The growth of district in modern times is fascinating. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaja is an architect and founder of modern Kolhapur. The district is abundant in natural resources- water, soil, natural vegetation, animal wealth and minerals. As a result, Kolhapur is one of the most agriculturally advanced districts of not only Maharashtra but also India. It is fast becoming an industrialised district as well and already a front runner in agro-based industries. Kolhapur District is one of the shining examples in the Co-operative Movement of India. No doubt, the district has the highest per capita income in the Maharashtra State and one of the highest in the country.

Karveer Nivasini Shri Mahalaxmi(Ambabai)

Karveer Nivasini Shri Mahalaxmi(Ambabai) M ahalaxmi is mentioned in many Puranas. The idol of the Devi is made of precious stone, weighing about 40 Kgs. It contains mater mixed with Hirak bits. This throws light on its ancientness. The form resembles the out-side of Shiva-Ling. It is standing on a stone square, in which Hirak & Sand are found. A lion stands behind. At the middle, there is a natural

The idol is four handed bearing a cane sword & shield. Down the right hand holds "Mhalung" (A kind of fruit) and the left holds dish of "Pan". There is a crown on head, which is overshadowed by Sheshanag (Mythological Cobra with hood, the bed of lord Vishnu). According to research it is 5-6 thousand years old.

Since 1000 B.C. the Mouryas ruled, since 30 A.D. Shaliwahan ruled, when in 109 A. D. Raja Karnadeo came from Konkan to Kolhapur, this idol was in a small temple. Karnedeo cut down the surrounding forest and brought it to the light.


Since 1000 B.C. the Mouryas ruled, since 30 A.D. Shaliwahan ruled, when in 109 A. D. Raja Karnadeo came from Konkan to Kolhapur, this idol was in a small temple. Karnedeo cut down the surrounding forest and brought it to the light. The idol is placed in a smell about dwelling After the 17th Century, great persons visited the temple and day by day the Goddess became the Deity of Maharashtra Round about there are 35 small or big temples and 20 shops. The Mandir which is build after Hemandpanthi style, has 5 tops. Attached to the original Mandir is a pendal called Garud-Pendal.

Shejarati' is done at 10 p.m., when milk with sugar is offered. Aarati is done in the bedroom and 'Nidra Vida' song is sung. Then the daily routine is closed along with main & sub gate. Thus Aarati is done 5 times daily. Mahakali, Matuling, Shree yantra, Maha Ganapati and Maha Saraswati are also offered Aarati &. Naidedya. Every Tuesday to Friday, Aarati seats increase. Arati-visit is given to all srnall & big 87 temples. There are different groups of devotees attending one or more Aaratis. Their ratio is approximately 183 daily, every Aarati. Akarati, Pancharati, Kapurarti are different Aaratis used of which are silver and the last is brass. Daily Routine in Mahalaxmi Mandir The 'Aarati' ritual is most important. Daily at 4-30 a.m. when the Mandir is opened, Aarati is performed after the worship of the idol's feet This is called 'Kakadarati.' Devotional songs in 'Bhup-Rag' are recited at that time. At 8-30 a.m. Mahapooja occurs followed by 'Mangalarat i.' At 11-30 a.m., worship with fragrant flowers & Kumkum is done for the devotees camphor is burnt and 'Naivedya' (Rich dishes) is offered. If there is no Mahapooja from devotees, milk instead of Panchamrit (milk, curds, sugar, ghee & honey) is spill on, the feet and then Aarati. This process continues till about 2 p. m. Then there is 'Pooja' with ornaments. In the interior of the Mandir, Vedic hymns are chanted. After 7-30 p.m., after ringing of bells, 'Aarati' is done. This is called 'Bhog -Arati.' Every Friday, 'Naivedya' is offered to the Devi at night. After Aarati, ornaments are taken off and returned to the treasury.

Besides these Aratis in the Mandir an extra one is done at the festivals like Tryarnbuli Fair, Rathosava, Ashtami Jagar, Eclipse, Gokul Ashtami, Kiranotsava etc. There is a tradition to do special Aarati when Shree Shankaracharya and Shreeman Chhatrapati pay a visit to the temple. In the month of Kartik from Deepavali to Purnirna festival is celebrated. It is worth seeing as thousands of ladies and gentlemen attend it. For Contact : Mahalaxmi Bhakt Mandal Dharmashala Near Kapiltirth Market Tarabai Road, Kolhapur Maharashtra India. Ph. 91-231-2626377

Kolhapuri Misal

Kolhapuri Misal is one of the famous dishes of Kolhapur. Hot and Spicy are the words which describe the dish to certain extent.This is a delicious dish. It is not a snack but a medium diet. Anybody who wish to have a variety of food, will definitely like this dish. For preparation of the dish confectionery items are preferentially used. Chivada, Shev, Papadi are the indigents of dish. A thin curry is covers for all confectionary items. For making it tasty ginger, garlic, mint is also used. The dish is accompanied by a slice of bread. Some chopped onion along with lime makes it even more mouth-watering. Tasting it with the bread and enjoying the "Kat" (curry) is a craze in Kolhapur. In every hotel this dish is available but a few places in town are renowned.

Non Veg Cuisine

Every Culture has a special food and cuisine attached to it. In case of Kolhapur its the Non-Veg that makes a mark as a special cuisine. Kolhapur has a some good traditional dishes prepared from "Mutton" (goat meat) which are very tasty and delightful.

" Pandra Rassa " the white curry is a liked starter at Kolhapur. A Soup like dish of water used to boil the "Mutton" along with spices such as coriander , ginger & garlic etc. This is a very tasty pre-food item. Apart from taste it has certain medicinal use as well. This "rassa" is recommended for cough and throat related ailments. This is a part of a well-know duo curries. the other one is termed as "Tambra Rassa"

"Tambra Rassa" the second starter of the duo. This is a curry prepared using red chilly powder to make it appear "Tambra" redish. Made in almost same ways as Pandra Rassa this type of curry is more famous within the rural area of Kolhapur. After these starters comes the special roasted mutton.

"Roasted Mutton" is a special variety of non-veg dish prepared extensively at Kolhapur. The special recipe of this mutton makes it a unique disk attributed to Kolhapur. Different varieties of this dishes are prepared with different spices. One such famous type is "Ghaati" Mutton. These various dishes along with "Bhakari" or "Chapaati" constitute the Kolhapuri Taat.

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