Tuljapur to Kolhapur — a sacred path where it's devotion unfolding onto each Step‘🌹Jai Ambe, Jai Mahalakshmi 🌷

Tuljapur and Kolhapur are both significant towns in Maharashtra, India, known for their historical and religious importance. Here’s a comparison between the two:

Religious Significance:

Tuljapur: Famous for the Tulja Bhavani Temple, dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, who is considered the family deity of the Bhosale clan, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Kolhapur: Known for the Mahalaxmi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi (Ambabai), one of the Shakti Peethas, and an important pilgrimage site.

Location & Geography:

Tuljapur: Located in the Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, in the Marathwada region.

Kolhapur: Located in western Maharashtra, near the Sahyadri mountain range, known for its pleasant weather.

Cultural & Historical Importance:

Tuljapur: Associated with medieval history, particularly the Yadava dynasty and the Marathas.

Kolhapur: A historically rich city, once the capital of the Kolhapur princely state, known for its association with the Chhatrapati lineage of Shivaji Maharaj.

Economy & Industries:

Tuljapur: Primarily a religious tourism-driven economy with small-scale businesses.

Kolhapur: A major industrial hub, famous for Kolhapuri chappals, jaggery production, and foundries.

Connectivity:

Tuljapur: Well-connected by road; nearest railway station is Osmanabad (around 25 km away).

Kolhapur: Has a railway station and an airport (Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport) with better connectivity.

Food & Cuisine:

Kolhapur: Famous for Kolhapuri Misal, Tambada Rassa, Pandhara Rassa,even few are named after Kolhapuri - VegKolhapuri sort,Here in the name of Kolhapur Goddess got her own brand where on everyday Naivedhyam been offered by the sponsors. 

Tuljapur: Traditional Maharashtrian food, with a focus on temple offerings and local delicacies,and spicy non-vegetarian dishes.

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Tourism & Attractions:

Tuljapur: Tulja Bhavani Temple, Dhakte Tuljapur, Ghat Shila Temple.

Kolhapur: Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake, Panhala Fort, Jyotiba Temple.

Which One to Visit?

If you are looking for a spiritual and religious trip, both places are excellent.

If you want historical sites, temples, and natural beauty, Kolhapur offers a broader variety of attractions.

If you are interested in cultural heritage and local industry, Kolhapur is a better choice.

Here’s an overview of when Tuljapur and Kolhapur, especially their famous temples, were built:

Tuljapur (Tulja Bhavani Temple)

Built: Estimated between the 12th and 13th century CE during the reign of the Yadava dynasty.

Historical Significance: The temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and holds great importance in Hindu tradition. It is believed that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj received the Bhavani sword (Tulja Bhavani Talwar) from the goddess.

Architecture: The temple follows Hemadpanti architectural style, which is typical of medieval Deccan temples.

Kolhapur (Mahalaxmi Temple)

Image : Kolhapur Brand Kolhapuri Chappal one of its kind of variety and hand made designs. Find 👇🏻 at ALN link towards. 

Built: Around the 7th to 8th century CE during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty.

Historical Significance: It is one of the Shakti Peethas and an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Goddess Mahalaxmi (Ambabai). The temple has been patronized by various rulers, including the Silharas, Yadavas, and Marathas.

Architecture: The temple features Chalukyan-style architecture, with intricate carvings and black stone construction.

Both temples have undergone several renovations over centuries but continue to be major spiritual centers in Maharashtra. 

Orthodoxically and scripturally, Tulja Bhavani of Tuljapur and Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur are considered different yet interconnected forms of the Adi Shakti (Supreme Goddess) in Hindu tradition. Their relationship can be understood through different perspectives:

1. Forms of Adi Shakti (Parashakti)

Tulja Bhavani is worshipped as a fierce and protective form of Goddess Durga. She is known for slaying the demon Matang, symbolizing destruction of evil.

Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) of Kolhapur represents prosperity, wealth, and well-being yet fierce form if required to kill like Kolhasura the king of Maharashtra, She is a gentler, nurturing form of Shakti.

In essence, both are manifestations of the same divine energy, just in different roles—Bhavani as the warrior goddess and Mahalaxmi as the bestower of wealth and stability with required motherly attitudes When and Where,Why inorder to Gaurd herself or her believers. 

2. Connection in Hindu Tradition

The Sapta Matrikas (Seven Divine Mothers) and the Ashta Matrikas (Eight Goddesses) include both Bhavani and Mahalaxmi, meaning they are part of the same cosmic energy.

Many Hindu texts describe Shakti as one, taking different forms to fulfill different divine duties.

