Kolhapur: A tressure of experiences

Known for the "Ambabai Shree Mahalaxmi" temple, Kolhapur is one place in Maharasthra which should be visited by one and all. The popular Kolhapuri Slippers or sandals which adds extra glory to the ethnic clothes is a must buy if you are visiting the place. My popular go-to phrase in Kolhapur is "When in Kolhapur be a Kolhapuri!", today I will take you through a few such incidents and places which occur to me when I think of kolhapur.

P.S: when in kolhapur, be a kolhapuri pic!

Rankala lake is a go to spot in kolhapur, anytime of the day you will see people around the lake, mornings and evenings it's a popular walking spot for localities, few chats and street food with the cold breeze hitting your face will make a perfect Kolhapuri evening.

The Temple in the middle of the lake and a secret way from the lake to Panhala fort are some unique features of this lake, if you are planning to relax, sit and chit chat there is no better option than this lake.

Pictures of Rankala lake

The architecture structure of the Maharastrian temples are very unique and different when compared to further down in the south, Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple is one best example for this. The exteriors of the temple is so elegantly designed it serves both the aesthetic purpose and as well keeps the interiors of the temple warm. The deity of this temple is "Kolhapur Shri Ambabai Mahalaxmi", Goddess of fortune, wealth, prosperity and Abundance, apart from this diety there are other deities which occupy smaller shrines inside and around the temple. Here are a few snaps of the temple.

Ambabai Kolhapur Sri Mahalaxmi devi decorated with betel leaves

Decorations before the special pooja for the diety

Another important destination that actually moved me to wonder was a temple near Kidhrapur called the Kopeshwara temple, this unique marvel has an open roof architecture, the beautiful formation of a circle for the open roof forms the speciality, around the temple the markings and designs are carefully carved, some to narrate the story, some for it's beautiful design. The diety Kopeswara is present in the inner shrine and this beautiful temple is a must visit, if you wish to draw positive energy and also view the architectural beauty.

Architectural marvels of kidhrapur Kopeswara temple.

After visits to these shrines, you will definitely feel blessed to be born in a country which presents itself in it's infinite possibilities, every aspect of these temples are eloquently carved with patience, love and utmost devotion. Even after thousands of years of invasion and destruction they stand tall and beautiful.

The next visits were to kuntigiri, A Jain collection of temples which is yet another beauty of modern architecture, this jain temple is a digambara Jain Atishey Ksethra, well the beauty of the structures surpasses human intelligence and the serenity of the whole place is to be wondered. Situated in Alate village it is a wonderful place if you want to bath in the spiritual essence of thirtankaras and meditate. We were so involved in the beauty of the place that we forgot to catch it's glimpse in camera, but nonetheless if you are interested it is widely available on google search, so please forgive me for this non-intentional act.

Apart from these I had the pleasure to go to some smaller Jain shrines and other temples which enriched my spiritual experience.

Here's to the second family with whom I had these wonderful visits and memories. My friend with his mom and dad, in a way they are my second family as they fed me and took care of me while I was at their place. Thank you AAHI and BABA for being such wonderful hosts.

These were markings of some of the spiritual visits in and around kolhapur, in coming days I will write about forts and palaces of this wonderful place. Till then stay tuned, keep loving and supporting each other.

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P.S: Couldn't resist from posting these wonderful snaps

during the special Pooja to Mahalaxmi devi