Jyotiba

we marathis worhship Jyotiba, but he is just another senior member of our family , we confide with him all our happy moments and grievenses, he helps us all.

1. Situated at a height of 3100 feet, near Wadi Ratnagiri- 17 kms northwest of
Kolhapur. A colorful fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu
months of Chaitra and Vaishakh.
Jyotiba
-
a colloquial and household Kolhapuri name
for Jyotirling. Yes , he is so close to us.
Jyotiba is supposed to be an incarnation of
three gods -- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

2. On way up from Kolhapur – small beauties like this make it difficult to
move forward – but the caller is more powerful – the lord himself.

3. The temple is dedicated to Jyotiba (also Dattatreya), which was
formed by the amalgamation of the jyotis (souls) of three gods -
Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Legend has it that the
three gods took the form of Jyotiba to destroy the evil Ratnasur.

4. This is scene in July - rainy days here – but yearlong it catches the soght

5. On way up from Kolhapur – pregnant clouds accompany you on the way up.

9. Like other religious routes- it is the shortest route for the heavenly experience.

11. One of the ways towards side of the hill - well beaten path for centuries together.

12. Deep Mala – first
sign of the temple
complex .

13. A closer look

15. One of the 12
Jyotirlingas, Jotiba
is located to the
north of Kolhapur,
on a small hillock
surrounded by
green mountains.

16. Exit side of the temple – rain or shine people are determined for a darshan.

17. Closer to the heavenly Gods

18. An average day
crowd – Sundays are
the most crowded.

20. The black granite stones available nearby are challenging for carving – we do it.

21. Inside the
temple
complex.

22. Elephants are the icon of richness for - everybody.

25. A design carved on the backside of the temple backside.

28. On the way back home
For more info http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/KOLHAPUR/places_Jotiba.html