 Ghanpur Group of Temples, popularly known as 'Kota Gullu' comprises a bunch of 22 temples, protected by a double-stoned wall, located in Ghanpur Mandal, about 62 kilometres away from Warangal, Telangana.
Of these 22 Indian temples, the main temple of Ghanpur is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Shivaand is considered to be the most beautiful amongst the others. The temple compounds also include a museum which displays the unique art and architecture of the Kakatiya Dynasty. The historical evidence of Ghanpur Temples claim that the name Ghanpur is derived from the famous ruler Ganapatideva who reigned from 1199 to 1260 AD. The Ghanpur Group of Temples are now being maintained and re-modified by the Department of Archaeology. Presently, Ghanpur Group of Temples lies in an isolated and partly neglected condition, though it exudes a unique charm exclusive to the architectural dexterity of the Kakatiya Dynasty. 
The visitors greatly admire the Shiva Temple, out of the series of 22 Ghana Temples, especially its "Sabhamandapa" porches. The beautiful figure brackets of half-human lion, "Hayagriva", "Gaja-Kesari", horse-head lion-back on elephant and a half-human lion riding an elephant are some of the attractive architectural marvels in the temple. However, it is said that two "salabhanjikas" or "madanikas" present on the northern part of the side portico are more charming as compared to the bracket figures of "Palampet" or Ramappa Temple.
These are placed under the eaves of porticos and towards the northern part of the main temple is based yet another Shiva temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva. Ghanpur Group of Temples seems to be an exact duplicate of the main Shiva temple. A pillared mandapa is existent in the southern portion of the main temple whose middle part of the ceiling is adorned with various colourful motifs. The main temple of Ghanpur Group of Temples consists of an 'antarala' and also a 'garbha-griha'. The lush greenery in Ghanpur Group of Temples adds to the natural beauty and tranquillity of the temple premises. The sight of the ancient temples, Ghanpur Group of Temples amidst the tall palms is indeed a breathtaking one. Ghanpur Group of Temples is well-known due to the presence of a variety in the architectural patterns of each of these temples. There are innumerable tourists throng the site, to witness the temples of this Hindu people. (Last Updated on : 17-12-2014) |
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