Kolhapur

Shree Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India, is one of the Shakti Peethas also called Dakshin Kashi, listed in various puranas of Hinduism. According to these writings, a shakti peetha is a place associated with Shakti, the goddess of power. The Kolhapur peetha is of special religious significance, being one of the six places where it is believed one can either obtain salvation from desires or have them fulfilled. The temple takes its name from Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, and it is believed that the divine couple reside in the area. The temple belongs, architecturally, to the Kannada 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. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. The Shri yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple.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. The lower right hand holds a mhalunga (a citrus fruit), in the upper right, a large mace (kaumodaki) with its head touching the ground, in the upper left a shield (khetaka), and in the lower left, a bowl (panpatra). Unlike most Hindu sacred images, which face north or east, the image of this deity looks west (Pashchim). There is a small open window on the western wall, through which the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days around the 21st of each March and September.

Khidrapur Temple

The Kopeshwar, Ancient & artistic temple situated on the bank of Krishna is a fine example of ancient sculpture. It was built in 11-12 century by Shilahar. In the interior you see first Vishnu( Dhopeshwar) and Shivling facing north. But there is no nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & male-female artists in various poses are attractive. The ceiling is semi-circular with matchless engravings. On the outside complete 'Shivaleetamrit' is carved When sati Parvati jumped into Daxa's sacrifice, Lord Shiva was angry. He got peace of mind in this temple. From entrance to Shivaling, we feel peace, coldness and dark.

In Shravan, on Monday & Shivratri the mandir is crowded. The palanquin celebration is simply spectacular!

Narsobawai Temple

Nrusinhawadi Pilgrimage Place Kolhapur Nrusinhawadi is famous pilgrimage place in Kolhapur district. Nrusinhawadi is a capital of Datta devotees. This religious place is situated on the sacred confluence of Krishna and Panchganga rivers at distance of 45Km from Kolhapur. The Nrusinhawadi area is spread for about one square mile in the centre of two rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. The population of town is about 4000. On the Ghat of Krishna River and below large Audumber trees there is a beautiful and attractive temple. The Paduka established by Swami are there

in that temple. Present temple was constructed by muslim king Adilshah of Vijapur. The daughter of this Vijapur king had lost her eyes. As asked Bidar Badashah , he came to Nrusinhawadi. He worshipped Shri Guru, decided Navas. The sacred ash given by worshipper when applied to eyes of daughter she regained sight. King became glad.Records indicate that he gave two villages Ourwad and Gourwad on the other side of Krishna river Inam , ownership for enabling worship activities of the temple As today's temple was constructed by Muslim King it does not have a spire. It is an elongated high building and in front there is large Ghat of Krishna-river and the river is flowing slowly.

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum (Kanerimath)

Siddhagiri believes that, “Everyone has the moral right to avail good lifestyle”. With this vision in mind, emphasis is given on toxin free yield, providing guidance & support to farmers. Lakhpati sheti and Siddhagiri Naturals are being the role models to be adopted. One of the Krishi Vidgyan Kendra (KVK) has also been established in the math province. Math is also actively promoting the importance of organic farming and desi cows. Desi cows have also been given equal importance, as if to have a good doctor for a family. and their students excel. Siddhagiri Gurukulam is a perfect assimilation

of our traditional ways of learning (Guru-Shishya parampara) and modern education system. Gurukulam is a place where learning is Happiness centric (Ananda Kendrit) and not money centric. To connect to our Cultural roots, Siddhagiri Museum has brought our indigenous ways of living to reality. It perfectly depicts how villagers were interdependent, but were independent collectively (a self-sufficient village).

Chandrakant Mandhare Art Gallery

Karveernagari is famous as city of art. Two famous Mandare brothers viz. Chandrakant and Suryakant. They had left their own footprints in this domain. Mr. Chandrakant Mandare is known for his portraits showing his love towards nature. This art gallery is established at the residence of Chandrakant Mandare in the 7th lane of rajarampuri. The pictures painted by gifted skill of famous actor Chandrakant Mandare give pleasure to art lovers, viewers.About 15-20 lakh rupees were spent for this beautiful museum of portraits and antique items. Despite spending all this money from his own pocket, Mr. Chandrakant Mandare handed over this precious museum to archaeological department of government and has established new standard of the thoughts of Rajas Shahu Maharaj. This has been a major attraction for tourists.

Amba Ghat

The location Amba Ghat is quite well known for its beautiful natural surrounding and pleasant cool weather. This is the reason large number of national and international tourists are visiting this tourist centre almost in every season. Its height from sea level is 3100 ft.It is located on Kolhapur-Ratnagiri national highway (NH-204) and this is the highest spot in Kolhapur district. Region beyond this is Konkan. In April and May daytime temperature of this area is 24 to28 c. while at night it 16 to 18c. There are a considerable number of places worth visiting and tourists feel a special pleasure of plucking and eating fruits like java plums or rose-apples.

The best feature of interest in the city is the Town Hall Kolhpur Museum (Monday closed) on Bhausingji Road, 1km north of the Temple. This sombre Neo-gothic structure was built as the Town Hall in 1872-76 by Charles Mant. This is his first creation in Kolhapur, the only building in pure Neo-gothic style. The frontel porch of the Museum is flanked by towers with steeply pyramidal metal roofs. Two European cannons are on display here; the example dated 1609 is engraved with a relief of the god Mars.