Kota Gullu
Ghanpur temples, popularly known as Kota Gullu, are a group of 12th century stone temples that are located in Ghanpur near Warangal in Telangana, India.
| Kota Gullu | |
|---|---|
Ghanpur Temples | |
 Kota Gullu at Ghanpur | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Warangal |
| Deity | Shiva |
| Location | |
| Location | Ghanpur |
| State | Telangana |
| Country | India |
  Location in India | |
| Geographic coordinates | 18.1840°N 79.5220°E |
| Temple(s) | 20 |
History
Kota Gullu were constructed by King Ganapatideva, a ruler of the famous Kakatiya dynasty, during the period 1199–1260 AD.[1]
Architecture
Kota Gullu comprises about 20 temples, all varying in size and design that exhibits the marvelous architectural work by Kakatiyas.[2]
Temples are constructed within a double walled stone enclosure. Of all these temples, the main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most admirable. There is yet another temple that is dedicated to Shiva, to the north of the main temple, that looks alike in appearance. The other shrine of the temple consists of Garbhagriha and Antarala.[3]
The most striking feature of the temples is the Sabha mandapa porches. Two madanikas are seen on the northern side of the portico. The eastern and southern porticos are embellished with several mythical figures of Gaja Kesari, half human-half lion form riding on elephant, and horse-head lion back on elephant.
The inscription slab refers to certain Ganapathi Reddy, who installed Lord Ganapeswara and donated land during the reign of Ganapathi Deva (1199-1262 CE) in the cyclic year of “Jaya Nama Samvatsara, Vaisakha Sudha Trayodasi, Bruhaspati Vasaram” (corresponding to 1234-35 CE).[4]
Gallery
- Ruins of Kota Gullu
References
Further reading
- The Temples of Ghanapur by M. Rama Rao
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