District: Kolhapur, State: Maharashtra, India Area: 7620 Sq. Km. Languages Spoken: Marathi and English Long Distance Code: +91-231 Importance: Famous for one of Shaktipeeth temples. Best Time to Visit: October to February
Description
Kolhapur is the seat of Goddess Mahalakshmi and is one of the Shaktipeeth mentioned in Indian mythology. Its antiquity is revealed by the Brahmapuri knoll overlooking the Panchganga River and by the ancient artifacts and Roman coins discovered there. It was an early center of Buddhism. Kolhapur was ruled by Silaharas, Yadavas, Rashtrakutas and Chalukyas in the Medieval times. The history of Kolhapur can be roughly divided into three periods: Hindu period upto 1300 AD, Muslim period from 1300 AD to 1700 AD and Maratha period from 1700 AD onwards and later became the seat of the British residency for the Deccan States. The city is believed to have flourished in art and trade during the regime of Satwahan dynasty. <br />Archaeological excavations revealed the ruins of a prosperous ancient township and bringing into light the advanced Trade relations of this town with the European and Roman countries.<br />It was the princely state of Kolhapur ruled by the heirs of Shivaji and finally merged in the Indian nation after its independence. The growth of Kolhapur in modern times is fascinating. And the whole credit goes to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the architect and founder of modern Kolhapur. Today it is abundant in natural resources- water, soil, natural vegetation, animal wealth and minerals. Kolhapur is famous for its Kolhapuri Chappals and a type of necklace called Kolhapuri Saaz.
Location
Kolhapur is 395 km South of Mumbai and 240 km from Pune. It is well connected by air, rail and road. It is the southernmost district of Maharashtra. This ancient city is situated on the banks of river Panchganga; i.e. five Rivers Krishna, Ganiki, Shiva, Mayuri and Warna. This city is surrounded from all directions by rivers, to the east to the west the south Veda and Yaksha and to the north Krishna and. Kolhapur is also known as "The Varanasi Of The South". It was the capital of the former Princely State - the Kolhapur branch of the 'Chhatrapatis'
The New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum) \r\nThis royal residence of the Chhatrapati Bhonsale, built in 1877-1884, is an excellent specimen of architecture build in black, polished stone, in the Indo - Sarcenic style. Now it houses the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, with an array of the former Maharaja's possessions. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, a fountain and a wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tall tower with a clock in it, fixed in the year 1877. The 'Darbar' hall is a huge hall which has beautiful paintings representing certain events from the life of the Maharaja. 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. Antiques found during the excavations such as old sculptures, filigree work in sandalwood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed in the Town Hall museum.\r\nThe Old Palace or The Bhavani Mandap is located behind the temple of Mahalakshmi. It is a magnificent structure with impressive marquee and filigree work in stone. Part of it was burnt, when in 1813 the Muslim King Sadat Khan invaded Kolhapur. It is the glory of the city center there is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani. History tells that Shambhu Maharaj was killed in this very Mandap. \r\nShalini Palace, built in 1932-34 was named after Princess Shalini Raje of Kolhapur. The palace stands on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala lake and is surrounded by towering palm trees, lush greenery and lovely gardens. The palace is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble. Rich decorative wooden doorways fitted with etched Belgium glass bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur add to the regal grandeur. The majestic black stone arches forming the verandah and the porch are breathtakingly beautiful. In 1987 the palace was converted into a hotel. This is the only palace hotel in Maharashtra.\r\n
Rankala Lake is located at distance of half a kilometer from the famous Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur with a circumference of 2.5 miles. A magic created by nature, which was formerly an extensive mine of black stone. During 800-900 AD, there were earthquakes, which transformed the mine into big holes through which water from underground collects. This is the oldest of all lakes. It was given importance in the past because of a big temple of 'Nandi' situated next to it, the idol of which is very big and rare.
One of the 2 Jyotirlingas, Jotiba is located to the north of Kolhapur, on a small hillock surrounded by green mountains. Navajisaya built the original temple in 1730. It is 330' high from sea level. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the interior is ancient and the idol has four hands. Mythology says, Jotiba helped Mahalaxmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain.
Escape to the hills. Just 20 kms from the industrial city of Kolhapur, Panhala provides the ideal get-away as a hill station. This imposing fort, is built 400m above plain on the Sahyadri mountains. With its hoary heritage, Panhalgad provides the right locale. It was from here that Shivaji beleaguered for over four months, escaped one rainy night to Vishalgad, while his faithful general Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life holding down the forces of Sidi Johar at a narrow pass, since christened Pavankhind.\r\nAbout 76 km northwest of Kolhapur is Vishalgad, situated on a mountain. The road passes through thick wood. The fort is separated by a deep narrow river. It is a vast fort as the name suggests and its steep cliffs separate it from adjoining land, making it nearly impeccable to win over. Today, the fort is known to people as a place of Malik Raihan Dargah.
