Ghanpur (Mulug)

Ghanpur
village
Kota gullu at ghanpur
Country	India
State	Andhra Pradesh
District	Warangal
Talukas	Ghanpur (Mulug)
Population
• Total	6,000
Languages
• Official	Telugu
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	506345
Telephone code	08715

Ghanpur (Mulug) is a village and a mandal in Warangal district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.^[1] Ghanpur has group of splendid temples and a beautiful lake with four canals. They are well worth a visit because of the architectural skills that they display. Popularly known as Kota Gullu and Ghanapur lake,these things are surely going to succeed in making a mark in your minds. This place is 66 km from Warangal

History

The Ghanpur Lake and Temples were constructed during the reign of King Ganapatideva, a ruler of the famous Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled Warangal from 1199-1260AD. This temple has a great deal of similarity with the Ramappa temple, Warangal.

Description

One gets an insight into the Kakatiyas in the field of architecture by visiting these temples. The Ghanpur Temples consist of about 20 temples. All of them vary in size as well as design. There are several mandapams or halls in the temples. They are constructed within a double walled stone enclosure. Of all these temples, the main temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is definitely the most admirable. There is yet another temple that is dedicated to Shiva and both are alike in appearance. The other shrine is the Garbagriha. The most striking feature of the temples is the Sabhamandapa porches. Even though the Ramappa temple at Palampet is more renowned, it can be said that the two mandikas or salabhanjikas found in the northern side of the portico here is far more impressive in appearance. The porticos on the eastern and southern sides are embellished with several mythical figures of Gaja Kesari, Half human- Half Lion form riding on elephant, Horse-head Lion back on elephant. These temples have been affected by the vagaries of nature but even then what remains is just fantastic to watch. One cannot afford to miss such commendable pieces of architecture.

Group Of Temples

The Ghanpur group of temples are located in Ghanpur mandal, around 62 km away from Warangal. It is locally known as "Kota Gullu" It is believed that Ghanpur got its name from the illustrious King Ganapatideva who ruled between 1199 AD - 1260 AD. 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. The temples are now being renovated by the Dept. of Archaeology. The Ghanpur group of temples, comprising 22 temples constructed within a double walled stone enclosure contains a veritable museum of Kakatiya art and architecture. Among the group of temples, the main temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most attractive. The main attraction is of the Sabhamandapa porches. Mythical figure brackets such as Gaja-Kesari, Half human-Lion form riding on elephant, Horse-head Lion back on elephant are arranged under the eaves of some porticos. To the north of the main temple is another temple dedicated to Siva, which is an exact replica of the main temple. To the south of the main temple is a pillared mandap whose central ceiling is decorated with different kinds of motifs. There are more than nineteen sub temples each consisting of a garbhgriha and antarala, placed around the main temple. Luxuriant vegetation serves as a beautiful backdrop to the temples and the visitor is overwhelmed by the beauty of the ancient temples amidst the tall and lofty palms.

Agriculture

Most of the Agriculture cultivation is done through the Ghanpoor Lake and Wells in this area. and major crop in this area are Paddy,Cotton,Ground Nut,Mirchi and some seasonal crops. Due to the rich in fertile lands the people will have around 2 crops per year based on the rainfall.

Education

Ghanpur has two government Zilla Parishad Primary Schools(ZPPS) schools and private education schools too.

External links

Details of Ramappa temple are available in the reference link given below. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramappa_Temple

^[2]

References