Shri 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 crown contains an image of the Sheshnag — the serpent of Vishnu. In Her four hands, the deity of Mahalakshmi holds objects of symbolic value.

Shree Jyotiba Temple, Wadi Ratnagiri

Jyotiba is a holy place of Hinduism near Wadi Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India. The deity of the temple is known by the same name, and is held by the locals to be an incarnation of three gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha, and Jamadagni

An annual fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha. Jyotiba temple is an important Hindu religious destination located at an altitude of 3124 feet above sea level in the Panhala range of Maharashstra

It is believed that the main deity the Jyotiba is formed from the souls of three Primary Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Legendery stories tell that Jyotiba is formed to kill the demon Ratnasur.

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.

Bahubali & Jahaj Mandir (Kumbhoj)

Shri Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth located at Kumbhoj Bahubaliin Maharashtra is a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is an Atishaya Kshetra i.e. place of miracles. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bahubali.

According to history Kumbhoj is an ancient city. An ascetic saint Shri Bahubali Maharaj lived here almost 250 years ago. He was a renowned scholar of the science of spells. It was because of his presence that no wild animals caused any harm to the pilgrims visiting the holy place.

The name of the place has been kept has Khambhoj Bahubali in memory of the great saint. After the death of the saint many other notable people visited the place. In 1851 A.D. Muni Shri Prabhachandraji visited the kshetra.

Narsobawadi Temple

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.

Sangli Ganpati Mandir

This Ganapati temple in Sangli is one of the famous temples in south Maharashtra for its artistic construction. The temple is built out of black stone made available from the hills of Jyotiba. The premise of the temple is huge, covering a sprawling two acres.

It comprises of a platform, an excellent hall and a nagarkhana. The door of the sanctum is carved out of different colored natural wood. The idol of Lord Ganesh was consecrated in the central temple in 1843. The temple is located on eastern bank of river Krishna.

The poojamurti of the Lord is made out of copper and is astride a lion. The utsavmurti is very beautiful and taller than the poojamurti.It is located in such a way that it is visible from any road in Ganapati Peth.

Audumbar Datta Mandir

Audumbar is a peaceful place where you can devote your mind to Lord Datta.It’s really a great place to visit

Audumbar is a famous holly place among devotees of Lord Datta. Shri Dattatraya is a god of Hindu’s. Audumbar is located on the bank of river Krishna. Krishna river is considered as a holy river in Maharashtra state because many famous temples are located on the bank of the Krishna river.

Audumbar is a place of worship for Lord Datta. The peace present in the Audumbar is amazing. Such a peaceful place it is! Audumbar is a real fun for a trip also. You can swim in the Krishna river (of course, if you know swimming). Its a must visit place for everyone, children, youngsters and devotees.

Marleshwar

Marleshwar is a place in Sangameshwar subdivision of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Marleshwar is known for the Cave Shiva Temple, where devotees handle venomous snakes: every year thousands of devotees visit the temple and perform ablutions in the nearby Bav river. Dhareshwar is a waterfall on the Bav river which is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar.

On the day of ‘Makarsankranti’ a celebration of the marriage of Marleshwar and Girijadevi takes place.

On ‘Mahashivratri’ and ‘Tripuri Poornima’ there is a fair. Marleshwar name may have come from Maral village .

New Palace Museum

This is an ancient building on the Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road. It was constructed during 1877-1884. Being an excelent 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 wresling 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.

The ground floor New Palace accommodates the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, given over to memorabilia of the Kolhapur rulers.Several tourists from across the country visit the New Palace each year. This musium exibites royal way of existence. It is open on all days save Monday, from 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM, if you’re a lover of historical sites, this one is a must visit!.

Pandharpur Vitthal Mandir

Vithoba temple, Pandharpur is the main centre of worship for the Hindu deity Vithoba, believed to be a local form of god Krishna or Vishnu and his consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited temple in Maharastra. The Warkaris start marching from their homes to the temple of Pandharpur in groups called Dindi to reach on Aashadhi ekadashi and Kartiki ekadashi.

A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga on whose banks Pandharpur resides, is believed to have power to wash all sins.All the devotees are allowed to touch the feet of the idol of Vithoba.In May 2014, the temple became first in India to invite women and people from backward classes as priests.

