Jyotiba Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Kolhapur Airport is the nearest airport. Buses and taxis run from the city to the temple.

• By train

  Kolhapur Railway Station is the closest railhead for the trip.

• By road

  State transport buses, private taxis and auto-rickshaws run regularly between Kolhapur and Jyotiba.

Rules to know

• Dress modestly when you visit the temple.

Why devotees come here

Jyotiba Temple stands on the Sahyadri hills near Wadi Ratnagiri in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. Devotees see Jyotiba as an avatar of Shiva. Its Jatra in Chaitra, held on the full moon, is marked by devotees smearing themselves with pink gulal powder.

Devotees treat Jyotiba as an avatar of Shiva, a name linked to Kedareshwar. Visitors come from far and wide to seek blessings. Legend says Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva came together as Jyotiba to destroy the demon Ratnasura. A Kolhapur district government page lists the temple among the 12 Jyotirlingas. A Maharashtra tourism page recommends visiting during the Chaitra Yatra or Vaishakh Yatra for a lively and spiritual experience.

Navji Saya is said to have first erected a temple on this spot. Maharaja Ranoji Shinde of Gwalior rebuilt the present shrine in 1730. The Shilahara dynasty and later the Marathas also made significant contributions to the temple.

The main shrine is about 77 feet high including its spire. The second shrine, Kedareshwar, stands about 89 feet high and was built by Daulatrao Shinde in 1808. Builders used fine black basalt stone, according to the scriptures.

Festivals

• Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April), on the full moonJyotiba Jatra

  Devotees smear themselves with pink gulal powder, a tradition linked to the festival.

Tips for your visit

• Wear comfortable footwear.
• The ascent up several stairs can be tiring.
• Bring water bottles and snacks, since options near the temple are limited.

Questions people ask