Places of Pilgrimage

Places of Pilgrimage

Mahalakshmi 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.

Daily Routine in Mahalakshmi Mandir

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.

Jyotiba temple
Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this holy site nestles in the mountains, also known as Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer Jamadagni. A colorful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh. During the fair, Devotees from various regions hoist "Sasan Kathi", which is the holy symbol of lord Jyotiba.
Getting there: Jyotiba lies 17 km to the north-west of Kolhapur.

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.

Ramling, bahubali
This site is revered by both Hindus and Jains. Devotees flock here to pay respect to the 28 feet tall marble statue of Bahubali and visit the temples of the 24 tirthankaras or saints.
Getting there : This site is 27 km to the south of Kolhapur.

Narsobachiwadi
This holy place is situated on the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas (slippers) of Dattaguru ( an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru who lived here for 12 years. Recently, all the devotees have erected a temple called "Jahaz Mandir", which is unique in its own way, because it has been built in the shape of a ship with beautiful landscape. Narsobachiwadi is famour for Basundi, Kundhi Pedas, Kawatchi Barfi's.

Getting there: Narasimha Wadi is 45 km from Kolhapur.

Khidrapur
The artistic temple of Kopeshwar or Mahadev at Khidrapur is a treasure-house of beautifully carved sculptures and a rare architectural marvel. The entire temple rests on a gajapeeth which is a semi-circular platform resting on the back of 92 carved elephants.

Babujamal Darga
The only Islamic Tomb with Lord Ganesha engraved on the entrance arch.

Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir
The known history of the temple dates back to early nineteenth century. This temple has been renovated thoroughly in the late 1900s in order to accommodate the needs of the surging crowds of devotees that throng the temple during festive occasions. Located Near industrial heart of Udyamnagar, it is a must visit for Lord Ganesha Followers.

Gagangiri Maharaj
Gagangiri Maharaj was a Great Yogi. One of the few living sages having Unique Capacities, Vision and Synthesis. Gagangiri Maharaj Math is renowned as a spiritual destination for domestic and foreign travelers. The Math is located in the midst of dense forests and thick green vegetation at Dajipur nearby Kolhapur. Shri Gagangiri Maharaj was a Hindu Sanyasi (Sage) following the Nath Sampradaya.

The life and history of the sage tells that Gagangiri Maharaj spent many years in this Math undergoing penance from 1932 to 1940. The Sage spent all these years in meditation in the deep jungle in this Math. This Ashram offers the Hindu teachings, yoga and meditation practices and also serves as a religious temple for the devotees. It is an attractive place for meditation, yoga and to clearly understand the Indian culture and its religious importance.

Shankaracharya Math

Shringeri is one of the 4 'Mathas' founded by Jagatguru Shankaracharya at Kolhapur in 13 A. D., The main reason was the religious importance Kolhapur had acquired then. No wonder if the Swami thought that they should have their 'Math' at the great holy place of Mahalakshmi and which is considered as the 'Deccan Kashi.' 'Abhinawa Panchaganga teerwas, Kamala Niketan Karveer Simhasanathishwar Shri Vidya Shankar Bharati Swami' are the phrases forming the title of this chief. This clarifies that Panchaganga Bank & the Mahalakshmi temple were the attractions for Shankaracharya. It also accounts for Selection of site for the 'Math' on the Panchaganga Bank.

Another season can be told for the choice. 'Math' means burial ground. This cannot be forgotten. It is desirable that the 'Samadhi' (Tomb) should be on the bank of a river. So Shankaracharya chose this site.