Ganpatipule Ganpati Mandir

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothings in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra’s almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is a nearly 4000 year old landmark the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (Swayambhu means a self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Ganpatipule, the Lord of the ‘ganas’ or army and “pule” means sand dunes. It is one of the ‘Ashta Ganapatis’ (eight Ganpatis) of India and is known as ‘Paschim Dwar Dewata’ (Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoilt. The beach here is still natural and pristine as ever. And travelling by road is an experience by itself.

Town Hall Museum, Kolhapur

Museum of Kolhapur’s Historical paintings and events.Historical ruminants from bramhapuri, old paintings, coins, sculpture remains along with weaponry are displayed here.

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.

Panhala Fort

Panhala lies on the Sahyadri Mountain Range and is situated in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is about 22 km to the northwest of Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri road and is at an altitude of 3177 feet above sea level.

The Ambarkhana was built by the Marathas and it houses the palace, the administrative division and the granary. The granaries were necessary since grain needed to be stored in case of famines and other calamities. You can also take a look at the Teen Darwaja, which are three gates that provide access to the fort.

Sajja Kothi, which was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD. There is a very interesting story related to this fort. Many say that when Siddi Johar, who was a Bijapur general, attacked the fort, Shivaji escaped from the window while Shiva Kashid, in the disguise of Shivaji fought bravely with Siddi Johar.

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.

Amboli

Amboli is situated approx. 135 km from kolhapur. Nestled amongst the beautiful sahyadri ranges, it is about 630 mts above sea level and is considered one of the prime hill stations in Maharashtra. It is surrounded by thick forests and ravines and tall cliffs.

Considering its location and lovely climate it is a perfect picnic spot as well as a ‘Retreat’ from the crowded cities and towns. There are numerous waterfalls, a sunset point and a holy site close to ‘Amboli’. Maharashtra tourism has a resort built for visitors who would like to stay at Amboli.

Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake is one of the great place of kolhapur , where beautiful garden around the lake which entertain you and swing your heart in whirpool. Favorite place of children.

A beautiful lake is named offer the temple of Rankbhairav. an incarnation of lord Shiva, A quarry is formed in to a natural lake after earthquake in 8th / 9th century AD. Well maintained garden & beautiful shalini palace along the lake side attracts every visitor to Kolhapur.

Amboli is situated approx. 135 km from kolhapur. Nestled amongst the beautiful sahyadri ranges, it is about 630 mts above sea level and is considered one of the prime hill stations in Maharashtra. It is surrounded by thick forests and ravines and tall cliffs. Considering its location and lovely climate it is a perfect picnic spot as well as a ‘Retreat’ from the crowded cities and towns.

Bhavani Mandap Kolhapur

Although smaller in size than Mahalaxmi temple, Bhavani Mandap holds equal importance to the citizens and pilgrims all over the country. It is the temple of goddess Tulja Bhavani (also known as Bhavani) who according to mythology is a guest in her elder sister Mahalaxmi’s city Kolhapur.

This palace is just behind Mahalaxmi Temple. This Palace was built around 200 years ago and it was the royal residence. in the year 1813 it was partly destroyed in a fire. later on it was reconstructed. This palace has old fashioned architecture and it is huge in size and strong in construction. Shri Chhatrapati got this Bhavani Temple built for members of his family. This temple and its surrounding area is proof of the royal wealth. Shri Chhatrapati used to conduct his Dasera Court in this temple. A beautiful idol of Goddess Bhavani can be seen in Bhavani chowk.

Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum (Kanerimath)

This is an ancient building on the Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road. It was constructed during 1877-1884. Being an excelent ecimen of architecture build in black, polished stone, it has been an attraction for the tourists. It has extensive premises with a eautiful garden, fountain and wresling 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.

The ground floor New Palace accommodates the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, given over to memorabilia of the olhapur rulers.Several tourists from across the country visit the New Palace each year. This musium exibites royal way of existence. It is open on all days save Monday, from 9.30 AM to 6.00 PM, if you’re a lover of historical sites, this one is a must visit! .

Chandrakant Mandare 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.