This
Ganapeshwaralayam at Kota Gullu is near the Ramappa Temple, in a highly
dilapidated condition. Two beheaded Rishabas are in the open-to-sky maha
mandapam facing the sanctum sanctorum. The Rishabas are intricately carved
malas and bells similar to the Ramappa Temple. A Shiva Linga on a square avudayar
is at the center of the sanctum sanctorum. The Shiva Lingam is under worship
and Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated.
ARCHITECTURE
The
temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum, and is open to sky maha mandapam, with three
side entrances and with a porch. The door jambs of the sanctum sanctorum have sculptures of Dwarapalakas and attendants. The sanctum sanctorum and mandapas
are with adhistanam on a 4 feet-raised platform. The sanctum sanctorum is
without vimana. There are many sub sannidhis /parivara sannidhis around the
temple and none of them has the images.
The
maha mandapa/ardha mandapa pillars are carved as per the Kakatiya architecture
and support beams without a roof.
The
front side walls have beautiful sculptures of female goddesses, Dancers,
Musicians, Madanikas, lions, and erotic images. The jalas are with intricate
carvings.
Inscription
stones and statues are installed on platforms, about 200 meters in front of the
temple. The statues contain Shiva and Vishnu’s various forms in standing
postures.
KAKATHIYAN
ARCHITECTURE:
The
group of temples and temple complex-related structures in the Warangal region of the Kakatiyan Empire signify a distinct architectural pattern, style, and technology
of the period and are representative of a distinct regional style exhibiting
local innovation in temple building tradition. Along with Rudreswara Temple,
locally known as VeyiSthambhala Gudi (Thousand Pillars Temple) at Hanamkonda
the other characteristic temples and temple complexes include Archaeological
remains of Swayambhu temple and Keerthi thoranas at Warangal Fort and
Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, which is located about 65 km from Warangal.
Most of the temples show the character and evolved from the later Chalukyan
style of temple architecture. But all the temples and temple complexes of
Kakatiyas have a distinct style, technology, and decoration exhibiting the
influence of Kakatiyan sculptors. Keerthi Thoranas is another example of a distinct style of Kakatiyas for the gateways to temple complexes, unique only
to this region and testimony to highly evolved proportions of aesthetics in
temple and town gateways in South India. The Thoranas demonstrate both a creative
masterpiece and a continuity and transformation through the interchange of cultural
values like that of Buddhist art traditions from the 2nd Century BCE to the 11th
Century CE.
HISTORY
This
place is locally known as "Kota Gullu" It is believed that Ghanpur
got its name from the illustrious King Ganapatideva who ruled between 1199 -
1260 CE. The temple may belong to the 12th to 13th century, built during Kakatiya's
reign Exposed to the vagaries of nature and continuous battles, the temple
complex is in a dilapidated condition but speaks volumes of the architectural
proficiency of the Kakatiyas..
Ref
Archaeological
Survey of India, Display Board at the Temple entrance.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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