiling also made of stone is also intricately carved. meant let out smoke during a Yagna for which the hall was made.The temple today is being restored and is well maintained under the supervision of Archelogical survey of India.
Picture Gallery of Kopeshwar Temple
Google Map of Kopeshwar Shiva Temple