ఈ వారం (16-22 DEC 2012): చారిత్రక కట్టడం!

Ghanpur (Mulug) is a village and a mandal in Warangal district in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.
 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.

*picture from wikimedia commons

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.