TOURISM: Kolhapur

Showing posts with label Kolhapur. Show all posts

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Mahalaxmi Temple

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Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, an ancient temple in Kolhapur, is dedicated to the Goddess of prosperity, Mahalaxmi, locally known as Goddess Amba Bai. The temple was constructed during the reign of King Karandev of Chalukya dynasty in 7th century AD.

Visit the temple to witness the opulent example of architectural style known as ‘Hemandpanthi’ in ancient India. The walls of the temple complex are adorned with exquisite carvings and many sculptures. The temple complex consists of five towers and a main hall. The idol of Mahalaxmi is very unique and is constructed as a monolithic structure embedded with precious stones and diamonds.

An interesting phenomenon occurs every year at this temple. On the western wall of the Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur is a small window. The structural design is such that every year, the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the deity for three days. This phenomenon is noticed every year and it takes place around 21^st of March and September.

The temple holds special significance for the devotees, since it is believed to be one of the six places in India, where one will either get his desires fulfilled or obtain salvation from them. Consequently, the temple sees a heavy inflow of devotees on all occasions. Major festivals are celebrated here with much enthusiasm. Kiranotsav festival is celebrated over a period of three days from January 31 every year. Devotees can stay at the nearby Dharamshala for a nominal fee.

A temple of much magnificence, the Mahalaxmi Temple attracts tourists and devotees by umpteen amounts! Miss going here and you miss out on a truly fantastic experience!

Khasbag Maidan

Wrestling is an ancient sport of Kolhapur that still retains its charm in modern era. Visit the huge Khasbag Maidan that can hold over 25,000 viewers at one time. If you are coming here anytime between June to September, don't miss a Kusti match. During other months, training camps are held here and each match is accompanied by traditional music that inspires the wrestlers.

Jyotiba temple

At an altitude of 3124 feet, Jyotiba temple is a much visited pilgrimage center in the district. Myths and legends attribute to the formation of Jyotiba from the souls of Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva to vanquish the demon, Ratnasur. Devotees offer prayers to the incarnation of the three mighty Gods as per the Hindu rituals. The months of Vaishakh and Chaitra witness the most number of worshippers and devotees.

Irwin Agricultural Museum

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Located in the heart of the city, Irwin Agricultural Museum is dedicated to showcasing the exhaustive collection of ancient agricultural implements and coins. One can see the old pottery, implements, bronze artifacts that were excavated from Brahmapuri Hill. The major attraction is the statue of Poseidon.
Currently the museum is also the office of the Collector of Kolhapur.

Gagangiri Maharaj Math

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The spiritual center, Gagangiri Maharaj Math is famous with both local and international tourists who seek the holy path to spirituality. Panoramically located in the dense forests of Dijnapur, the Math was opened by Sage Sri Gagangiri Maharaj who was an ardent follower of Nath Sampradaya. The sage spent his whole life in these verdant woods and today the ashram is known for its programs on yoga, meditation.

Gaganbavada

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A quaint hill station, Gaganbavada is a serene summer resort with lush verdant forests and dense woods. Isolated, peaceful and calm away from the ills of the city life, the old world charm still lingers in this panoramic hill station.

Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir

Now this temple is one that is sure to catch everyone's attention! Located at Kolhapur, the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is one of the primary attractions in the city of Kolhapur.

An architectural wonder, the unique feature of the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is that it has been constructed without the use of even a single pillar. The Ganesh idol at the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir was discovered while repairing a well. Although the temple has been built in 1882, the idol is believed to be much older.

Popular primarily because of its unique construction, the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir attracts thousands of devotees all through the year. Also popular with architecture students, several architecture schools send their students on study tours to the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir.

The temple is abuzz with activity all through the year and all the major festivals are celebrated with much gusto and fervour and people from places nearby and even the rest of the country flock to the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir in multitudes for the celebrations!

A complete architectural marvel, the Binkhambi Ganesh Mandir is definitely a must-visit. Unlike any other temple, this one is truly unique and deserves a visit. This pillar-less temple will surely get your interest piqued.

Bhavani Mandap

The largest ancient structure in the city is Bhavani Mandap which was built during 1785 AD under the directions of the Kolhapur King Shivaji Maharaja II. When it was constructed it had 14 squares but after the 1813 AD destructive invasion of King Sadat Khan, only 7 squares remain. The Mandap also houses the Bhavani Temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani while the main hall is adorned with medieval Italian lights and stuffed wild animals.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

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