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.

*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 !!!!!

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.

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

Amazing architecture! The temple is a combination of Hemadpanti, Chalukya and the Hoysala architecture. Located on the banks of Krishna river, on Maharashtra - Karnataka border, this magnificent feat of creation still stands tall even after such a plunder and destruction by invaders over the centuries. The circular structure of pillars with open ceiling is built in such a way that on every "Tripurari Poornima" moon comes exactly above the open ceiling. You can reach there from Kolhapur (60 kms), Sangli (41 kms), Ichalkaranji (31 kms) and Shri Nrusinhwadi (20kms). Don't rely too much on Google maps to reach there as it shows roads from the fields also. Direction signs are not that much prominently displayed

Kopeshwar temple.. Located at Koppam village..A must see place.. Started at 7th century.. Completed at 12th century.. Each n every stone has a story.. Don't just visit the temple..Take a guide..He will tell u all the details.. Swarg mandap at entrance.. Then Sabha mandap.. Then Antaral.. And finally the Garbh mandap.. Worth seeing.. Started building in the 7th century.. Completed in the 12th century by Shalihar King Gandaraditya.. If u just want to see it..Hardly 30 minutes is enough.. If u want to know every details, spare atleast 4 hours.. Watch each n every sculpture.. Everything is Worth.. Usually people spend 3hours here.. Light food available here.. Proper food not available.. Drinking water available inside the temple for free.. This is the last village in Maharashtra border.. About the village n Temple.. Cleanliness 5/5 Food available 2/5 Surrounding people 5/5 Guide available 5/5 Sculpture 5/5 Overall 5/5

It was one of the most beautiful historical moments I have seen. The temple built with Hemadpant structural style, it faced Aurangzeb's invasion and his attempted destruction. Aurangzeb has distructed trunks of the elephants and defaced human statues. The temple also faced destructive effects of river floods but has survived. the remIning statues and tje architectural beauty is still amazing. This is the only temple where Gods Shankar and Vishnu are together, and the God Shankar is facing south. This is the only temple where Lord Nandi is not present with God Shankar. The temple has some carvings identifying the rich history of Indian culture. No tickets are required, but I recommend taking a guide to understand the history and the carvings or statues at the monument.

This temple is about 60 KM from Kolhapur, one has to cross into Karnataka and then back into Maharashtra, so two border to cross with no man's lands . Expected bad roads but surprisingly the roads were OK not too bad, but can be better surfaced at the border areas. This location is a dead end as river krishna flows close to the temple and there is no bridge to cross over. Great historical reminder, as per folk lore this is the place where Mahadev was calmed down by Shri Vishnu after the Dakhshaprajapati yagna where Sati burns herself. In this temple there are two lingas one for Mahadev and one for Shri Vishnu, main thing here is Nandi is missing in this temple as he escorted Sati for the Yana. Amazing architecture, very sadly many idols are mercilessly destroyed to a large extent by the mindless invaders. But again what ever is left is absolutely amazing work. There are about 72 elephants carved on the outer periphery and each elephant head has a different design. The pillars and the open roof design on Ranma Mandap are the main highlights of this temple. Open roof has few connecting dates with Sun and the Moon with spectacular images of the moon they the open roof. Ample parking is available and there are no eateries enroute best is to carry some eats and water.

Awesome... beautiful and intricate carvings, fab Swarga Mandap!

This very nice place for wondering in summer and winter days. But in rainy season this place sink in river water.... Here lot of food stores available like a flowers, ice cream store. This temple having a very good story. This is shiv mandir

This is Kopeshwar Temple, located at Khidrapur, Kolhapur district Maharashtra. It was built in the 12th century by Shilahara king Gandaraditya between 1109 and 1178 CE. It has this amazing structure called ‘Svarg mandap’, a wide opening facing the sky. Standing there surrounded by ancient ‘Nagar temple’ architecture one can literally feel peeking in to heaven through this unique window justifying its name. The overall structure is so mesmerising and grand, that I wanted to capture this greatness in my camera.

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.

Very intricate designs and great history. All the architecture enthusiasts should definitely visit this place. You will get lost in the beauty of architecture. Do visit!! :)

Architectural marvel!! As a foreigner I'm blown away by the intricacy of this masterpiece! The cubic, sharp edges give this temple a unique look! Like most ancient temples in India, this too has been damaged by some monsters This temple is about 60 KM from Kolhapur, one has to cross into Karnataka and then back into Maharashtra, so two border to cross with no man's lands . Expected bad roads but surprisingly the roads were OK not too bad, but can be better surfaced at the border areas. This location is a dead end as river krishna flows close to the temple and there is no bridge to cross over. Great historical reminder, as per folk lore this is the place where Mahadev was calmed down by Shri Vishnu after the Dakhshaprajapati yagna where Sati burns herself. In this temple there are two lingas one for Mahadev and one for Shri Vishnu, main thing here is Nandi is missing in this temple as he escorted Sati for the Yana. Amazing architecture, very sadly many idols are mercilessly destroyed to a large extent by the mindless invaders. But again what ever is left is absolutely amazing work. There are about 72 elephants carved on the outer periphery and each elephant head has a different design. Best time to visit 11 am - 4 pm Ample parking PI cost 30₹ for car

The Shree Kopeshwar Mandir in Maharashtra is a captivating spiritual destination. Nestled in a serene setting, the temple's intricate architecture and vibrant surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere for devotees. The temple's historical significance adds depth to the visit, providing a cultural and religious experience. The well-maintained premises and the devoted community contribute to the overall positive ambiance. Whether you seek spiritual solace or an appreciation for architectural marvels, Shree Kopeshwar Mandir is a noteworthy pilgrimage site in Maharashtra.

