Kolhapur is situated at 233 kilometers away from Pune on National Highway. It is 4 or 4 and half hours long journey. Kolhapur is one of the important trade center and industrial city of the Maharashtra. It has religious significance also. The famous Shakti-peetha temple of Mahalaxmi is situated in the city. River Panchganga flows through the city.
History and Importance of the temple:
Goddess Mahalaxmi is also addressed as Ambabai also. The statue of Mahalaxmi is said to be self originated. Daily during pooja, the statue of Goddess is decorated with attractive pure silk sari and beautifully carved jewellery made out of gold and precious Gem Stones. The magnificent crown has Sheshnag in it. Devotees forget themselves when they had holy Darshana of Goddess Mahalaxmi.
The temple is built in 7th century by Chalukya rulers. Later also many renovations were done by different rulers. Invaders caused damages the temple. But it was get repaired again and again. Temple has large complex. There are many small temples are around the main temple. Deepmala and Garuda Mandap are also there.
Temple timings are as below:
- Temple opens – 4:30 am
- Kakada Arati 4:30 am to 6 am
- Morning Pooja - 8:00 am
- Naividya- 9:30 am
- Afternoon Arati- 11:30 am
- Evening Arati- 8:00 pm
- Shej Arati – 10:00 pm
- Devotees are allowed to watch Arati.
Other Attractions around the City:
The city has some more attractions to visit, like
• Rankala Lake
• New Palace which transformed in to a museum.
• Panhala Gad- A hill station
• Jyotiba temple
• Narasobachi wadi – a place of Dattatreya temple.
Shopping:
Renowned Kolhapuri Chappal are attractive footwear made in Kolhapur. A special kind of chilli known as Kolhapuri lavangi mirchi is very famous. It is very spicy type of chilli. The city is also known for Kolhapuri Gul and Kolhapuri Masala.
What To Eat?
Kolhapur is heaven for food lovers especially if you found of Spicy food. Kolhapuri Misal and Kolhapuri Bhel are the lip smacking street foods. For non vegetarians Pandhara rassa and Tambada rassa are the famous curries. Akkha masoor dal is delicacy for vegetarians.
Where to stay?
As it is trade center and religious place one can get numerous Hotels around the city.
Ideal Time to Visit:
The climate of the city is pleasant all over the year so you can visit any time.
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