Jyotiba Temple is a holy site of Hinduism near Wadi Ratnagiri in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra state in western India. The deity of the temple is known by the same name. An annual fair takes place on the full moon night of the Hindu months of Chaitra and Vaishakha
Shri Jyotiba or Kedareshvar is incrarnation of Bramha, Vishnu, Mahesh and part of sage Jamadgni’s anger, and shine of 12 sun. Legend says Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva came together to incarnate as the deity Jyotiba who eventually destroyed the evil Ratnasura. Jyotiba helped Ambabai in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain, and belongs to the Nath sampradaya. Lord Jyotiba destroyed Raktabhoja Rakshasa, and Ratnasura Rakshasa thus liberating the region from their tyranny. The idol of Lord Jyotiba is four-armed.
Pooja Vidhi
4:00 am
TEMPLE OPENS WITH RINGING THE BELL
5:00 am
PADHYAPUJA & KAKADARATI
8:00 AM
PANCHAMRUT ABHISHEKAM
9:00 AM
KHADIPUJA/MAHAPUJA BY OFFERING GOLD ORNAMENTS
9.30 am
DHUPARTI & MAHANAIVEDYAM (HOLY FOOD)
3:00 PM
BATH, ABHISHEKAM & BAITHI PUJA
7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM
VIRAGI/SIMPLE PUJA, DHUPARATI & SHEJARATI
11:00 PM
TEMPLE CLOSES
Shri Jyotiba, also known as Kedareshvar, is considered an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, embodying the anger of sage Jamadgni and the brilliance of twelve suns. In a separate narrative, Adishakti created a more powerful version of the Tridev—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—one hundred times stronger than the original, to humble their egos. Once her purpose was fulfilled, she instructed her newly created Tridev to return whenever she called for their assistance.
When Kolhasura and his army were unjustly ruling the Karvir Kshetra, Mahalaxmi resolved to intervene. At this moment, she summoned the Tridev, who appeared in the hands of Mata Vimalambuja in the form of a flame. Understanding Mata’s wishes, the flame transformed into an eight-year-old child, wielding a sword (Khadag), a drum (Damaru), a trident (Trishul), and a pot filled with nectar (Amrut Patra).
A small temple once stood where the grand Jyotiba temple stands today. This original temple was built by a devotee named Naavji from the village of Kival, near Karad. In 1730, Maharaja Ranoji Shinde of Gwalior renovated the site, transforming it into a magnificent temple constructed from fine black basalt stone
The second Kedareshvar temple, notable for its lack of pillars, was built around 1808 by Doulatrao Shinde. In between the Kedarling and Kedareshvar temples lies the Chopdai temple, constructed in 1750 by Pritirao Chavan and Himmatbahadur. Together, these three temples form a significant group
Additionally, the fourth temple dedicated to Goddess Rameshwari was established in 1780 by Malji Nikam, Panhalakar. In front of Kedareshvar, a small square platform features two black stone Nandi statues, also installed by Doulatrao Shinde. On the east side of the temple stands Goddess Satvai, while Shree Ramling is located on the west, both facing east. The temple walls display veergal stones at five to six points
Shri Kedarnath is believed to have established twelve Jyotirlingas around Jyotiba Mountain, earning him the title of Jyotirling. To commemorate their original location in the Himalayas, the first of these Jyotirlingas was established at Badrikedar, which is also referred to as Kedarling.
Nandi Temple
The Main Jyotiba temple complex includes several unique temples, one of which is the Nandi Temple. A notable feature of this temple is its south-facing orientation. Unlike most temples, it houses two black stone Nandi statues instead of the usual single one, making it a rare find in India. This temple was constructed in 1808 by Daulatrao Shinde from the Shinde family of Gwalior.
Mahadev Temple
The temple of Lord Mahadev stands in front of the Nandi temple, facing north. Notably, it features a mandapa without any supporting pillars, showcasing a remarkable feat of architecture. Inside the temple, there are pilgrimage sites for Badrikedar and Kashi Vishwanath. Shri Kedarnath is said to have established twelve Jyotirlingas on this mountain for his devotees, with Badrikedar being the first. Adjacent to this ling is another one known as Kashi Vishwanath.
During the construction of this temple, the Shinde family from Gwalior installed the Linga they brought from the Narmada River. The combination of these three Lingas makes this temple a unique and exceptional example of spiritual science and architectural excellence.
Goddess Chopdai Temple
The temple of Adimaya Goddess Chopdai is adjacent to the temple of Shri Mahadev. This artistic and distinctive temple features the goddess facing west and is built in the Hemadpanthi style, showcasing a southern architectural influence compared to the Kedareshwar Temple. Goddess Chopdai, also known as Charpat Amba, is a manifestation of Mahishasurmardini Durga, embodying one of Adimaya’s powers that aided Shri Kedarnath during his southern expedition.
