The Raje Shahji Mahadwar The grand entrance to the Bhavani Temple at Tuljapur in Maharashtra. The entrance is named after the Maratha warrior- king Chhatrapati Shivaji's father
The roof of the Yagna Mandap at the Bhavani temple in Tuljapur. This is the place where the holy yagna (sacrificial fire) takes place. You cross the yagna mandap first before entering the main temple.
A close-up view of the Yagna Mandap at the Bhavani temple at Tuljapur.
Newly planted sugarcane fields that border the Solapur-Kolhapur road. The drive along this road, right through the middle of Maharashtra's agricultural belt, is one of the most scenic ones that you'll ever take.
Ripening Wheat fields along the Solapur-Kolhapur road.
Ripening fields along the Solapur-Kolhapur road.
I liked the contrast this barebones tree presented against the backdrop of lush green fields and trees. Picture taken along the Solapur-Kolhapur road.
Flame of the Forest in bloom. This was along the Solapur-Kolhapur road.
Flame of the Forest Blooms.
A view of the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur dedicated to the Amba Devi. The temple architecture, like that of the Bhavani temple in Tuljapur and the Shiv Mandir in Ambernath is in the Hemadpanti style. The temple must be over a 1000 years old.
The Deepmala at the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur. Oil-wick lamps are lit and placed on the "arms" of these columns during festive occasions. There are seven deepmalas at the the Mahalakshmi temple.
The clock tower of the Shalini Palace, Maharashtra's only Palace hotel. The hotel looks out on to Kolhapur's Rankala Lake.
A corridor in the Shalini Palace hotel.
Another picture of the Shalini Palace hotel. The palace hotel also has some fine stained-glass windows.
The Narsobachi wadi also called Narsinh wadi overlooks a river.
The temple at Narsobachi wadi (or Narsinh wadi). The actual sanctum within the temple is so small that only a child's hands can pass through to the stone idol inside. The temple is nearly 50 Kms away from Kolhapur. The market outside the temple is a great place to stock up on Hindu religious paraphernalia and to taste myriad varieties of sweets, especially barfis.
The Jyotiba temple about 20 Kms from Kolhapur. The temple is built in the Hemadpanti style.
The Nandi just before you enter the Jyotiba temple.
The Jyotiba temple has numerous small temples within it. This one is dedicated to Kedareshwar, Lord Shiva.
One of the teen (3) darwaza's (gates) of the Panhala fort. Panhala is now a hill station 20 kms from Kolhapur. Great place to sample some typical kolhapuri fare, especially Kolhapuri misal and mutton. Also try the "tambda rasa" (red curry) and the "pandhra rasa" (white curry). Visit the Dhandel Khanaval opposite the State transport bus stop for some very VFM lip-smacking food.
The granary of Panhala fort.
Another view of Panhala fort.
Panhala fort battlements. This picture was taken in the light of the setting sun. I liked the way the light enhanced the color of the dry grass.