Best heritage temple, south facing Mahadeva, classic beat bharat culture temple in India 🇮🇳 No any restrictions for photography guides available for all historical or spiritual information ℹ️ Unfortunately and sadly there no any Maharashtra Tourism support or availability. Best time to visit 11 am - 4 pm Ample parking 🅿️ cost 30₹ for car

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..

Ancient place Ask for Guide they will explain all the minor details which will surprise you.. If you are curious about ancient places then it's perfect place for you.

Very fascinating temple😍😍. Totally loved my visit. So many stories carved on walls of Temple. Very disappointing to say, locals do not appreciate it. They have no value of temple and fail to preserve. It is not neat and tidy. The wall inscriptions have been done so many centuries ago. They depict stories of Panchatantra, life to death of a human being. Honestly a day is not enough to see the temple carefully. The tombs and pillars of temples, entrance and space for musicians in the centre... everything has an approximate measure. It makes you curious. On our visit, we had guide with us. Also the temple is picturesque spot ( to all photo lovers) • Must visit temple if you have interest in historical stories. Parking space available. No entrance fees. At the parking space, you will see vegetables sellers and stalls of tamarind, amla, sugarcane juice.

Ancient temple, but definitely worth a visit. Taking a guide made sense. Lot of details to look. Was brilliant. Maintenance an issue but the architecture and fine details of the work was captivating

Marvelous piece of architecture from Yadava's Dynasty. Must visit place. If you are planning to visit the temple, I suggest to do some research before visiting because there is no guide facility. The Temple have very micro details. each carve has its own beauty and still the temple is not fully build up. The facial expression on each statue carved on every piller has very 'glorious expression'. Also, you may get upset after seeing how Mughals destroyed the hindu temples. There is need of more development and facilities by Archaeological department.

Very nice peaceful place. Very old temple of bhagawan Shiva . Temple looks so beautiful 🤩 and structure of temple is very rare to see and unique in its own way. View from swarga mandap is very beautiful 🤩

Kopeshwar temple of Khidrapur is very ancient, but neglected by the government, beautiful carved temple, pillars are very beautiful, carved sculpture on each pillar, Swayambhu Shivlinga, curd paddy is applied only in summer, the temple was badly damaged during Muslim rule. , the precious treasures of India must be preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India

Kopeshwar Temple 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 to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the Krishna river. Even though Silaharas were Jain kings, they built and renovated various Hindu temples, thus depicting their respect and love for all religions. Kopeshwar means angry Shiva in Marathi. The temple is near to krishna river. Most of the sculptures were broken. There are 2 shivlings inside main sanctum. One is of lord Shiva and another is of lord Vishnu, there is no Nandi.

What a beauty leveraging ancient architecture and designs that are just beyond our imagination. Truely a unique monument which needs to be addressed and admired by everyone. This temple of God Shiva (Kopeshwar) is situated at such a location which is surrounded by river Krishna on three of its side. Entering into this temple makes you realize the fact that how the people at that time had built it. Construction was started in 7th century and later in 12th century Silahara King completed the work with due respect. Best part of temple is the Swargmandap which is at the start, really amazing sculpture and construction done. Only one thing as a tourist you feel bad is that Government has no attention over this beautiful monument

Shree Kopeshwar Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva is an architectural marvel. The wall carvings here are amazing. However, the temple is not very well maintained with some of the statues and carvings damaged. You may get a guide or books at the temple which can give you more information about this historic temple. Must visit temple for Hindu culture lovers.

12th Century Shiv Temple Kopeshwar Temple is dedicated to hindu God Shiva. The Temple was built by King Gandaraditya(Shelara). Kopeshwar means Angry Shiva. This temple recently came into the limelight Swarga Mandap, it is open to the sky with circular opening. There are number of inscriptions on the inside and outside of the temple, you can also find various idols like Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya Swami, Lord kubera, Lord Yamraj, Lord Indra etc. carved on the walls of temple.

This is what has happened to so many ancient temples. The statues have been damaged in the invasions. This is a 12th century temple and had been targeted numerous times. Almost all faces of human statues and trunks of all the elephants have been broken in wars n invasions. Yes, it's disheartening to see this plight but at the same time, seeing the structure still standing high satisfy the soul. THE SERENITY AND SANCTUM OF THE PLACE IS STILL INTACT. Must visit place to feel the powerful shiva vibes

Great Temple To Visit. Special Days in a year are May 8th, Bhuddha Pournami & Karthika Pournami. Try to visit on these days & never miss this place if you are in Kolhapur. Great Carvings you can see here. As usual Temple is damaged by Aurangazeb. You can find carvings showing events from Sri Ramayanam, Mahabharata & more.

Amazing place.. A must see temple for its magnificent design and sculptures. Though it seems vandalized it still shining in its glory since past 1100 years.

Awesomemax place. A must visit if you are interested in old heritage and structures

Kopeshwar temple in khidrapur villages, Maharashtra Karnataka border . One of the oldest hemadpanti temples is the same as ambernath shiva temple. But the difference is in the garbha gruha of this temple there are two linga . One of them is Vishnu (dhopeshwara) and another one is a shivalinga (kopeshwar) The entire temple is on the elephant statues sustaining all his weight. But there is no nandi in this temple , nandi has a different temple 12 KM from the kopeshwar temple in Karnataka Different stories and god statue carve every piller of this temple, read the history before you visit otherwise you don't get idea about this temple Large parking area for two wheeler and four wheeler No tickets for entry Must visit

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.

Very old nice temple. Must see

Great place... Proud of India... must visit .. Architectural enthusiast... Ancient place.. ask for guide for all detils

Awesome architecture. Historic temple, awesome sculpture with ultrasuperfine designs and details. Each statue means anything.