History of Kota Gullu : Ancient Ganapeshwaralayam Temple in Warangal | V6 Life

Описание: History of Kota Gullu : Ancient Ganapeshwaralayam Temple in Warangal | V6 Life

Kota Gullu, also known as Ganapeshwaralayam, is a group of 12th-century stone temples located in Ghanpur near Warangal, Telangana. These temples were constructed by King Ganapatideva of the Kakatiya dynasty, who ruled from 1199 to 1260 CE. The complex originally consisted of about 22 temples enclosed within a double-walled stone enclosure, showcasing the exquisite architectural style of the Kakatiyas.

The main temple, Ganapeshwaralayam, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most prominent structure in the complex. Another Shiva temple lies to the north of the main temple, both built with red sandstone. The temples feature intricate carvings, including mythical figures such as Gaja Kesari (half-human, half-lion riding an elephant) and horse-headed lion back elephants on the porticos. The complex also includes a 60-pillared natya mandapa (dance hall) and numerous subsidiary shrines.

Kota Gullu suffered significant damage either due to invasions by Muslim armies between the 14th and 16th centuries or a major earthquake in the 17th century. Despite its dilapidated state, the site remains a testament to the architectural and cultural prowess of the Kakatiya period. Inscriptions found at the site reference donations and installations made during Ganapatideva’s reign, dating to around 1234-35 CE.

The temple complex is located about 60 km from Warangal and near the famous Ramappa Temple, making it an important heritage and tourist site in Telangana. Efforts to preserve and restore the temples are ongoing to maintain this valuable link to the region’s medieval history.

In summary, Kota Gullu (Ganapeshwaralayam) is a historic 12th-century temple complex built by the Kakatiya king Ganapatideva, notable for its architectural grandeur, religious significance, and cultural heritage in Warangal, Telangana



History of Kota Gullu | Ancient Ganapeshwaralayam Temple in Warangal | V6 News Special"

"Kota Gullu Warangal | Historical Ganapeshwaralayam Temple Revealed | Telangana Heritage"

Also known as Kota Gullu, Ganapeshwaralayam or Ghanpur group of temples by Ganapati Deva, they are found to the north of the small remote village of Ghanpur. The Kota Gullu complex is about 60 kilometers northeast from Warangal (NH 353), 7 kilometers east of Karkapalle, and 10 kilometers northwest of Palampet.
They are credited to the Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva (c. 1200 CE). The complex was likely expanded and complete by the time the king made a major gift and granted tax exemptions to this temple in early 13th-century per epigraphical evidence.
The temples complex consists of a large main temple surrounded by 22 parivara alayam (subsidiary shrines). Many of these only survive in ruined parts lying around, thrown out of order on the ground from a deliberate act of destruction and desecration. Portions of the temples that still stand show extensive signs of mutilation.
Architectural features

The temples were built with a square and circle principle of Hindu architecture. The complex of 23 temples were surrounded by a 260 feet x 260 feet prakara rampart, most of which is in ruins.
The main temple in the center is 124.5 feet square, and if stone steps are included, its length is 136 feet.
It had an intricately carved asthana mandapa that also functioned as the dvara-mandapa to welcome pilgrims.
The dvara-mandapa and the 22 parivara shrines are carefully aligned to geometric ratios. For example, the axis of asthana mandapa is co-axial with the southern porch of the ranga-mandapa of the main temple. The smaller temple north of the main temple is co-axial with the northern porch. The Nandi mandapa, badly ruined and in a collapsed condition, is co-axial with the sanctum if the main temple.
According to Dhaky and Meister in Encyclopedia of Indian Temple Architecture, a close examination of the ruins reveals "the minute, beautiful and thoughtfully layered carving evenly spread" over the walls and parts of the temple that survive .

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