I love visiting ancient monuments as well as temples in India. I had wonderful one day tour to beautiful and ancient Shri Sangmeshwar and Shri Harihareshwar Temples at Kudal Sangam in Hattarsang village near my Solapur city.
I am sharing important and useful information about this amazing place situated on the banks of the confluence of the Bhima and Sina rivers near Solapur city, Maharashtra State, India.
Solapur district has an amazing history with many historical places, forts, monuments, and temples. In ancient times the region Solapur and Satara was known as Kuntal. It is depicted on the inscription that Solapur was known as ‘Sonnalige’ later on is was changed as Sonlipure, Sonalpur, Sandalpur, Sholapur, and at present Solapur. The history of Solapur can be known up to the 3rd Century B.C. (300 B.C.). Kudal Sangam is a very popular pilgrim center of prime historic prominence.
I have a passion to know & learn our Indian history, travel to explore beautiful temples / monuments /heritage and do photography & produce documentaries.
I always love to share my knowledge, experiences, and joy with others. With this intension herewith I have written this booklet.
Among many beautiful temples in Solapur district Shri Sangameshwar and Shri Harihareshwar temples at Kudal Sangam, Hattarsang, one of the best temples to visit in Solapur.
After collecting all the information about this temple, I have visited it in April 2019. It took me 60 minutes by car to reach this place. I was very much excited to see these temples.
At the entrance there are many trees amongst one near to the entrance is a big Banyan tree. There were many birds enjoying the fruits of this tree and making a lot of chirping calls. I could identify 15 different varieties of birds on this tree.
When I entered through the main door of the temple, I saw beautiful Hemandpathi style Sangameshwar temple. I was very much impressed by the architecture of this temple. I started to explore temple.
The atmosphere was so peaceful and holy. I started imagining the glory of Chalukya kingdom as well as people of that era in this premise. I was envy of this past golden era and appreciate the architecture for constructing this beautiful temple.
Once I entered in the Ardhamandapa and main Mandap of temple. There are 18 big stone pillars with beautiful carvings on them. As this place was so cool and fresh, my all stress was relieved. I have seen the first-ever Marathi inscription on one of the columns.
I had a nice Darshan of Lord Shri Sangmeshwar Shiva Linga. I have asked pujari to perform Archana puja. I was blessed by the Lord Shri Sangmeshwar.
After going through and around temple premises, I went towards the Eastside direction to see beautiful Harihareshwar temple.
I have enjoyed beautiful carving on the wall in this passage. The special attraction was carving of Lord Ganesh.
I was very much impressed by the temple's location, architecture, artwork, beautiful carvings, very lively statues, and surrounding are. Both the temples are excellent archeological sites.
I could imagine efforts, huge task, hard work as well as creativity of architects and support of Chalukya kingdom. This place is a must-visit place for family and friends interested in architecture and ancient ruins.
This place is one of the best tourist destinations in Maharashtra State. You require one entire day to explore this beautiful place. Usually, we visit this place with our family and friends, carry our homemade food, and enjoy it at this place. There is one canteen as well as Dharamshala near the entrance. You can order typical Solapuri food from the canteen. People who are interested in historical monuments, temples, nature, and architect will love this place.
Location:
This place is in Kudal Hattarsang village in South Solapur taluka Solapur district, Maharashtra State, India. Both temples are constructed on the banks of the confluence (Sangam) of Bhima and Sina River. This holy place is so beautiful and scenic which makes you calm and happy. It is one of the best sites in the entire Maharashtra State.
History:
The Harihareshwar temple, the Chalukyan-era structure was discovered by Prof. Gajanan Bhide, from Dayanand College, Solapur in the year 1999 while excavating this site. The Maharashtra state archaeological department is an effort spanning three and half years, has managed to restore a 13th-century Harihareshwar temple. During the mammoth task of restoration of the ancient temple, the archaeology team gathered all the scattered stones and pillars to restore the entire temple.
The history of this place goes back to nearly eight hundred years back. The temple of Harihareshwar (11th to 12th century AD) is of the Chalukyan Era. Kudal Sangam is home to the oldest temple whose construction is inspired by the Hemandpathi style of architecture.
The importance of this place was the people who were traveling from North to South or South to North were taking a halt.
Attractions:
At Kudal Sangam, there are three main attractions Shri Sangmeshwar Temple, the other downstairs is the Shri Harihareshwar Temple, and Kudal Sangam i.e. confluence of the Bhima and Sina River.
Shri Sangmeshwar temple:
The temple has three main parts Ardhamandapa, Main Mantapa, and Garbhagriha.
These temples were built during the reign of Chalukyas and the other was constructed 500 years later. The temple has the idol of Shivling, which is unique and not found anywhere else in India
In December and January, the annual festival is organized in remembrance of God Sangameshwar. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit Kudal Sangam during this season. Many people come here on Amavasya fay of every month to worship God.
There is one inscription in the temples. Its period is mentioned A.D. 1018 it is in Marathi.
According to Mr. Anand Kumbhar a specialist of inscription, it is the first-ever inscription in the Marathi language. The inscription is not completely in Marathi but the 3rd line is written in Marathi.
The structure of the sentence also delights to mind. “Vachi to Vijeya Hoiva” “वाची तो विजया होईवा” this coat line was written 300 years before “Dnyaneshwari”, this sentence can be compared with the sentence structure of Dnyaneshwari” surrounding of this temple there are many inscriptions.
Shri Harihareshwar temple:
Hari means Lord Vishnu and Har means lord Shiv to combine shiv and Vaishnav sects this temple had constructed because god is one. This is the basic principle of the Temple.
