Jyotiba Temple in Kolhapur

Maharashtra’s Jyotiba Temple, a stunning temple, is located close to Ratnagiri, a village. The temple is constantly filled with “rang,” which means “color,” and refers to the hues utilized in Holi. This is because Lord Jyotiba receives the gulal as a sign of the pilgrims’ sincerity. As implied by its name, the magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Jyotiba, who was thought to be the embodiment of three separate deities. Therefore, after visiting the Mahalaxmi Temple, it is believed that one should visit this temple. The temple’s view, which is 3124 feet above sea level, is stunning and spectacular. Everyone feels at peace and at ease because of the building’s quiet surroundings and divine nature.

Legend of Jyotiba Temple

Lord Jyotiba is believed to be a combination of three gods. It is said that Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma resolved to take one body and conquer the terrible demon Ratnasur when it was terrorizing the area. On Chaitra Shukla, Lord Jyotiba was born to Vimalambika, the sage Pougand’s wife. He assisted Goddess Mahalakshmi in destroying Ratnasuri, and from this mountain he established his dominion. Raktabhoj, the demon, is also thought to have been defeated by him.

Jyotiba Temple History and architecture

Three distinct phases went into building the Jyotiba temple. Before Ranoji Shinde constructed the current main temple in 1730, Navji Saya had first founded the first shrine. It measures 55 feet long, 37 feet wide, and 77 feet tall. The temple’s second section, which measures roughly 44 feet in length, 22 feet in breadth, and 89 feet in height, was then constructed by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808. Lastly, the third temple was built before the second. Though the actual year is unknown, it is probably around 1780. Majlis Nilam Panhalkar built this portion of the temple, which is 13 feet long, 13 feet wide, and 40 feet tall. The interior of the temple is ancient. Recently, a few modifications were made to the temple to improve accessibility and visitor friendliness. While the main body and walls of the temples are still constructed of the same stone from which they were built, their triangular domes are painted in various colors of yellow.

Festivals celebrated at Jyotiba Temple

The Jyotiba temple has a yearly fair during the auspicious months of Chaitra and Vaishakha. Devotees and pilgrims fly in from all over the country to attend this festival. In addition, the arrival of spring is celebrated during the Chaitra month. During these months, the Jyotiba god is greatly honored. On the day of the fair, devotees engage in gulal play. As a result, the entire temple is covered in color, which emits a stunning pink glow that can be seen from a great distance away.

Tips

• It is advised against visiting this temple on full moon days and Sundays because of the high volume of people on these days.
• Bring water with you if you have to wait hours in an extensive line.
• Avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing to the temple since worshippers frequently play with gulal.

How to Reach Jyotiba Temple

T17 kilometers separate Kolhapur. from Jyotiba Temple. It has an extensive network. From the train station, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the temple.

There is not enough room for parking close to the temple if you intend to visit it in a private vehicle. Therefore, you will need to park a little further from the main area.

Jyotiba Temple, Kolhapur Timings : 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Time Required : 1-2 hrs

Entry Fee : No entry fee.