Snuggled in the heart of the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, the Jyotiba Temple is one of the major holy sites of Hinduism. The Temple stands towering and divine near the Wadi Ratnagiri in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra in western India. The temple is visited by many Hindu worshippers and is believed to be among the oldest temples of India.
History of the temple:
The deity of the temple is believed by the locals of Kolhapur to be an incarnation of three gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha, and Jamadagni. A magnificent yearly fair also takes place in the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha. Jyotiba temple towers at a height of 3124 feet. The temple is 18 km northwest of Kolhapur. As per the tradition, the first Kedareshwar sanctuary was built by Navji Saya. In 1730, Ranoji Shinde built the current sanctuary in its place. This altar is 57 ft x 37 ft x 77 ft high including the tower. This temple was built by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808. The inside of the temple is antiquated. There are other few sanctuaries and Light-towers on the premises.
Significance of the temple:
Legend says that the three gods appeared as Jyotiba to obliterate the abhorrent Ratnasur. Jyotiba assisted Mahalakshmi in her battle with the demons. He established his realm on this mountain and belongs to Nath sampradaya. On Chaitra Shukla sixth, he was given birth by Vimalmbuja, the spouse of the sage Pougand. Lord Jyotiba is the manifestation that obliterated Raktabhoj Rakshasa, and Ratnasur Rakshasa consequently freeing the locale from its oppression. The idol seated in the temple is four-armed. On Chaitra Poornima of the Hindu calendar, a massive fair is held, when lacs of Hindu devotees accompany tall (Sasan) sticks. The mountain is covered in pink because of "Gulal '' which is played by the people in the fest. Sunday is a day committed to Jyotiba, there is a constant flood of devotees on the day.
How to reach: The best timing to visit Jyotiba Temple is from 5 AM to 10:30 PM.
- By Air - The temple is accessible from the Kolhapur district and to reach Kolhapur district you can take a flight to Kolhapur and the temple is just 31kms from there.
- By Train - The Kolhapur railway station is only 21 km from the temple
- By Road - The temple is around 21 km by bus route.
Things to do:
When you are visiting Jyotiba Temple, you can also plan a visit to the Dajipur Wildlife sanctuary, and have the pleasure of the jungle safari, and get to experience the great adventures amidst the natural beauty of the jungle.
You can also capture the rich history of Panhalagad in a trek across the towering ranges of Sahyadri. Thrill-seekers also get to experience bungee jumping when in Kolhapur.
Conclusion:
All in all, the Jyotiba Temple is one of the greatest shrines of India. Its rich history adds up to the ever-beautiful structure of the shrine. The temple holds a position of devotion among the locals and is seated in the heart of Kolhapur, a city that itself has so much to offer.
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