Another characteristic of this temple was that it is the only west-facing temple and has two sanctums one of Vishnu and the other of Shiva symbolizing a meeting of two divergent religious sects, Vaishnavism and Shaivism.
There is no any date period, as the name of the king. But based on writing style we can understand the period of the temple belongs to the 11th as 12th Century. Based on construction this temple belongs to later “Kalyanchalukya” in the period of the sixth king Vikramaditya. At present this temple has lost several things.
The characteristics of the temple there are Mukhmandap, Sabhamandap, Swargamandapa, Antral, Duidal, Garbhagriha, etc.
At the entrance of Mukhmandap there is a beautiful and attractive Rama Bhairavi icon carved on stone.
In front of this, there are lattice windows. On another huge stone, there is a Nag (Snake) icon.
At the roof of Sabhamandap there are two fine carvings one of Lord Shri Krishna playing with Gopi and another Lord Shri Krishna’s one face with 5 different bodies as a bahurupi.
There are very nice Lord Ganesh idols on both sides.
“It has a unique Swarga Mandap (open Mandap) that resembles the carving structures at Kopeshwar Temple at Khidrapur in Kolhapur District. The shrine also has beautiful carvings as the Chalukyas paid special attention to decoration.
There is a very nice Bhairava’s icon with a nice pose having snakes in his neck all both sides of this icon there are huge serpents
When you enter this Mandap you will be amazed by beautiful and very attractive stone carvings on entire four walls.
There is one small very attractive statue of Lord Shri Krishna lying on the floor.
Harihareshwar temple has wonderful carvings on its entire four walls. There is a huge elephant head. One that number of women’s which are very beautiful with their dresses.
On the one side, some people are playing a different instrument.
On one side Vidyadhar holding garland wondering in the sky and feeling that he wanted to give this to his God.
In the Garbhagriha there is a Ganesh icon on the walls. Important characteristics are there are two Garbhagriha.
In one Garbhagriha there is Shiva Lingam and in another is Shrikrishna’s icon and calf there is a flute in Krishna’s hands and a cow at his feet. This sculpture has three bends.
There is also one nice icon of Kalia Mardan. It is so beautiful. There is winding of Kalia and on the Kalia Shri. Krishna is dancing with a ball in one hand.
On outer walls of this temple are nicely designed with beautiful carvings which make the entire temple monument one of the finest architecture in entire India. I was stunned by both architecture and fine art on its wall.
Bahumukhi Shiva Linga:
One of the rare Ling found in the remains nearby the temple. The height of ling is around 117 cm. Their circumference is about 4 meters. The faces of Lord Shiva carved on the ling they are covered with a throne.
We can see the snake clearly on the throne. There is the icon in which icon of Shiva is carved. These are Trishul and Damru in the hands of Shiva. The faces of Shiva show different expressions. There are 359 faces of Shiva carved on this Ling. These 359 and one mukhling totals 360 Shiva Ling’s are there. It indicates that if a devotee offers an Abhishek he gets the worship of the god throughout the year. Such kind of ling has never been seen in either India or other countries.
Kudal Sangam:
Kudal is a Kannada language word that means to join.
It is a confluence of the Bhima and Sina rivers. You have to go through the backdoors of the Shri Sangmeshwar temple to reach on the banks of Rivers. This place is so scenic with beautiful landscapes, a very peaceful atmosphere and lots of birds.
There is a boating facility at the banks of the river. I have enjoyed this place and had boating. I have clicked images of nature and the temple.
I enjoyed very much this wonderful and ancient monument. I felt proud to be Indian architecture as well as its glory. I have decided to write small booklet so that more people can explore it.
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Pune
Nearest railway station : Solapur
You have to drive or travel by bus or hire a taxi to reach this place. There is a bus every hour from Solapur to this place.
This place is 39 km from Solapur city. You have to travel from Solapur to Vijayapura (Bijapur) road, take a left turn just before the bridge on the Bhima river at Takali. You have to travel through Barur and Hattarsang village to reach Kudal Sangam.
Travel time from Solapur Railway Station to Kudal Sangam Temple is: 1 Hour: 10 Minutes
The cheapest Travel cost is by bus.
Timings of the temple:
Temple is open from 6 am to 7 pm every day. You can witness aarti of the Shiv Linga in the morning and evening.
Best season to visit:
From August to January every year.
Accommodation:
There is a Dharamshala with a basic stay arrangement at the entrance of the temple. You can stay in Solapur city for better comfort and plan one-day tour at this place.
I am sure you might have enjoyed my write-up, information about these temples, and all images. My purpose is to create awareness and interest amongst people and youth about our Indian heritage, architecture, culture, art, historical monuments, temples, and amazing Indian 5000-year-old history.
I am sure after going through this booklet you will plan one-day tour with your family and friends to this historical monument. I am very much proud to be Indian. I humbly appeal you to explore our Indian monuments around your town and share with me.
Our Dr. Metan foundation is doing many activities and projects to create awareness and develop an interest in our Indian heritage, architecture, culture, art, historical monuments, temples, and amazing Indian 5000-year-old history.
Our V Metan creation private limited has done nature and Indian monuments photography exhibitions at prestigious Jehangir art gallery, Mumbai, and twice at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Bangalore to create interest in nature and photography.
Soon we are producing one documentary on these temples and Kudal Sangam.
Dr. Vyankatesh Metan
Orthopaedic surgeon
Writer
Connect me at :
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+91 9370080090
metanvs@gmail.com
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Dr. Metan Hospital : www.drmetanhospital.com
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Dr. Metan Foundation : www.drmetanfoundation.org
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