In 1935 Celibacy Resort was established and named after the sage Bahubali who mediated here about 300 years before. His tomb is here, with 4 towers. Further under the guidance of Gurudeo 108 Samant Bhadra Maharaj many resorts & schools were built 75 years before.
Gagangiri Maharaj Math is renowned as a spiritual destination for domestic and foreign travelers. The Math is located in the midst of dense forests and thick green vegetation at Dajipur near to Kolhapur. Shri Gagangiri Maharaj was a Hindu Sanyasi (Sage) following the Nath Sampradaya.
Jyotiba temple is an important Hindu religious destination located at an altitude of 3124 feet above sea level in the Panhala range of Maharashstra. It is believed that the main deity the Jyotiba is formed from the souls of three Primary Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Legendery stories tell that Jyotiba is formed to kill the demon Ratnasur.
It stands previous to the compilation of 'Karveer-Mahatmya'. It is in the premises of 'Ghati-Darvaja' to the north of Mahalaxrni Mandir. The 'Pinda' (round-oblong stone) is called Kashi Vishweshwar. The 'Karveer-Mahatmya' says that it was visited by sage Agasti, Lopamudra, King Pralhada & King Indrasen Formerly, before the Mandir there were two holy tanks-Kashi and Mani Kamika, of which Manikamika is completely drained, and upon it the corporation has started a garden (Mahalaxmi Udyana) since 1962, While the present condition of Kashi Kund is very pitiable.
Kolhapur has a peculiar cultural influence owing to various ancient temples. Formerly, other deities were established around central Mahalaxmi for her protection Siddha Batukeshwar in the east, Tryamboli in the west, Jyotirling in the north & Katyayani to the south. This Deity is mentioned in the 'Karveer-Mahatmya.'
It is one of the spot aloof from publicity but working. It is only a mile from Kolhapur. It is said that in the 14th century Shiva-Pindi was, installed by a Lingayat Priest on a high hill surrounded by natural beauty. Original Mandir was Hemadpanti. The interior is 10'x10' with 2 small mandaps out side, with a big Naadi Built on engraved stone-pillars, it is peaceful and charming.
About 500 years ago, a Lingayat Priest kadsiddheshwar developed it. A well 125' deep is seen. Shivaji & Sambhaji Maharaj visited & donated. A tomb of Muslim Priest Mirasaheb, who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, was built on this hill, as in Miraj. It is equally worshipped.
The Kopeshwar, Ancient & artistic temple situated on the bank of Krishna is a fine example of ancient sculpture. It was built in 11-12 century by Shilahar. In the interior you see first Vishnu(Dhopeshwar) and Shivling facing north. But there is no nandi who has separate Mandir. Separate Actor-Pendal, hall, old pillars, carvings of gods & male-female artists in various poses are attractive. The ceiling is semicircular with matchless engravings. On the outside complete 'Shivaleetamrit' is carved When sati Parvati jumped into Daxa's sacrifice, Lord Shiva was angry.
Mahalakshmi Temple, an ancient temple in Kolhapur, is dedicated to the Goddess of prosperity Mahalaxmi, locally known as Goddess Amba Bai. This temple had been under the patronage of all the major dynasties who ruled the region and temple is revered by all the royal family members as well as populace of the region. The temple was constructed during the reign of King Karandev of Chalukya dynasty in 7th century AD.
The temple is a marvelous example of architectural style known as ‘Hemandpanthi’ in ancient India. The walls of the temple complex are adorned with exquisite carvings and many sculptures. The temple complex consists of five towers and a main hall. The idol of Mahalaxmi is very unique, weighing 40 kg, made as a monolithic structure embedded with precious stones and diamonds.
Shringeri is one of the 4 'Mathas' founded by Jagatguru Shankaracharya the. Shri Vidya Shankar Bharati, the ruling Shankarcharya there founded this 'Math' at Kolhapur in 13 A. D., The main reason was the religious importance Kolhapur had assumed then. No wonder if the Swami thought that they should have their 'Math' at the great holy place of Maha Laxmi and which is considered as the 'Deccan Kashi.' 'Abhinawa Panchaganga teerwas, Kamala Niketan Karveer Simhasanathishwar Shri Vidya Shankar Bharati Swami' are the phrases forming the title of this chief. This clarifies that Panchaganga Bank & the Maha Laxmi temple were the attractions for the Shankaracharya. It also accounts for Selection of site for the 'Math' on the Panchaganga Bank.
Temblai hill is a famous spot in Kolhapur. There is a temple of Goddess "Renukadevi" and other small temple on this Hill. She has graced the temple on a lofty hill to the east of Karveer. There was a tank named 'Tarka Teertha' near, which is available to some extent even now and is called 'Takala'. The original Mandir is small and the idol is self-created. The idol has four hands and is of black stone. The idol poses with back turned to Mahalaxmi Mandir. She is also called 'Trayamali'. She is the spot of devotion of many Karveerians.