Vishalgad Fort

Vishalgad Fort

Vishalgad fort, is also called ‘Khelna’ or ‘Khilna’ by locals, and was one of the important forts of the Maratha empire. The name ‘Vishalgad’ means grand fort in Marathi, the name was given by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after annexing it during 1659. The structure covers an area of 1130 m and was built on a hilltop in the Sahyadri mountain ranges at a height of 3500 feet above sea level, and is about 76 km north – west of Kolhapur.

Vishalgad Fort was built in the year 1058 by a Shilahara ruler ‘Marsinh’ and was initially known as ‘Khilgil’ fort. But down the centuries it passed into the hands of many rulers who ruled around the Deccan region. When the fort was under the control of Adilshah of  Shivaji wanted to capture the fort but the terrain of the fort was difficult and conquering appeared a herculean task. Shivaji attacked the fort several times, but the Adilshahi regiment were defending the fort valiantly. So then, Shivaji came up with a strategy. Accordingly, a group of Maratha soldiers went up to the fort and convinced the Adilshahi killedar (commander) of the fort that they were not happy with the rule of Shivaji Maharaj and thus had come to serve the Adilshahi. The Maratha’s were successful with their plan and then on the following day, they revolted and caused total mayhem inside the fort. Simultaneously, Shivaji Maharaj attacked the fort from the outside and in no time conquered the fort. Shivaji then renamed the fort as ‘Vishalgad’.

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Panhala Fort

Panhala Fort

Panhala lies on the Sahyadri Mountain Range and is situated in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is about 22 km to the northwest of Kolhapur on the Kolhapur-Ratnagiri road and is at an altitude of 3177 feet above sea level.

Almost all the holiday packages to Panhala include a tour to Ambarkhana. The Ambarkhana was built by the Marathas and it houses the palace, the administrative division and the granary. The granaries were necessary since grain needed to be stored in case of famines and other calamities. You can also take a look at the Teen Darwaja, which are three gates that provide access to the fort.If you are on a tour to Panhala, you can check out Sajja Kothi, which was built by the Mohammedans in 1008 AD. There is a very interesting story related to this fort. Many say that when Siddi Johar, who was a Bijapur general, attacked the fort, Shivaji escaped from the window while Shiva Kashid, in the disguise of Shivaji fought bravely with Siddi Johar.

Another place one can visit is the Ambabai temple, where you can pay respect to the Goddess. Sambhaji temple is another place you can visit, which was built in the memory of Sambhaji, as the name itself suggests.

There is also the Someshwar tank and Andhar Bav. Do not forget to visit the Nayakini Sajja, at Panhala, It is a great thing to see, to understand the warfare strategy used by the Marathas to deceive their foes. It was located next to one of the corners of the fort to hide the ravine or moat. When the enemies tried to climb over the particular corner, they would fall into the ravine. There are also other places in Panhala that you could visit besides all these wonderful places.

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Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India, is one of the Shakti Peethas also called Dakshin Kashi, listed in various puranas of Hinduism. According to these writings, a shakti peetha is a place associated with Shakti, the goddess of power. The Kolhapur peetha is of special religious significance, being one of the six places where it is believed one can either obtain salvation from desires or have them fulfilled. The temple takes its name from Mahalakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, and it is believed that the divine couple reside in the area.

The temple belongs, architecturally, to the Kannada Chalukya empire, and may have been first built circa 700 AD. Mounted on a stone platform, the image of the four armed and crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. The Shri yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. A stone lion, the vahana of the goddess, stands behind the statue.

The crown contains an image of the Sheshnag — the serpent of Vishnu. In Her four hands, the deity of Mahalakshmi holds objects of symbolic value. The lower right hand holds a mhalunga (a citrus fruit), in the upper right, a large mace (kaumodaki) with its head touching the ground, in the upper left a shield (khetaka), and in the lower left, a bowl (panpatra).

Unlike most Hindu sacred images, which face north or east, the image of this deity looks west (Pashchim). There is a small open window on the western wall, through which the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days around the 21st of each March and September.

Architecture of Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur

The four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra are Tuljapur enshrining Bhavani, Kolhapur enshrining Mahalakshmi, Mahur enshrining Mahamaya Renukaand Saptshringi enshrining Jagadamba. Other Shakti temples in the state are those at Ambe Jogai and Aundh.

Kolhapur is located in Kolhapur district and is well connected with Pune, 240 km north. It is on the national highway between Bangalore and Pune. It is situated on the banks of the Panchganga river and is full of ancient temples and shrines.

