Kopeswar Temple Kolhapur

About Kopeswar Temple Kolhapur

Kopeswar Temple is located in Khidrapur, Kolhapur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is also known as Mahadev temple. The temple is divided into four parts – Swargamandapam, Sabhamandapam, Antaral Kaksha, and Garbha Griha. The temple is known for its glorious architecture. The temple is built by Silhara ing Gandaraditya in the 12th century.
The old pillars, carvings of various gods, goddess, and dancing-girls, as well as carved sculptures placed in its halls, are a wonder. The temple offers both spiritually and culturally rich experience to the tourists.

Kopeswar Temple History

The Temple is divided into four parts. They are Swargamandapam, Sabhamandapam, Antaral kaksha, and Garbha griha. The Swargamandapam has a vestibule with an open top. The sanctum is conical.
Temple outside walls have stunning carvings of deities and secular figures. Elephant statues sustain the weight of the temple at the base. Inside the temple, we first see Lord Vishnu & Shivling facing north.
But there is no Nandi in front of Shivling but has separate Mandir for Nandi. Separate Actor-Pendal also called swarga mandap, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & male and female artists in various poses are attractive.
The ceiling is semi-circular with heavy printings. On the outside, complete ‘Shivaleelamrit’ is carved. The Kopeshwar, ancient & artistic temple situated on the bank of Krishna is a fine example of ancient sculpture. This is the only Shiva temple in India with the idol of Vishnu.