A treasure house in ruins!

Yes! The Ghanpur group of temples is a treasure house of 13th century which now lies in total neglect!

The temple complex is falling and it is in shambles. But if you take a close look at the fallen structures, you can find numerous sculptures of outstanding quality! It is absolutely pathetic to see this group of temples deteriorating day by day. At this rate, in a few years from now, nothing will be left of these great temples!

The scattered ruins of the Ghanpur Temple complex is locally known as Kotagullu and now it looks like a huge open air museum, with crumbling structures and scattered sculptures!

The Ghanpur group of temples was supposedly built by Ganapati Deva of Kakatiya dynasty in the early 13th century.

Kakatiya dynasty was a great patron of architecture with very similar architectural style as that of Hoysalas. In this region they have built several temples with superb sculptures. 

Ghanpur, once the citadel of power of the mighty Kakatiya dynasty, was plundered during the invasion of the Giyasuddin Tughlaq in 1323.

The main Shiva Temple at the centre is the prime attraction and it is built on a high star shaped platform. The roof of the temple has long collapsed!

It is pathetic to see a sole Nandi (bull) at the centre of the courtyard which would have witnessed the glorious days of this temple. 

I understand that this temple was built for lord Shiva. The main shrine contains exotic freezes, including a intricately curved granite door frame leading to the inner sanctum. The walls contain several sandstone freezes of elephant and lotus.

There is a mandapam (hall) on the South side. The roof of this mandapam has survived the test of time and remains precariously balanced on tumbling pillars! 

Each of the pillars consists of three sections, consisting of square, octagonal and circular parts. Some of the squared sections contain sculptured panels.

The complex also contains several other structures, including the six minor Shiva Temples at the entrance.

The entire complex is littered with large slabs of sandstones, several of which contain intricately carved freezes.

This place requires the immediate attention of Archeological Survey of India. If a renovation is not done immediately, we will surely lose this group of temples!

This place is located about 65 km South West of Warangal.