Legends: The Karavira Mahatmya states that Vishnu resides in the form of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur. Legend has it that Kolhasura, a demon that tormented the Gods and other beings, was destroyed by Mahalakshmi here at Karavira, and that the spot of his death became a thirtha and that she took abode here in a shrine which constitutes the temple today. (Legend also has it that Parvati – Kolhambika destroyed the demon Kolhasura at Tryambakeshwar).

History: Although several parts of the temple are of the second half of the second millennium CE, epigraphic references place the deity in the 7th century CE, and the temple in the 10th century CE. For a period in the interim, this temple had fallen out of worship and the image of the Goddess was housed elsewhere. Worship was restored in the year 1715 after the Marathas rose to power.

The Temple: The main entrance Mahadwara of the temple is the western entrance. Upon entering the Mahadwara one is confronted with several deepamaalas on either side, and enters the Garuda mandap with square pillars and foliated arches of wood, characteristic of Maratha temples. This mandap dates back to the 18th century. An image of garuda faces the sanctum. Another stone mandap, on a raised platform enshrining Ganesh, also faces the sanctum. Following this is the mandap with three shrines facing west. The central one is that of Mahalakshmi and the two on either side are those of Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi.

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Shree Jyotiba Temple-Dakhancha Raja

Shree Jyotiba Temple-Dakhancha Raja

This temple is ensconced on a hill at a height of 3124 feet above sea level, 18 km to the north-west of Kolhapur city. Legend states that three gods took the form of Jyotiba to destroy the evil demon Ratnasur who was terrorizing the region. Jyotiba, the amalgamation of the souls (jyotis) of 3 deities- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha is believed to have helped goddess Mahalaxmi to liberate the region from the tyranny of Raktabhoj Rakshasa and Ratnasur the demon. Jyotiba founded his kingdom on this mountain.

The original Kedareshwar temple was built by Navji Saya. In 1730, Ranoji Shinde built the present temple in its place. The idol of Jyotiba is four-handed. There are a few other minor temples and light towers in the premises as well.

While Sundays are special for visiting this temple, there is also an annual fair that takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra & Vaishakha. On Chaitra Poornima lakhs of devotees throng the temple carrying tall ‘sasans’ or sticks and chanting Jyotibachya Navane Changbhala . They smear ‘gulal’ (pink coloured sacred powder) on their foreheads and everywhere else turning the whole mountain into a beautiful pink.

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Badrinath

Badrinath

Renowned all over the globe as a revered religious destination, Badrinath in Uttarakhand, has religious and mythological connotations tucked away in its every nook and cranny. However, besides being a popular pilgrimage site, Badrinath with its indisputable natural aura and transcendental scenic splendour, encapsulates and allures visitors from all over the world. 

Perched atop a mountain of an average elevation of 3100 m and nestled on the banks of the Alaknanda River, Badrinath is bathed in the shades of various religious, cultural and undomesticated natural keepsakes. Don't miss out on the incredible places to visit in Badrinath and soak in the town's culture and history. 

How To Reach Badrinath: 

By Air: The closest airport to reach Badrinath, is located at Dehradun, which is nearly 314 km away from the town. From the airport, travellers can easily opt for cab services to reach the place.

 By Rail: The nearest railhead is located at Rishikesh at a distance of 295 km from the town. This station is well connected by trains from the nearby towns and cities. 

By Road: The Badrinath Bus Terminal connects Badrinath via roadways to all the major cities of the country. 

Best Time To Visit Badrinath: 

The weather at Badrinath is pleasant throughout the year. However, the months of May to September will be the best months to visit Badrinath, when the weather is pleasant and windy every day with an average temperature of 15°C to 20°C.

 Places To Visit In Badrinath: 

1. Badrinath Temple :

The Badrinath Temple, as the name suggests, is the primary attraction of the town. Renowned for its significant Char Dham and the Chota Char Dham Hindu pilgrimages, the temple is always busy with tourists and devotees from all around the world. Sanctified to the Hindu mythological character of Lord Vishnu, it is said, that the temple has been mentioned in various ancient Hindu texts. Regarded as one of most consequential temples for the Hindus in India, the Badrinath Temple is of immense spiritual significance and has stories and myths to tickle your fancy. The temple hosts an annual fair every September, only to be flooded by visitors and devotees in large numbers. 

