Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur(Ambabai) Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur(Ambabai) Kolhapur

 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(Kolhapur).

Temple History

Mahalakshmi Temple(Ambabai) was first constructed in Chalukya period (550 A. D. to 660 A. D.) This is evident from the style of the ido's sculpture. Also, some historians state that Goddess Mahalakshmi in the form of an idol was consecrated in Kolhapur temple during the reign of King Manglesh from the Chlukya Dynasty.

Panchganga Ghat Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Panchganga Ghat Kolhapur

Panchaganga Ghat is one of the oldest spots in Kolhapur. The civilization of Kolhapur began on the banks of River Panchganga. The bank on West end of City is known as Panchganga Ghat. There is an ancient Temple on the Banks and a small Jetty (for washing clothes etc. during old days.) The beautiful scenic look at the River from Jetty though SHIVAJI BRIDGE is worth a snap at anytime. A Small picnic spot is developed near the bridge, giving a good view at the Ghat and the temple. 

Every year a Fair is organized here and attracts thousands of tourist from all over Maharashtra and India. Local Authorities have plans to develop this location further for immersion of Ganpati Idols during Ganesh Festival.

Narsinha Wadi Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Narsinha Wadi Kolhapur

In ancient times, there was a thick forest here. Narasinha Saraswati Swami is one of the 16 descents of Lord Datta. Kurundwad was his spot of penance. Wadi has during 1034-1982 tradition of Ramchandra Yogi, Narayan Swami, Mouni Maharaj, Tembe Swami & Mhadaba Patil whose tombs are seen. The original Mandir on the confluence of the Krishna Panchganga has a tradition of 500-600 years. 
In the daily routine from the dawn. "Maha-pooja with eating leaves and golden crown is worth-seeing. Exept Chaturmas (4 Rainy months) every night the palanquin is taken out before which various hymns are sung. The auspicious, religious atmosphere created is impressing. 
The Mandir is managed by Devotees' Mandal under West Maharashtra Devasthan committee. There are shops with Datta Cult-things & sweet marts. Saint Eknath got the Ghat built as per Paithan's. On purnima & Kanyagat big fairs are held.

Bhavani Mandap Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Bhavani Mandap Kolhapur

It is the glory of the city. Being the biggest & oldest building, it has historical importance. When Kolhapur became self-governed, this place was built. It has fine and sound construction with 14 squares. In about 1813, the Muslim knight Sadakhan invaded the palace and a part of it was burnt. After repair, 7 squares survived. At the center there is the temple of Kulswamini Tulja Bhavani. History tells that Shambhu alias Abasaheb Maharaj was killed in this very Mandap. Near by stands a body-built statue to commemorate Shahu Maharaj. As a memory of his hunting a stuffed tiger and buffalo are kept. Tomb to right with coloured fishes and a tiny temple of Lord Shiva, all appears to be history incarnate! Opposite to the temple is a grand hall-pendal which was erected in 1918 A.D when Shreemant Akkasaheb Maharaj, daughter of Shahu Maharaj was married. Further, during 1926-30 Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj gave a new form to it. Taking away original wooden arches, the hall was made tall and splendid. Within the compound walls of the Mandap, Motibag Gymnasium, Rajwada Police Station, Maharashtra Battalion are working on a splendid entrance gate.

Vishalgad Fort Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Vishalgad Fort Kolhapur

About 60km northwest of Panhala and 18km south from Kolhapur-Ratnagiri road. Vishalgad is situated on a mountain. The road passes through thick wood. The fort is separated by a deep narrow riven from the road terminus. Its vastness is big as per its name Vishal. Steep cliffs separate it from adjoining land, making difficult to enter except existing entrance. One Bhosala warrior climbed this fort with the help of Ghorpad (an iguana) and captured it on behalf of Adilshaha of Bijapur. He was named Ghorpade onwards. 

The Bhunda Darwaja or a bare gate seen from the busstop shows wrong way of the entry. Actual entry is separate. Nothing is there except the ruins of old buildings. Now the fort is known to people as place of Malik Raihan Dargah. A Sati Mandir is there in memory of Ambadevi the queen of King Rajaram I , who burned as Sati after the death of her husband. The Samadhi or tomb of great warrior Baji Prabhu Deshpande who fought until death with Siddi Masood, commander of Adilshaha who was perusing Shivaji at the time when he escaped from siege of Siddi to fort Panhala and was rushing to Vishalgad. He was about to capture Shivaji in Ghod Khind, a narrow pass 15 km short of Vishalgad Baji Prabhu stood there as a wall. Siddi succeeded to pass the Khind only after his death, by the time Shivaji was reached Vishalgad. Baji Prabhu alongwith his brother Fulaji who also killed that time were cremated here afterwards. Regular bus service is there from many cities in nearby area.

Kaneri Math Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Kaneri Math Kolhapur

 It is one of the spot aloof from publicity but working. It is only a mile from Kolhapur. It is said that in the 14th century Shiva-Pindi was, installed by a Lingayat Priest on a high hill surrounded by natural beauty. Original Mandir was Hemadpanti. The interior is 10'x10' with 2 small mandaps out side, with a big Naadi Built on engraved stone-pillars, it is peaceful and charming. 

About 500 years ago, a Lingayat Priest kadsiddheshwar developed it. A well 125' deep is seen. Shivaji & Sambhaji Maharaj visited & donated. A tomb of Muslim Priest Mirasaheb, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, was built on this hill, as in Miraj. It is equally worshipped.

Lakhs of devotees form Maharashtra & Kamatak gather on Shivaratri. Frorn their gifts Kadsiddheswar Institute works out many plans. It raised the idol of Shiva 42' tall, and holy water is given through an elephant's trunk. Bus-service is available from Kolhapur. The spot is really worth visiting!

Katyani Devi Kolhapur Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Katyani Devi Kolhapur

A Charming Spot : Kolhapur has a peculiar cultural influence owing to various ancient temples. Formerly, other deities were established around central Mahalaxmi for her protection Siddha Batukeshwar in the east, Tryamboli in the west, Jyotirling in the north & Katyayani to the south. This Deity is mentioned in the 'Karveer-Mahatmya.' 
In ancient times the Demon Kolhasur had kept Demon Raktabeej for the protection of this area. In the mean time, Mahalaxmi declared war against Kolhasur and sent Bhairava to suppress Raktabeej. But as soon as he was struck, many demons began to be created out of his blood. So Bhairav was powerless. Then Mahalaxrni at once sent Katyayani who made 'Amrut Kund' (Nectar tank) and kept in it illusionary demons born of blood. Again rejuvenating Bhairav's army, Katyayani destroyed Raktabeej. So goes the mythological story. 
It is found from historical records that Chhatrapati Shahu, Rajaram and Akkasaheb Maharaj used to visit the temple, on hunting campaign. This temple proves a pleasant relief for Kolhapur citizens tired with the dull, daily drudgery of life.