Jotiba Temple

Overview

The Jyotiba (also Dattatreya) temple, which was molded by the unification of the jyotis i.e.,souls of three gods - Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Jyotiba Temple is located 14 km north-west of Kolhapur in the Panhala Range, in Maharashtra. It is situated at an altitude of 3124 ft above the sea level.Amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas, this temple is also called Kedarnath and Wadi Ratnagiri.

About The Temple

The temple is set in modern Kolhapur, which is filled with an abundance of natural resources. The culture and architecture of the place make it historically significant. According to the tradition, the original Kedareshwar temple was built by Navji Saya. In 1730, Ranoji Shinde built the present temple in its place. This shrine is 57ft x 37ft x 77ft high including the spire. The second temple of Kedareshwar is 49 ft x 22 ft x 89 ft high. This shrine was constructed by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808. The third temple of Ramling is 13ft x 13ft x 40ft high including its dome. This temple was constructed in circa 1780 by Malji Nilam Panhalkar. It has an ancient interior with a four-handed idol. Many other temples and light-towers are present here like the temple of goddess ‘Yamai’ on the northern part of hill. She is believed to be sister of Jotiba.

About The Deity

Lord Jyotiba is the incarnation that destroyed Raktabhoj Rakshasa, and Ratnasur Rakshasa thus liberating the region from tyranny. The idol of Lord Jyotiba is four-handed.

Legend and Stories

According to the legends the three gods took the form of Jyotiba to end the evil Ratnasur who troubled civilians .Thus the village got its name Wadi Ratnagiri. In place of such long name people recognized this place as the name of God ‘Jotiba’ and this name became prominent. According to a mythological story, Jotiba aided Mahalaxmi in her battle with the demons. He established his kingdom on this mountain. Jotiba belongs to the Nath cult and had taken birth in the hands of Vimalmbuja, the wife of the sage Pougand, on Chaitra Shukla 6th .This God is avatar of Guard (Bhairav).

Festivals

A big fair is organized on Chaitra Poornima which falls in Mar-Apr. Lacs of devotees participate with tall Sasan sticks. Due to sprinkling of 'Gulal' the whole area turnes pink. The attraction of this fair are the decorated bamboo sticks called Sasan Kathi. More than 2000 sticks are customarily used in the fair.A conventional stick sequence is used which is unchangeable. A colorful march of Sasan Kathi is chief fascination of fair. Devotees from overseas and several parts of the country participate in this procession. The most preferable day for visiting this temple is Sunday. A Palkhi procession is carried out on the full moon day.

Nearby Places to Visit

Rankala Lake

Binkhambi Ganesh Temple

Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)

Temlabai Mandir

Accessibility

Airport

Kolhapur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The Nearest Airport is Kolhapur Airport (KLH).

Railways

There are regular trains to Kolhapur from other major cities of the country. The Nearest Railway stations are Shahu Maharaj Terminus (KOP), Rukadi (RKD).

Road

There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Kolhapur which is 17kms from Jyotiba.

Temple Address

Jyotiba Temple, Jotiba Rd, C Ward,
Kolhapur, Maharashtra,
Pincode – 416002.