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I spend my chilhood in Kolhapur .I have lot of memories about Kolhapur ,Where I
lived ,grownup ,educated ,played and enjoyed my childhood , Here you will see some of the places in Kolhapur related
to my childhood .
Kolhapur is a blend of ancient tradition and modern influences. The city
is on the banks of River Panchganga and reflects a rich heritage along with a growing industrial sector. In 1945, excavations
on the Brahmagiri hill in Kolhapur revealed the existence
of an ancient town dating back to the Roman era. One of the most important cities of Maharashtra, Kolhapur had different dynasties ruling it in the past,
but it was under the rule of the Marathas that it became a cultural hub with an active drama, music, painting and craft scene.
The city is also dotted with temples built by the Satavahna kings. Of late, Kolhapur
has become a prominent centre for the Marathi film industry.
| Mahalaxmi Temple at Kolhapur |
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Mahalakshmi 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.
The
temple is a marvelous 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, weighing 40 kg, made as a monolithic structure embedded with
precious stones and diamonds.
The temple witnesses a heavy inflow of devotees on all occasions. Major festivals celebrated
here with much enthusiasm and festivities are Kiranotsav, celebrated for three days from January 31 every year and Navarathri
during October.
We always use to go there , One my
Shool Vidyapeeth Highshool where I learned from 8th to 11th (Old SSC ) Standard was near to Mahalaxmi Temple
| Shiva Temples Near river Panchganga |
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Here you will see group of temples belong to Kolhapur Kingdom State . We always plays on the grounds which is backside
of temples .
| Panchgaga river in Kolhapur |
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Panchaganga River is a holy river which emerges from the Sahyadri mountain ranges in Maharashtra. It is one of the important tributaries of the Krishna River. Kolhapur city and its famous Sri Mahalakshmi Temple are situated on the banks of this river. There also lies a hill named Brahmagiri along the riverside, where proofs of the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman times, have been discovered.
Taking a bath in the Panchaganga River is considered auspicious by the pilgrims. Myself ,my brother and friends goes to
panchgaga river for swimming.We have done enjoyments especially in summer season holidays We spend most of time either playing
near Panchgaga or swiming in river .
| Myself S.G.Vashta and (Santa ) S.N.Kulkarni |
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Here is one my childhood friend Mr.Shankar Narhar Kulkarni . He known as Santa in our friends . I know him
from last 50 years. Last many years we are away from each other but our friendship is alive till today .Unfortunately I do
not have any photos of our friends of chilhood . The above photo is captured at bank of river Panchganga in July 2008 .
| Santa Kulkarni -Myself S.G.Vashta at Jotiba Temple |
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Jyotiba temple
is an important Hindu religious destination located at an altitude of 3124 feet above sea level in the Panhala range of Maharashstra.Situated at 17 kms away from Kolhapu. It is believed that the main deity the Jyotiba is formed from the
souls of three Primary Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Legendery stories tell that Jyotiba is formed to kill the demon Ratnasur.
Visiting and offering prayers to the Incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as Jyotiba is a sacred ritual according to
Hindu belief. Devotees and tourists throng to this temple premises for the large fair held yearly in the full moon days in
the months of Vaishakh and Chaitra.
Myself and Santa (S.N.Kulkarni ) visited in May 2009 at Jyotiba
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