Kolhapur is a city that is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Kolhapur is located on the banks of river Panchganga. It is the biggest city in Southern Maharashtra and a famous city in Paschim Maharashtra. Kolhapur lies in the administrative headquarter of the district of Kolhapur. Before the period of Indian independence, Kolhapur was a 19-gun salute princely state that was governed by the Bhosale Chhatrapati of the empire of Maratha. You can find Kolhapuri chappal, which is also called paytans in the city made by the artisans.
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There are different types of Kolhapuri jewelry such as Kolhapuri saaj, patlya, chinchpeti, tanmani, nath and bajuband. The city Kolhapur has also got its mention in the Devi Gita, which is the last chapter of the Devi-Bhagavata Purana, which is a text of Shaktism. Kolhapur is also renowned for the worship of Kollamma. In the text of the book, Devi says,
“O King of Mountains! Still, I am now telling something out of My affection to My Bhaktas. Hear. There is a great place of pilgrimage named Kollapura in the southern country. Here the Devi Ambabai always dwells.”
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The temple of Jyotiba is also situated in Kolhapur. The state of Kolhapur has been set up by Tarabai in 1701 as there was a succession conflict over the kingship of the Maratha empire.
Kolhapur’s important king include Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj and in his rule, he ensured to provide cost-free education for people of all backgrounds and castes. He even fought against untouchability. Kolhapur is also regarded as Dakshin Kashi. Dakshin means South and Kashi is a holy place in northern India because of its rich religious history.
Kolhapur has been named after the demon Kolhasur and there are various stories behind the reason the demon was killed by the Goddess. If you are someone who wants to get a glimpse of rich culture along with adventure activities then Kolhapur is the must-visit place in the state of Maharashtra.
