Kokamthan Mahadev Hemadpanthi Mandir, Maharashtra

Address

Kokamthan Mahadev Hemadpanthi Mandir, Kokamthan, Maharashtra 423601

Diety

Mahadev

Introduction

The village of Kokamthan is situated four miles to the south-east of Kopargaon, the head-quarters of the taluk, on the bank of the Godavari river. This Shiva temple belonging to 13th century AD has double diamond ground plan, comprising garbhagriha, antarala and mandapa with minutely facetted and elaborately decorated ornamentation. The shikhara made in brick and stucoo work over the sanctum is composed of miniature shikharas. Each of the offshoots of the temple rise equally up to the top as in bhumija style of temple. A pedant, representing a large flower hanging from a stalk from interiors of the dome over mandapa increases its beautiful dancing figurines with dwarf musicians. The main shrine contains linga as well as an image of Anantasayi Vishnu.

Puranic Significance

The village contains an old temple of Mahadeva built of coarse dry stone, and probably belonging to the 13th century. The form common in ancient Shaiva buildings in the Chalukyan and derived styles, a shrine and hall with a dome about sixty feet round, and much like the dome of the chief Jain temple in Belgaon fort. The spire over the shrine is of old shaped bricks and mortar apparently a restoration skilfully carried out in keeping with the rest of the dry stone building and agreeing closely with the little ornamental buttresses outside the shrine which the original stone spire. Though the chief dome has no pillar supports, two porches, occupying the corners of the hall opposite the shrine to the west, have domes supported on pillars, but adorned internally with the same rich carving. The fourth corner is occupied by a very curious square transept which does not appear to be a part of the original building. The goddess of the shrine is famed for her power of curing the itch. Within the court, walls of smaller temples may be traced which were destroyed by the 1872 flood. Another old temple of Mahadeva formerly stood on a mound to the west of the village. A large linga and a Nandi still lie on the spot.