The District of Kolhapur is a southern district in Maharashtra State and is one of the constituent districts of the Deccan Fertile Belt. Kolhapur is one of the oldest civilizations of the country. It Situated at the banks of River Panchganga, Kolhapur is called as Dakshin Kashi for its spiritual history.
Kolhapur is not different from the others, it has also seen and gone under the various regimes and since the emergence of the Marathas, the place was being ruled by the Bhonsle dynasty. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was not among the male ancestor of this dynasty as he was born as the eldest son of Appasahed Ghatge on 26th June 1874 and was named as Yashwatrao Ghatge. Those were the days around the Holi in the year 1884, when Rani Shrimant Anandibai Raje Saheb decided to adopt him and made him Chhatrapati of the princely state of Kolhapur. After the Regin of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the Bhosale Dynasty has continued on the Throne of Kolhapur. Post Independence Princely State of Kolhapur became an integral part of Union of INDIA.
This temple looks very beautiful and splendid. The scene of the forest and the village farms looks full of delight and beauty. People visiting these temples have to climb about 400 steps. A fair is held here on the 15th day of the bright half of the month of Kartak, on the 15th day of the bright half of the month Chaitra and on the 10th of day the dark half of the month of Magasar.
Bhavani Mandap is a historical building situated in the walled city center of Kolhapur in southern Maharashtra, India. It is located near the famous and mammoth Mahalaxmi Temple on the west. It is the glory of the city. Being the biggest and oldest building, it has historical importance. When Kolhapur became self-governed, this place was built. It has fine and sound construction with 14 squares.
Gaganbavada is a hill station nearby Kolhapur. Located at a pretty height from sea level, the hill station is a summer resort. The calm ambience and cool climate make this place a much sought tourist destination in Kolhapur. The hill station is aptly placed in the background of lush green woods and undulated hilly regions.
The Maharaja's Palace is an impressive palace in Kolhapur constructed in 1881 and it presently encloses the famous Shahaji Chhatrapati museum. The place was constructed in Indo-Saracenic colonial architectural style and was designed by the renowned British architect Charles Mant.
This temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This is also called Kedarnath and Wadi Ratnagiri. Mythology says, Jotiba helped Mahalaxmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain. He belongs to the Nath cult. He was born in the hands of Vimalmbuja, the wife of the sage Pougand, on Chaitra Shukla 6. This God is avtaar of Guard (Bhairav). Jotiba killed demon Ratnasur who troubled civilians. With this incidence name of village was Wadi Ratnagiri. Instead of taking such long name public accepted this place as the name of God 'Jotiba' and this name became famous.
It stands previous to the compilation of 'Karveer-Mahatmya'. It is in the premises of 'Ghati-Darvaja' to the north of Mahalaxrni Mandir. The 'Pinda' (round-oblong stone) is called Kashi Vishweshwar. The 'Karveer-Mahatmya' says that it was visited by sage Agasti, Lopamudra, King Pralhada and King Indrasen Formerly, before the Mandir there were two holy tanks-Kashi and Mani Kamika, of which Manikamika is completely drained, and upon it the corporation has started a garden (Mahalaxmi Udyana) since 1962, While the present condition of Kashi Kund is very pitiable.