GHANPUR TEMPLE

The Ghanpur group of temples, comprising of 22 temples constructed within a double walled stone enclosure contain a veritable museum of Kakatiya art and architecture. Among the group of temples, the main temple, which is dedicated to Lord siva is most attractive. The main attraction is of the Sabhamandapa porches. Two madanikas or salabhanjikas, which are on northern side portico, are much more attractive and blithe in their appearance, compared to the famous Palampet(Ramappa Temple) bracket figures.

Apart from these, mythical figure brackets such as Gaja-Kesari, Half human-Lion form riding on elephant, Horse-head Lion back on elephant are also arranged under the eves in eastern and southern side porticos. To the north from main temple, there is another temple dedicated t Siva which is exact replica of the main temple. To the south of the main temple, there is a pillared mandap whose central ceiling is decorated with different kinds patma motives. More over nineteen subsidiary shrines consisting of garbhgriha and antarala are placed around the temple.

There is no information about the builder of these great temples except three inscriptions which only talk about visit of Vibhuttigaru, a house hold servant of Panditharadhya. But on stylistic grounds and comparing architectural features of ~mous Ramappa temple at Palampet village, it can be presumed that these temples were most probably constructed during the time of Ganpathidev Maharaj in early 13 the Century A.D. These magnificient group of temples are located adbist tall and lofty palmyra trees and this luxuriant vegetation serves as a beautiful backdrop making visit to these temples a visual feast and a memorable one.

The Ghanpur group of temples are located in Ghanpur mandal headquarters, around 62 kms away from Warangal. It can be reached via Mulug and Palampet and is connected with a regular bus service.