This is one of the ancient temples of Maharashtra and the most worshipped goddess as well. The beautiful 40 kg. idol of the goddess is a Swayambhu idol. According to researchers, the idol is 5-6 thousand years old. It has monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. The construction was initiated by Chalukya ruler, Karandev, in the 7th century A.D. and additions were made in the 9th century by the Shilahara Yadavas. The temple complex is exquisitely carved and has artistically sculpted structures built in the Hemadpanthi style. The idol has four hands and her crown is overshadowed by the hood of a Cobra.\r\nA legend says that Mahalakshmi was sister of Sun God and was angry with him for some reason. So she vowed that she would never see his face. Therefore there are only four days in a year that sunrays fall directly on the goddess. Another myth about the temple is that no one can count the pillars it has.
The New Palace (Chhatrapati Sahu Museum) \r\nThis royal residence of the Chhatrapati Bhonsale, built in 1877-1884, is an excellent specimen of architecture build in black, polished stone, in the Indo - Sarcenic style. Now it houses the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, with an array of the former Maharaja's possessions. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, a fountain and a wrestling ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tall tower with a clock in it, fixed in the year 1877. The 'Darbar' hall is a huge hall which has beautiful paintings representing certain events from the life of the Maharaja. 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. Antiques found during the excavations such as old sculptures, filigree work in sandalwood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed in the Town Hall museum.\r\nThe Old Palace or The Bhavani Mandap is located behind the temple of Mahalakshmi. It is a magnificent structure with impressive marquee and filigree work in stone. Part of it was burnt, when in 1813 the Muslim King Sadat Khan invaded Kolhapur. It is the glory of the city center there is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani. History tells that Shambhu Maharaj was killed in this very Mandap. \r\nShalini Palace, built in 1932-34 was named after Princess Shalini Raje of Kolhapur. The palace stands on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala lake and is surrounded by towering palm trees, lush greenery and lovely gardens. The palace is built of intricately carved black stone and Italian marble. Rich decorative wooden doorways fitted with etched Belgium glass bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur add to the regal grandeur. The majestic black stone arches forming the verandah and the porch are breathtakingly beautiful. In 1987 the palace was converted into a hotel. This is the only palace hotel in Maharashtra.\r\n
Rankala Lake is located at distance of half a kilometer from the famous Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur with a circumference of 2.5 miles. A magic created by nature, which was formerly an extensive mine of black stone. During 800-900 AD, there were earthquakes, which transformed the mine into big holes through which water from underground collects. This is the oldest of all lakes. It was given importance in the past because of a big temple of 'Nandi' situated next to it, the idol of which is very big and rare.
One of the 2 Jyotirlingas, Jotiba is located to the north of Kolhapur, on a small hillock surrounded by green mountains. Navajisaya built the original temple in 1730. It is 330' high from sea level. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the interior is ancient and the idol has four hands. Mythology says, Jotiba helped Mahalaxmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain.
Escape to the hills. Just 20 kms from the industrial city of Kolhapur, Panhala provides the ideal get-away as a hill station. This imposing fort, is built 400m above plain on the Sahyadri mountains. With its hoary heritage, Panhalgad provides the right locale. It was from here that Shivaji beleaguered for over four months, escaped one rainy night to Vishalgad, while his faithful general Baji Prabhu Deshpande laid down his life holding down the forces of Sidi Johar at a narrow pass, since christened Pavankhind.\r\nAbout 76 km northwest of Kolhapur is Vishalgad, situated on a mountain. The road passes through thick wood. The fort is separated by a deep narrow river. It is a vast fort as the name suggests and its steep cliffs separate it from adjoining land, making it nearly impeccable to win over. Today, the fort is known to people as a place of Malik Raihan Dargah.
This is one of the ancient temples of Maharashtra and the most worshipped goddess as well. The beautiful 40 kg. idol of the goddess is a Swayambhu idol. According to researchers, the idol is 5-6 thousand years old. It has monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. The construction was initiated by Chalukya ruler, Karandev, in the 7th century A.D. and additions were made in the 9th century by the Shilahara Yadavas. The temple complex is exquisitely carved and has artistically sculpted structures built in the Hemadpanthi style. The idol has four hands and her crown is overshadowed by the hood of a Cobra.\r\nA legend says that Mahalakshmi was sister of Sun God and was angry with him for some reason. So she vowed that she would never see his face. Therefore there are only four days in a year that sunrays fall directly on the goddess. Another myth about the temple is that no one can count the pillars it has.
