Kopeshwar : Explore the Stunning Architecture

Bored with regular gateways? Want to explore something different.. Then this place is for you.. Dear travelers have you heard about kopeshwar Temple in Khidrapur?

Khidrapur village is on the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is approx 280 KM from Pune and approx 416 KM from Mumbai. It is around 80 KM from Kolhapur. The unique attraction of Khidrapur is Kopeshear Temple. This Hemadpanthi style temple is popular for its stunning, attractive and eye catching architecture and unique features.

India is gifted by different kinds of beautiful architectures, sculptures and monuments.Kopeshwar Temple is also the part of India’s rich heritage. But what makes this place different from others are some unique features. The first one is its different sanctam (Garbhagruha). There are 2 Lingas in the sanctam, One is kopeshwar(Shiva) and other one is Dhopeshwar(Vishnu). There is an interesting legend behind it. Another speciality of the sanctum is there are Madanikas on the walls of the sanctum. Second intresting fact, absence of Nandi which makes this place unique. Nandi is an important part of every Shiva Temple in India. The local legend behind this uniqueness is at that moment nandi went with sati to accompany her at her father’s place that is why we cannot find Nandi in Kopeshwar. Locals believe that nandi is present in Yadur Village facing Kopeshwar Temple.

Third intresting thing about Kopeshwar Temple is SwargaMandap. This most creative architecture with open ceiling is one more thing that makes your heart fell for it. SwargaMandap has 48 beautifully carved pillars. There is a circular stone slab on the floor which is exactly same size of ceiling hole that is called Rangashila. Fourth thing which attract you towards Kopeshwar Temple is its incredible stone carvings,which make you speachless. Every sculpture is carved so artistically that you can’t take your eyes off from it. The atmosphere inside the temple is so calm that relax your mind.

Kopeshwar temple was built in basalt rock around one thousand five hundred years ago. Despite of being one of the most beautiful temples, construction of this temple is remained unfinished. Construction of Mukhamandapa on north and south side of the temple was not completed as well as The Shikhara was incomplete. In 1214 AD Shrisanghandev, the king of Yadava restored this temple. There are 12 inscription inscripted in this temple.

Visiting this place will make you amaze. Also, you can explore nearby attractions i.e. Narsobachi wadi, Kolhapur etc. Although you will not find any good hotels or restaurants in Khidrapur,Exploring this stunning architecture can make your weekend awsome.

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Reference : Research by Radhika Keskar