3. Spiritual and Cultural Link

Both temples are important Shakti Peethas and are highly revered across Maharashtra.

Devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas worshipped both goddesses for different blessings—Bhavani for strength in battle and Mahalaxmi for wealth and prosperity.

Even today, some devotees visit both temples as part of a pilgrimage circuit, recognizing their divine unity.

Folklore and Local Beliefs

Some local legends say that Mahalaxmi and Tulja Bhavani are sisters, with Mahalaxmi residing in Kolhapur and Bhavani in Tuljapur.

Others believe that Mahalaxmi first resided in Tuljapur before moving to Kolhapur, while Bhavani took her place in Tuljapur.

Conclusion

While they are worshipped separately, Tulja Bhavani and Kolhapuri Mahalaxmi are deeply connected through their roles as aspects of Shakti. Many devotees consider them two sides of the same divine force—one offering strength and protection, the other granting wealth and well-being.

Said, When SriMahalakshmi Left Vaikunta in search to live,

🪔Tulajapur Ma suggested towards saying will Gaurd 🎇SriMahalakshmi in support with Shakthi's 

💀MahaKali 

📚MahaSaraswathi along 

The order in which you should visit Kolhapur (Mahalaxmi Temple) and Tuljapur (Tulja Bhavani Temple) depends on your spiritual beliefs, travel convenience, and purpose of the visit. Here are some factors to consider:

Traditional & Spiritual Order

Many devotees believe that Tulja Bhavani (Tuljapur) should be visited first, followed by Mahalaxmi (Kolhapur).

Reason:

Tulja Bhavani is considered a warrior goddess (Shakti in her fierce form). Devotees first seek her blessings for strength and protection.

Mahalaxmi is a goddess of prosperity and well-being. After receiving Bhavani’s strength, devotees go to Mahalaxmi for prosperity and stability in life.

Some traditional pilgrimage circuits follow this order: Tuljapur → Kolhapur → Pandharpur (Vitthal Rukmini Temple).

Travel Convenience

Both towns are about 300 km apart, so choosing the right route matters.

3. Festivals & Crowd Management

If you are traveling during Navratri, Dasara, or a major festival, both temples will be crowded. Plan accordingly.

Kolhapur sees more visitors on Fridays and during full moon days (Pournima), Her toddler form is carried around with the permission of Her Main deity, at the vicinity of temple to give blessings of the devotees.

Tuljapur is busiest on Sundays, and Navratri.

Recommended Route (if covering both places in one trip):

Tuljapur → Kolhapur

Lakshmi - Wealth Goddess most are invoked or found onto stories except Came herself and stood Kolhapuri ✍🏻

Lakshmi forms are most pain achieved yet worked for blessings taking and giving without selfish attitude.

Singapore Ramtemple Changi who got imbibed husband carved on her left in herself.

Marsilling Perumal Lakshmi standing stature. 

Serangoon Perumal temple Lakshmi Sitting. 

Boston Lakshmi temple in USA 

Tamil Nadu Golden Lakshmi temple in the centre of water @Siripuram Goddess is made of Gold on sitting posture on Golden Lotus with two golden elephants holding her.

Tumkur Mahalakshmi broken pieces in Karnataka 

Vishakapatnam Mahalakshmi broken hand placed on ground Andhra.

New England SriLakshmi temple United Kingdom. 

Tulsi Vivah:

In Hindu mythology, Tulasi is a sacred plant personified as a goddess who was a devoted woman named Vrinda. The festival of Vrindavana Dwadasi (or Tulasi Vivah) is celebrated as her wedding to Lord Vishnu to honor her unwavering devotion and a divine promise made to her. 

Who is Tulasi?

Tulasi (Holy Basil) is one of the most sacred plants(after converting as Plant named as) in Hindu tradition and is revered as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi(who prays Tulasi, are blessed with Love,Kindness and Wealth)  the consort of Lord Vishnu. She is also known by names such as Vrinda, Vaishnavi (belonging to Vishnu), and Haripriya (beloved of Vishnu). The plant is found in most Hindu households and its leaves are considered essential in the ritualistic worship of Lord Vishnu, with no offering considered complete without. 

Temple features and worship

Idol: The main idol is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) statue made of Shaligram stone, which is considered to be dynamic. It has eight hands, holding weapons to defeat demons, and it is said to be alive sthapitha by Legendary Saint Vyasa Maharishi. 

Rituals: The idol is taken out for pradakshina (circumambulation) three times a year. The deity also has three "slumbers" (nidras) throughout the year, during which she rests on a silver cot within the temple.

