Jyotiba Temple, Jotiba
Jyotiba Temple, Kolhapur is situated over 3000 feet above sea level in the Panhala hills of Maharashtra. Jyotiba Temple, Kolhapur is a Jyotirlinga and very popular among devotees from all over India. The Jyotiba Temple is a sight to behold during the full moon days of Vaishakh and Chaitra when hundreds of thousands of devotees visit to participate in the annual temple festival. The whole Jyotiba Temple complex in Kolhapur turns pink from vermillion and the devotees perform a mesmerizing dance using Sasankathi bamboo sticks.
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.
It is situated to the north of Kolhapur in the deep, surrounded by green mountains and black precipices. The original temple was build in 1730 by Navajisaya. It is 330′ high from sea-level. The interior is ancient and the idol is four-handed. There are other temples and Light-towers. On Chaitra Poornima a big fair is held, when lacs of devotees come with tall (Sasan) sticks. Due to scattering of 'Gulal' the whole mountain is turned pink. Sunday is sacred to Jotiba. In the last few years much improvement has been made by the people and on the government level. A new scheme Plaza Garden has been under taken.
By Road/Bus : Kolhapur is well connected by state owned public transport buses. Deluxe luxury buses are available from major cities like Mumbai (400 km) and Pune (225 km) to Kolhapur.
By Plane/Air : Kolhapur has a domestic Airport at Ujlaiwadi which is connected to Mumbai International airport. Airport is located at a distance of 13 km from heart of the Kolhapur city. Cab charges about Rs 300 from airport to the city. Mumbai International airport is the major airport nearby, which is at a distance of nearly 400 km.
By Train/Rail : The Kolhapur railway station, Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, is connected with many cities in India including Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Direct trains are available from Kolhapur to Delhi. Bangalore (SBC) Rani Chennamma (16589) 01:40 PM (duration: 16h 25m) - All Days, Mumbai (CSTM) 1 more train Sahyadri Expres (11023) 06:05 AM (duration: 12h 15m) - All Days, Mahalaxmi Exp (11011) 07:20 AM (duration: 10h 57m) - All Days
Places Near Kolhapur
- Bahubali - Bhavani Mandap
- Dajipur Sanctuary - Gaganbavada
- Gagangiri Maharaj Math - Jyotiba Temple, Jotiba
- Kaneri Math - Kashi Vishweshwar
- Katyani Devi - Khidrapur
- Kotiteertha - Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur(Ambabai)
- Maharajas Palace - Narsinha Wadi
- New Palace - Panchganga Ghat
- Panhala Fort - Radhanagari Dam
- Rankala Lake Kolhapur - Shankaracharya Math
- Shivaji university - Temblai Temple
- Town Hall - Vishalgad Fort
Jyotiba Temple, Jotiba Weather