Chapter 10 - 'Kolhapur'

There is a famous 'Mahalakshmi Temple' in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. I had heard a lot about it over the years. Back in 2014, while traveling by bus from Bangalore to Surat, I passed through the Kolhapur district. However, I couldn't visit the temple due to time constraints, which left me feeling quite disappointed.

In 2024, during 'Chaitra Navratri', I happened to read about the 'Mahalakshmi Temple' again. At the time, I had recently resigned from my job and was serving my notice period. Money was tight, and I was struggling to manage my finances. Although I deeply wished to visit the temple, I eventually dropped the plan.

A couple of days later, while watching the news, I heard 'Shri Sudhanshu Trivedi Ji' mention some significant facts about the 'Mahalakshmi Temple'. The idea clicked in my mind again, but I once more dismissed it because of my financial situation.

Soon after, I was driving to a relative's house. I turned on the car’s music system, and the first song that played was "Deva Shree Ganesha Deva".

The second song was "Durga Amritwani".

I felt in my heart that the Goddess was calling me. It was the weekend, so I made up my mind and planned the trip.

Upon reaching Kolhapur district, an auto-rickshaw driver approached me as soon as I arrived. He offered a very economical fare to the temple. We eventually agreed on a full city tour as well.

I had a wonderful darshan at the 'Mahalakshmi Temple'.

The driver took me to several sites, narrating their history and explaining the local customs and rituals in great detail.

I also visited the 'Jyotiba Temple' on a very auspicious day. The temple was beautifully decorated, and people were celebrating with colors. The Jyotiba Temple near Kolhapur, dedicated to the deity Jyotiba (an incarnation of Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma). I arrived just after the celebration of GOD's birth. For the locals, this site is held in the same high regard as the 'Jyotirlingas'.

People told me I was incredibly lucky to be there at such a significant time.

Interestingly, the driver was a Muslim. It reminded me that there are good people everywhere and that we often need to change our perspectives.

This trip was a total blessing; I was able to have darshan at the 'Mahalakshmi Temple' during 'Chaitra Navratri' and visit 'Jyotiba Temple' on a sacred day.

ॐ श्री गणेशाय नमः।

जय माता दी।

ॐ नमः शिवाय।

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय।

ॐ ब्रह्मणे नमः।