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Archive for the ‘Kolhapur’ Category

Arts, aristocracy and graciousness. A legacy of velour combined with a culture steeped in spiritualism, education and modernism. Kolhapur with its myriad images emerges as a city with a multifaceted persona and a rich cultural, historical and mythical past. Ancient texts such as the Padmapurana and the Skandapurana speak in glowing terms of Karveer or Dakshin Kashi which is, in fact modern-day Kolhapur on the banks of river Panchaganga nestling among the Sahyadri ranges.

A journey through the past reveals that Kolhapur has lived through the regimes of various rulers from the mythical past to the modern age. The Hindu era lasted till 1347, followed by the Muslim rule which was from 1347-1700. The magnificent temples of Kolhapur were built during the glorious periods of the Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas. The Marathas controlled this area from 1700 to 1849. In 1849, the British took over and Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj was installed as the ruler of Kolhapur.

Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj’s reign lent a progressive spirit to the city and he extended his patronage to theater, films, music, painting, sculpture, wrestling and crafts. As result, the city has a rich cultural ethos. In 1945, archaeological excavations close to a hill named Brahmagiri on the banks of the river Panchaganga revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman times. Today, Kolhapur combines its artistic past with a dynamic present and is a modern, industrial city.

Places To Visit

Mahalaxmi Temple

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur in Maharashtra India is one of the Shakti Peethas listed in various puranas of Hinduism. The temple belongs architecturally to the Chalukya empire and may have been first built circa 700 AD. Mounted on a stone platform the image of the four armed and crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. A stone lion the vahana of the goddess stands behind the statue. The crown contains an image of the Sheshnag the serpent of Vishnu. In Her four hands the deity of Mahalakshmi holds objects of symbolic value. Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is surrounded by about 35 temples. Navratra is the grand annual festival of this temple.

Narasimha Wadi

Narsobawadi is a small village located close to Kolhapur, which attracts tourists in quite a large number. It is popularly know as “Narsobachi Wadi”. Narasimha Wadi has a great archaeological significance and is situated at the confluence of river Krishna and Panchganga.

Narsobachiwadi Temple is at Narsobachi Wadi, located about 22 km away from Sangli city and 45 km from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The temple is devoted to Lord Dattatreya, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and ShivaNarsobachiwadi Temple is at Narsobachi Wadi, located about 22 km away from Sangli city and 45 km from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The temple is devoted to Lord Dattatreya, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Chhatrapati Shahu Museum

This is an ancient building on the Bhavani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road. It was constructed during 1877-1884. Being an excellent specimen of architecture build in black, polished stone, it has been an attraction for the tourists. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, fountain and wresting ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle. The clock on it fixed in 1877. At separate distance there are small towers. On every glass are painted the events in Shivaji’s life. There is zoo and a ground lake. Even today, it is the residence of Shreemant Shahu Maharaj.

Shalini Palace

Shalini Palace is located very close to the Rankala lake.It was built in 1931-1934 and cost approx 8.00 lacs to build. Surrounded by tall palm trees and lush green lawns this palace offers visitors a magnificient place of interest in kolhapur which at the same time provides a wonderful backdrop to the lake. The palace was constructed with italian marble and black stone. The main door has Belgium glass and the inscription work on it reflects the majesty of the Royal family of kolhapur. The columns made of black stone as well as the entrance porch is a architectural masterpiece. In 1987 this palace was converted into the only palace hotel in the state. You can enjoy the reflection of the palace on a moonlit night on the Rankala lake,as well as its serene beauty during sunset.

Kolhapur is a city located in the south west corner of Maharashtra. It is situated on the banks of river Panchganga and provides the location for the Mahalakshmi Temple. Ancient texts such as the Padmapurana and the Skandapurana speak in glowing terms of Karveer or Dakshin Kashi which is, in fact modern-day Kolhapur. Following are the places to see in Kolhapur.

Mahalaxmi Temple : The foundation of this temple was laid down by the Chalukya ruler, Karandev in the seventh century AD.He initiated the construction and then in the ninth century, the Shilahara Yadavas beautified it further.It is an important spiritual center which draws millions of pilgrims from all over the world. The temple houses the revered idol of the goddess — Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai which weighs upto 40 kgs.The idol exists in its natural form of primeval monolith carved out of uncut diamonds and precious stones.It is known as Swayambhu.Besides the temple also houses the temples of other deities such as Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak, Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram.The temple organise enthusiastic celebrations on the occassion of Chaitra Poornima and Navratri.On every Friday the ‘Palkhi’ ritual is performed.

Amboli : Amboli is located at 64kms away from Belgaum in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills at an altitude of 690 m.It is the last mountain resort from where the coastal highlands decreases in size and joins the flat beaches.The tourist may visit the lush green hills and fertile plain.The golden Konkan coast also offers a splendid view to the tourists.The tourist can also enjoy fishing at Hiranya Keshi.Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad are considered as an ideal place for picnic purpose.At 10 kms from the site there are Bauxite Mines.It is regarded as an ideal resort owing to its cool and invigorating climate.Panhala : Panhala is located at 20 kms from the industrial city of Kolhapur and at an altitude of 977 m.Panhala was built in 1178-1209 AD.It is the largest of all Deccan forts.Panhala encompasses innumerable places of interest such as Sajja Kothi,the place where Sambhaji was imprisoned ; Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji seek blessings from the Goddess before venturing on expeditions ; Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu sacrificed his life to cover Shivaji’s escape.Although the place served as the seat of the Shilahara dynasty since AD 1190, and was captured by the Yadava and Bahamani kingdoms yet it is redolent with memories of Shivaji as it is one of those few forts where Shivaji spent more than 500 days.The place encloses huge granary, Amberkhana, which is said to contain 25,000 khandis (50,000 mounds) of corn poured into it from symmetrical gaps in the ceiling.

Dajipur Bison Sanctuary : Dajipur resort is located on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts.The place is totally aloof ofhuman habitat as it is situated admist of rugged mountains and dense forests.The sanctuary offers homeage to beast like bison, wild deer, chital, gawa and other spectacular wild animals and birds.The place offers exciting and beautiful holiday getaway as it situated 1200 metres above sea level .Also an excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri Maharaj’s Math marks a pleasant outing.This scenic resort near the backwaters of the Radhanagari Dam is a great source of attraction for wildlife lovers and naturalists.

Ramteerth : Ramteerth is located in Ajra taluka.It encloses ancient temples, river, an old coffee plantation and an orchard,which lends it a quaint charm and makes it an ideal picnic spot.The place has its holy significance. According to Hindu mythology, It is said that Lord Rama stayed here during his period exile in the forest. It is renowed for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Vishalgad : Vishalgad is located at 76 kms away north-west of Kolhapur.The name Vishalgad itself represents grandeur and magnificence. The fort encloses the Amriteshwar Temple, Takmak Tok, Sati Vrindavan and the dargah or tomb of Hazrat Malikdhyan Baba.The temples are visited by thousands of devotees during festives.