Information of Kopeshwar Temple, Khidrapur, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

The temple of Khidrapur or Kopeshwar Temple is situated in the city of Khidrapur of Maharashtra. The temple is also presumed as one of finest structures depicting the ancient historical and architectural features of India. During the ancient Satvanah dynasty in 11th century this remarkable monument was established. Though, the temple is still holding its presence but some parts of it are majorly destructed under the cruel kingdom of Aurangzeb. Moreover, it's an eye-catching site for its visitors.

Kopeshwar Temple Religious Significance

The temple is basically a vacationer's destination rather than a religious shrine. Still innumerable people including the ardent followers visit here several times in a week to worship the holy idol of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that a glimpse of Lord Shiva can be witness to the most disciplined and dedicated worshippers. The main crowd attraction is on the day of Maha Shivaratri. The devotees greatly observe that day in this temple.

Kopeshwar Temple Mythology & History

The temple of Khidrapur has its own mythological story. The story tells us about love, sacrifice, anger and many such things. King Daksha was one of most prosperous Kings of all time. His one and only daughter Devi Sati had married Lord Shiva. However, the decision of marriage doesn't pleased Daksha as he didn't want a son-in-law like Shiva. Once, Daksha organized some religious ritual ceremony of fire (yagna) and invited all the people except her daughter and son-in-law. This decision amazed Sati so she went to her father's place for asking him the reason for not inviting them. Instead of consoling her, Daksha furiously abused her husband Shiva. Unable to hear such insult about her husband she directly jumped into that Yagna prepared for the ceremony. After hearing the news of death of her wife, Lord Shiva got mad in anger and punished Daksha by separating his head from his body. After that he became calm and thought for a while that it was too much for him to do such an incident. So, according to the appeal of other gods, Lord Shiva decided to take back his curse from the dead body of Daksha and bring him back to life. As the head was separated from his body so it will never be joined again. Finally, Daksha got back his life in the form of a goat's head. Daksha thanked Lord Shiva for his kindness and promise never to insult him and daily worship him.

During his period of anger, Lord Shiva came to this place to cool down himself. This is how the temple of Kopeshwar was created and got its name. "Kop" means anger while "Eshwar" means God.

Kopeshwar Temple Architectural Significance

It can be undoubtedly said that the temple of Kopeshwar is famous because of its intellectual and significant architecture. Going by its shape, the temple appears to be a raised area over the back of several curved elephants. Out of the several mandaps, the most astonishing being the Swargmandap. It has a total of 48 pillars under it. The ceilings are beautifully decorated with cravings known as Dekko. The Mandap at the centre of the temple is constructed with 12 massively built pillars. This Mandap is called as the Akashdarshan as it is an open-roofed area.

Moreover, cravings related to Lord Shiva, Ramayana and Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. The prime area of the Shivalinga is a peaceful and cool area for the visitors. Due to the severe attack by Aurangzeb in this temple some of the temples are broken. Still it captures a striking atmosphere for all the devotees and followers of this temple.