2. Valley Of Flowers 

With long wide stretches of greenery, speckled with fresh blooms here and there, the Valley Of Flowers near Badrinath is one paradise of a spectacle to behold! The place's remoteness and difficult accessibility are the main reasons for the unadulterated well-preserved astounding beauty of the place. Renounced as a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the Valley of Flowers is studded with nearly around 520 different flower species. Replete with an abundance of flora as well as fauna some endangered species like snow leopards, varieties of butterflies and the like, can be spotted here. Bring out the photographer in you and experience the sheer joy and beauty of Mother Nature. 

3. Hot Springs

The hot springs in Badrinath are touted as holy places and are very sacred to the people of the Hindu religion. The three primary hot springs of the place go by the names of Tapt Kund, Suraj Kund and Narad Kund. A hot spring is a natural fountain with a high sulphur content and the hot sulphurous water rises in temperature as the day progresses. The ones in Badrinath make for popular tourist hotspots for all the scenic splendour they are encircled by. The water of a hot spring has healing and medicinal qualities, and it is considered holy and pious to take a dip in the pool. Throngs of people visit the springs on auspicious occasions from all over the world to take a dip in the hot springs.

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Jejuri Temple

Jejuri Temple

Jejuri Temple is located in the Jejuri town, which lies to the southeast of the Pune city of Maharashtra. The town is known for being the venue of one of the revered temples in the state, known as the Khandobachi Jejuri. The temple is dedicated to Khandoba, also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand. Khandoba is regarded as the 'God of Jejuri' and is held in great reverence by the Dhangars, one of the oldest tribes in India.

Jejuri Temple is situated atop a small hill and because of this height; one has to climb a series of almost 200 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. Since the climb is not too difficult and offers amazing views of Saswad and Dive Ghat, one doesn't even come to know when the 200 steps come to an end. Jejuri Khandoba Temple can be easily divided into two separate parts - the Mandap and Gabhara.

The idol of Shri Khandoba enshrined inside the temple is simply beautiful. There are three weapons housed in Jejuri Temple, a sword, a damaru and a paral. They are very exquisite and also have historical importance attached to them. A Sword Competition is held every year at the temple, on the occasion of Dusshera. The one who lifts the sword of the temple high up, for the maximum time, is declared the winner.

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Ganpatipule

Ganpatipule 

  

The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, known for its unique Ganapati idol, is built on the Ganpatipule Beach and opens up to the beautiful beach. The idol of Ganapati here is believed to be 'swayambhu'. The idol of 'mooshak' made out of copper is placed outside the temple. Celebrated as the Paschim Dwar devta the diety is placed in the sanctum sanctorum and at sunrise and sunset a shaft of golden light falls on and illuminates the idol.

Ganpatipule is one of the "Ashta Dwar Devatas". During the reign of Mughals there was a kevada jungle at the place where temple of 'Swayambhu' Ganapati is presently situated. Balbhatji Bhide, a brahmin lived here for penance to be relieved of a distress he was in and worshipped his tutelary deity Magalmurti lord Ganesha. Bhide had vision of Ganesha in his 'nirakar' form where he promised to visit Ganeshgule to fulfill the wishes of his devotees. During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide was not giving milk, the cowherd kept a watch on her. They were astonished to see that milk was flowing from cow's udder on the place where the idol of the God is currently placed. Bhide found the idol of Ganesh which he had seen in his vision at that place on cleaning up! He built a shrine there and started performing rituals.

Jaigad fort 15 kms north of Ganapatipule and Ratnadurga fort 25 kms south are the main sea facing forts near Ganapatipule. While Jaigad can be visited even during a short one day weekend break to Ganapatipule Ratnadurga fort is the main attraction of a Ratnagiri trip from Ganapatipule if you are on a longer trip to Ganapatipule. Rappeling and spelunking is also possible at the Ratnadurga fort. 

 

Aare and Ware are twin beaches very close to Ganpatipule ahead of Bhandarpule. Aare and Ware are two very pretty beaches however the reason why it is famous is the sun set points the road to the beaches offer. The beaches have approach roads that almost go over a cliff and at the sunset point it offers almost 270 degree view of the sea. The vantage points are arguably the best places in Ganpatipule to watch the setting sun. 

Prachin Konkan is a life size museum in Ganapatipule depicting life in yester years in Konkan. Prachin Konkan, is the brain child of Mr. Sardesai who succeeded in not only providing interesting information about Konkan to tourist but also employment opportunities for the localites. A guided tour takes you through various aspects of life in Konkan in the past. There also is an interesting 'nakshathra ban' in the premises where trees are worshipped.

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