Main festivals: The most significant festival is Sharadiya Navratri, which lasts for nine days and attracts millions of devotees.

Historical significance: The temple is deeply connected to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is believed he received his sword, the Bhavani Talwar, from the goddess and donated a gold chain to the temple.

Temple architecture: The temple is built in the Hemadpanti style and is located on a hill. To enter the sanctum, one must descend about 60 to 70 steps.

Other shrines: Within the temple complex, there are sub-shrines dedicated to Siddhi Vinayak and Matanga Devi. Legend of the temple's formation

Anubuti's penance: A sage named Kardam and his wife, Anubuti, performed penance at the Mandakini river.

Demon's attack: A demon named Kukur attempted to disturb Anubuti during her penance.

Goddess intervenes: The goddess Bhavani came to the aid of Anubuti and killed the demon Kukur.

Temple's origin: From that day forward, the goddess came to be known as Tulja Bhavani, and the temple was later built on that sacred spot. 

Why is Vrindavana Dwadasi celebrated as her wedding?

The celebration of Tulasi Vivah (wedding) on Vrindavana Dwadasi is rooted in an ancient legend from the Puranas that tells a story of devotion, deception, and transformation as it is cause of her birth and living throughout as Plant form,who prays for Tulasi, will be guarded by Durga forms and supported by Lakshmi,Vishnu,Krishna forms,Even in Bhagavatham, Rukmini first wife guides Sathya Bhama during Tulabharam how to retrieve SriKrishna back to her is by donating Tulasi dalam,cause SriKrishna lives in this sacred plant himself. 

The Legend of Vrinda and Jalandhar: Vrinda was the pious wife of the demon king Jalandhar(Demon form of Lord Vishnu as promised to Vrinda for her devotion and love when She asked to Marry him,where Lord mentioned it is your immense determination gets you a boon to be my wife for a short period but as demon and animal eater and after myavatar as your husband you may need to remain as sacred plant throughout with every 1000years creating my forms of Saligramas rooted by you and by blessing medicinally traditionally who prays for you)  Her immense devotion and chastity were the sources of her husband's invincibility, making him undefeatable even by the gods.

The Deception: To put an end to Jalandhar's tyrannical rule and save the universe, the gods requested Lord Vishnu's intervention. Lord Vishnu, in a divine play, disguised himself as Jalandhar and approached Vrinda, thereby breaking her vow of chastity. With her chastity broken, Jalandhar lost his power and was subsequently killed in battle by Lord Shiva.

The Curse and Transformation: Upon realizing the deception, a heartbroken and enraged Vrinda cursed Lord Vishnu to turn into a black stone, known as the Shaligram stone, and to be separated from his wife (which manifested in the Ramayana when Sita was abducted from Rama). After delivering the curse, Vrinda immolated herself on her husband's funeral pyre.

The Divine Blessing and Union: Lord Vishnu, moved by Vrinda's exceptional devotion, blessed her, declaring that she would be reborn as the sacred Tulasi plant and would forever be his consort. He promised to marry her every year in her new form. 

The festival of Vrindavana Dwadasi (which falls on the twelfth lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik, or sometimes the day after Prabodhini Ekadashi) commemorates this divine promise and the ceremonial wedding of the Tulasi plant (representing Vrinda) with Lord Vishnu (represented by the Shaligram stone or an idol of Krishna). 

This symbolic marriage is a public celebration of their eternal bond and marks the end of the four-month Chaturmas period, during which auspicious activities like weddings are generally paused, thus inaugurating the annual Hindu wedding season. 

A symbolic wedding ceremony between Lord Vishnu (in the form of VishnuShaligram or Krishna) and Tulsi Devi (the holy basil plant) is performed.Do remember to place only VishnuSaligrama(as Tulasi got boon from SriVishnu to get wedded for a short period in the form of Fierced Rakshasa form of him,advice to give her blessings of Lord Vishnu to place only VishnuSaligrama / SriKrishna Idol (as SriKrishna and Saligramas are born from SriTulasi Plant rooted Soil(more than Sahasra samvatsarams / Such old Lakes / Rivers) 

This marks the start of the Hindu marriage season,this year falls on 2nd Nov 2025. 

Worship and Offerings:

Devotees decorate Tulsi plants, offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and light lamps.

Many chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or Bhagavad Gita verses 🙏🏻

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Additional Learnings NOTES

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https://www.instagram.com/kolhapurichappalhouse?igsh=MWNteG03Y2N4bHVreQ==

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