Overview

Kolhapur, the land of magnificent temples, is the religious pride of Maharashtra. Nested in the tranquil laps of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, it is situated on the banks of the river Panchganga. Also termed as a city of palaces and gardens, it is a historic Maratha city, with the Mahalakshmi temple forming the focus. Arts, aristocracy and graciousness, combined with culture stepped in spiritualism, education and modernization. Founded by Chhatrapati Tarabai, this princely state flourished under the reign of Chhatrapati’s of Kolhapur, especially under the legendry Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj and Rajaram Chhatrapati Maharaj who set a vision and laid the foundation of modern Kolhapur. The crowning glory of the district of Kolhapur is the Ambabai (Mahalakshmi) Temple, where pilgrims in millions come every year to seek her blessings. There is a strong belief after one worships Lord Balaji at Tirupati, offering prayer to goddess Mahalakshmi is essential to complete the pilgrimage.