Kolhapur inside city · Inside City in Kolhapur
All Destinations | Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | Hotels
Inside City in Kolhapur
Inside City in Kolhapur
Mahalaxmi Temple. The puranas, have listed 108 sites where Shakti (the goddess of power) is manifested. Amongst these, the Karveer area (the area where the present town of Kolhapur is located), is of special significance. This is one of the six abodes of Shakti, where one can achieve both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered to be of greater significance than Uttar Kashi. Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that they both reside in the Karveer area. Mahalakshmi also known as Goddess Ambabai enjoys status of one of the important spiritual centers in India. Construction of the temple was initiated in 7th century by Chalukya rulers and further beautified by Yadavas till 9th Century AD. Garuda Mandap used for concerts by renowned artists was built in 1838 AD. During Navratri Festival ,Temple is well decorated with lights & flowers and renowned musicians, Kirtankars, artists pay their homage by performing for goddess in front of public at large in temple. The 'Aarati' ritual is most important. Daily at 5-30 a.m. when the Mandir is opened, Aarati is performed after the worship of the idol's feet This is called 'Kakadarati.' Devotional songs in 'Bhup-Rag' are recited at that time. At 8-30 a.m. Mahapooja occurs followed by 'Mangalarati.' At 12-30 a.m., worship with fragrant flowers & Kumkum is done for the devotees camphor is burnt and 'Naivedya' (Rich dishes) is offered. If there is no Mahapooja from devotees, milk instead of Panchamrut (milk, curds, sugar, ghee & honey) is spilled on the feet followed by Aarati. This process continues till about 2 p. m. This is followed with a 'Pooja' where the goddess is offered ornaments. In the interiors of the Mandir, Vedic hymns are chanted. After 7-30 p.m., with ringing of bells, 'Aarati' is performed. This is called the 'Bhog -Aarati'. The ritual of 'Abhishek Vidhi'is carried on throughout the day. The temple is about 5 Km from Central Bus Stand and Railway Station towards center of the city.
New Palace Recidence and a museum about memories of The Great Lokraja Shahuji Maharaj
Rankala Lake. About 6-8 km from CBS and Railway Station.
[Shivaji University] A gateway of higher education of international level to regional masses but surrounded by rich nature.
Temlabai Mandir Temblai hill is a famous spot in Kolhapur. There is a temple of Goddess "Temlabai" and other small temple on this Hill. In every Ashadha the religious ceremony of pouring water on the steps of the Mandir is celebrated on a grand scale. There is a Yamai Mandir also on this hill. A statue of Shivaji Maharaj is raised by the Devasthan Committee. A huge Idol of "Ganpati" is situated at the center of the hill-top. A small garden is developed for visitors. Every year during the month of "Shravan" a one day celebration known as "Tryamboli Yatra" takes place. People from Kolhapur and all other regions visit this place during the yatra. During Navratra Utsav procession of "Mahalakshmi" is carried from Ambabai Temple to Temblabai Temple. It is said that Goddess "Temlabai" & Goddess "Mahalakshmi" are sisters. During the war against devils, Goddess "Temlabai" helped Goddess "Mahalakshmi" but after the victory Goddess "Mahalakshmi" did not give her the due respect which made Goddess "Temlabai" angry and thus she came and settled on Temblai Hill. Hence, this procession is carried during Navratri, where it is believed, that on this day Goddess Mahalakshmi meets Goddess Temlabai, and people worship her with all devotion.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Kolhapur
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Kolhapur - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Kolhapur hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
>>> SEARCH FOR DEALS <<<
WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020
Kolhapur Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.