It was a trip done around two years ago. We had to meet a cousin in Daman. He was insisting us to come by our own vehicle. As Daman was 1300 KM from Bangalore, we thought of breaking our journey in two days. After much fervor discussion we settled for Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Route was Bangalore-Tumkur-Sira-Hiriyur-Chitradurga-Davangere-Harihara-Ranibennur-Haveri-Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi-Sankeshwara-Nippani-Kagal-Kaneriwadi-Kolhapur.
Bangalore-Mumbai highway is excellent. It is one of our favourite roads to drive. We left Bangalore at 4:30 in the morning. Weather was beautiful so was the drive. We reached the destination around 12 o'clock. Though we booked a hotel in advance, we were unable to locate it after circling the mentioned locality for a good 30 minutes. Now hungry and tired we left with no other option but to search for another hotel for accomodation. Leaving bags in the hotel reception we left in search of food. We satiated our hungry self with spicy Kolhapuri misal pav. After a siesta we opted to visit the temple in auto that is merely 2 km from our place of stay.
Located on the banks of Panchaganga, Kolhapur is nestled in the beautiful Sahyadri mountain range. The place is known as one of the Shakti Peethas and fondly called as Ambha Bai by the locals. There is a belief that one can obtain salvation from desires or have them fulfilled. First mention of Godess Mahalakshmi was found in 250 B.C. Built in Chalukya architecture style in 6th century by King Mangalesh, but said to be destroyed by an earthquake in the 9th century. Later it was reconstructed and renovated. The temple received royal patronage of Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Shilahara, and Yadava dynasties.
Legend has it that Mahalakshmi leaves Vaikunta angrily witnessing humiliation to her beloved husband, Lord Vishnu in the hands of Sage Bhrigu and her husband's failure in taking stern action against Bhrigu for his terrible behavior and settles in Kolhapura. She observed atonement for several years until upon hearing the news of her husband getting maried to Tirumala Padmaathi, another incarnation of Mahalakshmi. It is said the holy piligrim to Lord Tirupati Balaji is not complete if not followed by a visit to the Mahalakshmi temple.
Another legend is that demon Kolhasura was defeated and killed by Mahalakshmi in the same location.
A huge crowd was gathered because of Makara Sankranthi as it was celebrated with great zeal in Maharashtra. There was a seperate queue for men and women. There was limited time to appreciate the intricate carvings inside the temple as we were pushed ahead by the herd. After a quick darshana we meandered around the temple premises marveling at the wonder of architecture. After sunset slowly we bid farewell hoping to devour on delicious Kolhapuri cuisine.
We had to deposit our cameras, phones, and electronic gadgets in a locker. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. So we were unable to click any photos.
Tip: Better to hire an auto to avoid trouble parking your own vehicle.
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