Shree Kopeshwar Mandir

Marvelous Creation By Ancestors.. must vist place when in Kolhapur.. its bit inside but definitely worth it.. it feels so cool inside the temple even there is Scorching heat outside.. 1 guard & guide is there to explain you history & architecture of temple.. enroute you will see lots of sugarcane fields..

A Hidden 12th century temple, built on the banks of River Krishna, Kopeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva,
Story behind this temple is, when lord Shiva was furious when sati Parvati jumped into Daksha’s sacrifice. Lord Vishnu then brought Shiva to the temple to calm him down. Hence the temple got the name as ‘Kopeshwar’.
The construction of temple started in 7th century AD and the work remained incomplete under various dynasties.
M agnificent piece of intricate Chalukyan architecture. Built with basalt stone, the entire temple is divided into four parts Swarga Mandap, Sabha Mandapa, Antarala, and Garbhagriha / Sanctum Sanctorum. The Swarg Mandap of the temple is unique and stunning. The mandap is supported by 48 beautifully carved pillars and has a large circular stone disc with an open roof.

Apart from the temple, there are no other facilities provided for the tourists. Guest rooms, tour guides, hotels and other information are not available at the venue and so there is not much of a response to this historical site.

Kopeshwar Temple near Kolhapur in Maharashtra is a masterpiece of Chalukyan temple architecture. It is yet to get the fame like Chola temples of Thanjavur or Chandela temples of Khajuraho. Maybe because it is a single temple in this region with a much smaller Jain temple in the vicinity. Maybe its time has just come now.

History of Kopeshwar Temple at Khidrapur

There are different views on when this temple was exactly built. Sources point to it being first built in 7th CE, probably built by Badami Chalukyas. Other sources place it in 9th CE during the times of Kalyani Chalukyas. While yet other sources put it to 12th CE built by Shilahar Kings, who were earlier the vessels of Chalukyan kings.
My sense is that it is probably a 9th CE temple later enhanced by Shilahars. You do see a lot of incomplete elements in the temple. For example, the incomplete north and south Mukh mandapas, incomplete carvings on pillars with markings for carving. As they say, incomplete structures give you insights into the making of temples. The Shikhar of the temple is also out of sync with the rest of the structure. Temples anyway are on perpetual construction mode.

The temple thankfully has 12 inscriptions, 11 of which are in old Kannada script while one is in Devnagari. However, none of these inscriptions tell us about who built it and when. One of them dating to 1204 by Yadava Kings of Deogiri do mention the renovation of the temple, implying that the temple existed well before 12th CE.

Unknown Shiv Temple built in 700-800 decade. Awesome architectural construction shows the marvel of that era. Today you may see many parts of temple are broken due to invaders attack on temple. Many of tourists are unaware of this temple. Near the temple you will get masala chana with excellent taste. This spot is not that much develop and basic infrastructure like toilets, water and other amenities are not available for tourist. Government to see the maintenance of such good place.

Loved the architecture. Feels bad to see the broken statues by Mugals. One should visit and glorify such temples. Entry is all broken can be maintained well.

*Marvel, Majestic & magnificent*
'Kopeshwar means Angry Shiva ' and This Shiva Temple is located at Khidrapur, Maharashtra on the bank of river Krishna. It's close to Kolhapur at a distance of 60 km and 40 km from Sangli.
The Kopeshwar temple had built in 7th century AD during the regime of Chalukya dynasty. The entire temple is built of basalt stone and is an excellent example of artistic skills and quality of time.
The temple was damaged by the depredations of time and ravaged by a fanatical Khidri khan. The renovation was completed only in 12th century by Shilhara kings. Legend has that Lord Shiva got angry when Sati sacrificed herself and he was then brought to this temple by Lord Vishnu. In the main sanctum Lord Shiva with Vishnu can be seen here. This is only Shiva temple in India with an idol of Lord Vishnu and second there is no Statue of Nandi at the temple's entrance.
The entire temple is divided in four parts i.e Swargmandap, Sabhamandap, Antralkaksha and Garbhgriha.
The temple has a round cut out in ceiling- the cosmos viewer known as Swarg Mandap . This mandap is supported by 48 beautifully carved pillars and among them the circular roof is supported by 12 pillars that stand in the circle at the centre of mandap. They symbolize the 12 zodiac signs. At the periphery of the Mandap ,there are carved idol of Lord Ganesha ,Kartikey, Kuber, Indra and Yamraj alongwith their carrier animals like elephant, peckok and mouse etc. The whole setup looks as if the Gods are looking down upon us from the sky. The idol of Ma Saraswati is also on main entrance of Sabha mandap. Many of Elephant statues sustain the weight of the temple at the base.
The exterior has stunning carving of deities and secular figures.
Another proof of advancement of ancient architecture, when the moon is in the middle of Swargmandap at exactly 12.03 am is surprising that this happens on the day of Kartik Purnima every year.
Moreover, in summer from 4th to 8th May the Sunlight falls straight on the Shivlinga that is deep inside the temple.
If you are a history lover this temple features are mind blowing and stunning architecture. There are so many stories carved in the each stone and pillar.
This temple recently came into the limelight when the Marathi film shoot of 'Katyar Kaljat Ghusali' was done for the song of "Shiv Bhola Bhandari" in the temple.
Strong recommended place !!!!!

Beautiful temple but not properly maintained.
The government should really focus on old temples maintenance. The temple is situated on the banks of the Krishna river. Beautiful place to visit and explore the old glory

Shri Kopeswar (Furious) Mahadev Temple, sited on Krishna river banks, at Koopam village, Khidrapur, in Kolhapur district (Maharashtra) - is a border town of Maharashtra & Karnataka. The historic temple with fascinating myths & legends, was built during 12 century by Shilahara Kings of Chalukya dynasty.
The magnificent architectural marvel of intrinsic stone carvings on the Temple Walls & Pillars are Splendid. The location of the temple has influenced the architectural work with a mix culture of Chalukya, Hoysala & Hemadpanti architectural & artistic marvel.
Inside the temple - the magnificent Swargamandap has a vestibule with an open sky view top. Picturesque.
This is probably the only temple where Lord Vishnu is sited next to Lord Shiva, in form of another Shivling. Also, strangely Nandi is absent here inside the temple premises.
The temple has lost its marvel architectural glory due to past invasions & depletion, erosion in time. Government has not preserved or renovated this wonderful Heritage site. The architectural magnificence would be Lost soon if No initiative is taken for maintenance or restoration by the Government or ASI or UNESCO.
The Visit to the Temple is highly recommended.