Kolhapur, also known as Kollapuram, is a city in Maharashtra and one of the most popular destinations in India. The city is known for its religious and cultural significance, as it is the home of the Mahalakshmi Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites of Goddess). Kopeshwar Temple is famous temple in Kolhapur, visit during One day Trip. The city is also known for its rich history and heritage, as it was the capital of the Maratha kingdom of Kolhapur from 1700 to 1949. The city has several monuments and landmarks that reflect its royal and historical glory. One of the most sacred and stunning among them is the Kopeshwar Temple.
Location of Kopeshwar Temple
The Kopeshwar Temple is located in the Khidrapur village of the city, near the Krishna River. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. The nearest railway station is Kolhapur Railway Station, which is about 60 km away from the temple. The nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport, which is about 65 km away from the temple.
Timing/Entry Fees Kopeshwar Temple
The temple is open to visitors from 6 am to 8 pm on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, donations are welcome and can be made at the donation boxes inside the temple. The temple also offers pooja services and prasadam (sacred food) to the devotees.
How to Reach Kopeshwar Temple
The temple can be reached by various modes of transport from different parts of the city. Here are some of the options:
- By Bus: There are several buses that ply to and from the temple from various bus stops in the city. Some of the bus numbers are 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, 6H, and 6J.
- By Auto-Rickshaw/Taxi: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available in the city and can be hired to reach the temple. The fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
- By Car: The temple has a parking facility for visitors who come by their own vehicles. The parking fee is Rs. 50 for two-wheelers and Rs. 100 for four-wheelers.
Things to Do/Must See Kopeshwar Temple
The temple is a sacred and stunning structure that showcases the splendor and elegance of Hemadpanthi architecture. It is one of the oldest and finest temples in Maharashtra and one of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (also known as Kopeshwar). The temple was built by King Gandaraditya Chalukya in the 12th century. The temple has several features and attractions that make it a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the sacred and stunning temple.
Some of the things to do and must see in the temple are:
- Admire the architecture and design of the temple, which has a huge shikhara (spire) that rises to a height of 110 feet. The shikhara has intricate carvings of gods and goddesses, animals and birds, flowers and fruits, and geometric patterns. The entrance of the temple has a torana (archway) with carved pillars that support a balcony with wooden railings. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a lingam (symbol of Shiva) that is made of black stone and decorated with flowers and garlands.
- Explore the history and significance of the temple through its various idols and sculptures that are displayed inside. The temple has idols of Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), Subramanya (the six-faced god), Parvati (the consort of Shiva), Brahma (the creator god), Vishnu (the preserver god), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth), Saraswati (the goddess of learning), Durga (the goddess of power), Hanuman (the monkey god), Rama (the avatar of Vishnu), Sita (the wife of Rama), Lakshmana (the brother of Rama), Anjaneya (another name for Hanuman), Bhairava (a fierce form of Shiva), Chandikeshwara (a devotee of Shiva), Nataraja (the cosmic dancer form of Shiva), Ardhanarishwara (the half-male half-female form of Shiva), Kala Bhairava (the lord of time), Navagraha (the nine planets), Ashtalakshmi (the eight forms of Lakshmi).
- Visit the shrines of King Gandaraditya Chalukya and his queen Kamaladevi, who built the temple and donated their wealth and land to it. The shrines have stone inscriptions that record their names and deeds.
- Visit the Nandi Mandapam, which is a hall that houses a huge statue of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva). The statue is made of white marble and has a height of 12 feet and a length of 15 feet. The statue is considered to be one of the largest and finest in India.
- Visit the Mahadwara, which is a gate that leads to the temple complex. The gate has a gopuram (tower) that has carvings of various scenes from Hindu mythology. The gate also has a clock that was installed by the British in 1877.
Significance of Kopeshwar Temple
Kopeshwar Temple is not only a sacred and stunning structure, but also a spiritual and cultural hub of the city. The temple hosts various events and functions throughout the year, such as poojas, abhishekas, aratis, homas, and festivals. The most famous and grand among them is the Mahashivaratri, which is celebrated every year in February or March. The festival attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims from different parts of the country and the world, who come to worship Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. The festival culminates with a spectacular procession that carries the idol of Shiva through the streets of Kolhapur.
FAQ’s
Q: How old is Kopeshwar Temple?
A: The temple was built by King Gandaraditya Chalukya in the 12th century, but its history dates back to the 7th century, when a Shiva lingam was installed by King Shilahara.
Q: Why is Kopeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva?
A: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva because he is believed to be the supreme god and the destroyer of evil. Shiva is also known as Kopeshwar, which means the lord of Kopesha (a weapon used by Shiva). According to legend, Shiva once used his Kopesha to kill a demon named Tripurasura, who had conquered the three worlds. The Kopesha fell on the ground and became a Shiva lingam.
Conclusion
The Kopeshwar Temple is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the sacred and stunning temple in Kolhapur. The temple offers a glimpse into the history and heritage of Hinduism in India, as well as the beauty and diversity of Hemadpanthi architecture. The temple is a place where faith meets art, where tradition meets innovation, and where devotion meets celebration. The temple is a place where you can discover the past, enjoy the present, and imagine the future.🙏
