Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/txZ4XBu5KEM
Location: “Ganapeshwaralayam ( Kota Gullu ), 8V8G+XXP, Baswarajpally Road, Ghanpur, Telangana 506345”
Ghanpur temples, popularly known
as Kota Gullu, are a group of around 22 temples, 12th century stone
temples (1199–1260 CE) that are located in Ghanpur near Warangal in Telangana’s
Bhupalpally Jayashankar district, constructed by King Ganapatideva
of Kakatiya dynasty, 9KM north west of
Ramappa Temple. The internal architecture of the temples resemble very much
with the Ramappa Temple, a typical masterpiece. It can be assumed, if they had
been intact, they would have been even better than Ramappa temple in terms of
beauty and craftsmanship. The place lies in Jayshankar Bhupalpally District of
Telengana.
An inscription on a slab at the temple
refers to Ganapathi Reddy who installed Lord Ganapateshwara and donated land
during the reign of Ganapatideva in the cyclic year of “Jaya Nama Samvatsara,
Vaisakha Sudha Trayodasi, Bruhaspati Vasaram” (corresponding to 1234-35 CE).
The group of temples are enclosed by 2
layered brick walls. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are
various kinds of sculptures within the temples like Gaja-Kesari, half human
half lion riding an elephant, Horse head lion back elephants and many more.
From the epigraphical evidence, it is believed that the temple was built during
the first half of 13th Century CE.
The compound has 2 main temples, both
dedicated to lord shiva and there are numerous small small shrines around the
main central temple. Sabha mandapa porches and Madanikas are major attractions
of the temple.
The temple has surely been an
architecutural masterpiece but over the time, the destruction by invaders led
to further dilapidation of the structures.
Ghanpur has a hill fort and was
built by joining two mountains by Gona Ganapa Reddy and Recherla Padma Nayakulu
(Singama Nayakudu I) in 13th century. This fort had witnessed many wars between
Bahamanis, Vijayanagara Kings, Bijapur Kings and Qutb Shahi Kings, etc.
Parking and accessibility
Parking is not an issue, and vehicles can
be parked outside the gate of the compound. Though, no dedicated parking space
is available. Just inside the gate, there is a small museum, which is beautiful
too.
Photography is
full allowed. Drones can be easily used inside too, no one objected us.
Stay options:
The location is very easily accessible
from Warangal (63 KM) and Tadvai (around 58 KMs). Planning from Warangal,
Warangal has ample places to stay, with good hotels around On the other side,
if someone is planning from Bogatha Falls and Bhopalpatnam side, hotels are
available at Tadvai and Bogatha Falls too. Hotels are limited in these sides
though. Even Palampet (Ramappa Temple) has limited availability for staying
around. Also Medaram is a good place to stay where Government Haritha Hotel is
available, which is really good.
How
to Reach:
By
Rail: There is no railway station near to Ghanpur
in less than 10 km. However, there are railway stations from Nearby Warangal
Railway Station, Kazipet Railway Station.
By
Road: Warangal is the Nearest Town to Ghanpur.
Warangal is 60 km from Ghanpur. Road connectivity is there from Warangal to
Ghanpur and buses ply.
By
Air: Vijayawada airport is around 288 KMs while
Hyderabad airport is around 231 KMs
Nearby
Places to Visit:
·
Pandavula Guhalu
·
Mylaram Caves
·
Ramappa temple
·
Ramappa Lake
·
Sammakka Saralamma Temple
·
Devinigutta temple (Kothur Village, then 1 hour walk
through the jungles)
·
Laknavaram Lake
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 6 AM to 6 PM
No Entry fee