| Shrines Kolhapur |
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| This exquisitely carved temple draws millions of pilgrims
from all over India and is an important spiritual centre. Over the years,
members of several royal families have sought the blessings of the goddess --
Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai. The temple complex |
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has artistically sculpted structures and houses the temples of other
deitiessuch as Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak,
Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram. |
| In the seventh century AD, the
Chalukya ruler, Karandev initiated the construction of this temple and later on
in the ninth century, the Shilahara Yadavas beautified it further. The sanctum
sanctorum houses the revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kgs. The idol has
not been fashioned by any human being but exists in its natural form -- a
primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. This is known as Swayambhu. |
| Besides the 'Palkhi' ritual
performed on every Friday, there are enthusiastic celebrations on the Hindu
festivals of Chaitra Poornima and Navratri. The temple also holds music
concerts wherein renowned artistes perform during festivals. This temple is
located near kolhapur. |
| Timings:
The temple is open from 4 pm to 11pm. |
|
 Devotees can stay at the nearby dharamshala
(boarding house) for a nominal fee. |
| Shrines Around Kolhapur |
| Narasimha Wadi |
This holy place is situated on the confluence of the
rivers Krishna and Panchaganga. It is well known for the holy padukas or
slippers of Dattaguru ( an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Narasimha
Saraswati, considered an incarnation of Dattaguru lived here for 12 years. |
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| Narasimha Wadi is 45 kms from
Kolhapur. |
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| Ramteerth |
| A scenic picnic spot in Ajra taluka, with ancient temples, a river, an
old coffee plantation and an orchard, lend a quaint charm to this place.
According to legend, the place is so named because Rama stayed here during his
vanvaas or exile in the forest. It is well known for its breathtaking natural
beauty. This temple is located near kolhapur. |
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| Jyotiba |
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Situated at a height of 3100 feet, this
holy site nestles in the mountains near Wadi Ratnagiri. Jyotiba is supposed to
be an incarnation of three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh and the seer
Jamadagni. A mammoth colourful fair takes place on the full moon night of the
Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakh |
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 Jyotiba lies 17 kms north-west of Kolhapur. |
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| 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. This temple is located near kolhapur. |
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