Kopeshwar Temple

 Kopeshwar Temple is at Khidrapur, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. It is at the border of Maharashtra and Karnataka It is also accessible from Sangli as well. It was built by Shilahara King Gandaraditya in the 12th century by Shilahara kings Gandaraditya, Vijayaditya and Bhoj-2 between 1109 and 1178 AD and then by Seuna Yadavas. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is to the east of Kolhapur, ancient & artistic on the bank of the Krishna river. This temple got recently came into discussion when the film shoot of Katyar Kaljat Ghusali was done for the song of "Shiv Bhola Bhandari" in the temple.


It is believed that Daksha, who did not like his youngest daughter Sati marrying Lord Shiva, conducted a Yagna to which he did not invite the couple. Sati visited her father’s house on Shiva’s Nandi to confront her father. Dakhsa insulted her in front of the guests present at the Yagna. Unable to bear any further insults, Sati jumped in the fire of Yagna and immolated herself. When Lord Shiva came to know about it he was infuriated. He punished Daksha by severing his head.  Lord Vishnu pacified Shiva whereupon he restored Daksha’s head but with a goat’s head. The furious Shiva was brought to Khidrapur temple by Lord Vishnu to calm him down. Hence the temple got its unusual name as Kopeshwar (wrathful god).  This explains as to why Lord Vishnu is in the temple in the form of a ling (phallus) along with Shivling and Nandi is not seen in this temple as Sati rode on the Nandi while visiting her parent’s home.

 The Kopeshwar temple is a must-see on the tourist itinerary for its ancient and artistic sculpture. This is a busy temple which sees a lot of worshippers on Mondays and Shivratri nights.



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