In front of the goddess, there are four pillars, all representing elements of Purushartha. Shri Jyotiba established eight Bhairavas around the temple, including Kaal Bhairav, Baal Bhairav, Suvarn Bhairav, Gand Bhairav, Aakash Bhairav, and Kalpant Bhairav. In addition to these eight Bhairavas, deities such as Gorakshnath (Aadinath), Rameshvar, and Shankh Bhairav are also present. A small temple dedicated to God Harinarayan is located within the Jyotiba Temple premises.
Kaalbhairav Temple
The During the incarnation of Kedarnath, Kaalbhairav played a crucial and supernatural role, earning the title of Chief Commander of the Bhairavsena from Karveer Nivasini Mahalakshmi. Upon his incarnation, Kedarnath initiated the South Digvijay expedition at the request of Shri Mahalaxmi. Kaalbhairav expressed his desire to join Kedarnath in this divine mission, and Kedarnath gladly accepted, welcoming him to participate in the southern expedition.
When Toran Bhairav betrayed the cause and allied with Ratnasur, Kaalbhairav was appointed as the chief commander of the Bhairav Army, as suggested by Shri Mahalaxmi. His supernatural powers significantly contributed to the success of the South expedition, leading to the destruction of many formidable monsters and the establishment of pilgrimage sites in their wake.
Kaalbhairav is an intense and glorious incarnation of Shiva Shankar, depicted as a four-armed idol holding a trident, broadsword, and Amrut Patra, standing proudly like Shri Kedarnath. As the chief of the Bhairav army, Kaalbhairav serves as the protector of Wadi Ratnagiri, where he is revered as Mahankal Dhundiraj. His grandeur and protective qualities have earned him the honor of receiving coconuts as offerings, acknowledging him as the ruler of this region.
Chaitra Jatra Temple
The Every year on the full moon of Chaitra (April), a grand festival takes place on Jyotiba Mountain, attracting around six to seven lakh pilgrims from various districts and regions of Maharashtra. During this vibrant celebration, devotees chant the name of Shri Jyotiba in unison, exclaiming “Chan G Bhal,” fully immersed in devotion. The festival is marked by unique traditions, including throwing gulal, coconuts, and coins into the palanquin.
The day’s festivities begin with the Maha Abhishekam of Shri Jyotiba, held between 5 and 6 AM, followed by Mahapuja from 7 to 8 AM. From 10 AM to noon, Dhuparati and Pancharati rituals take place. The procession starts around 1 PM, accompanied by the lively sounds of halagai, pipani, and clarinet music, while the saasan sticks dance rhythmically. Sasan Kathi, tall reeds adorned with tufts and flags, can reach heights of thirty to seventy feet, and the horse, which is Jyotiba’s vehicle, is displayed prominently.
On this auspicious day, 106 revered Sasan reeds are set up, arriving at the mountain the day before. The festival is further enhanced by the presence of camels, horses, cannon carts, and the vibrant Bhaldar and Chopdar.
Around 5 PM, following the formal worship, the festive idol of Shri Jyotiba is placed in a palanquin and transported to the Yamai Temple. As Goddess Yamai is considered the sister of Shri Jyotiba, she is married to Jamadgni on the same evening after sunset in a ceremony held at the Yamai Temple. Shri Jyotiba brings gifts in the palanquin for Goddess Yamai and returns to the temple after the festivities.
Throughout the celebration, various religious rituals are performed amidst captivating fireworks, making the Chitra Pournima festival a month-long celebration filled with devotion and joy.
Chaitra Jatra Temple
Sasan Kathi (stick) is one of the main attractions of the Chaitra Yatra. These thick reeds, standing 50 to 70 feet tall, feature Jyotiba’s vehicle—the horse—installed at the base. Balancing the Sasan Kathi on their shoulders requires skill, and many devotees journey toward Jyotiba Mountain carrying their Sasan Kathis and bullock carts.
As the Sasan Kathis make their way to Jyotiba, large crowds gather along the roads to pay homage to these impressive sticks. Devotees adorn the Sasan Kathi with vibrant flower necklaces, currency notes, and coconuts as offerings. While numerous Sasan Kathis participate in the festival, 106 are recognized as honorable by the Government’s Devasthan Committee, which honors these reeds with special recognition.
The procession of the Sasan Kathi is a highlight of the Chaitra Festival, drawing attention and admiration from all attendees. Villages with Sasan Kathis often hold meetings on Gudhi Padva to plan their participation in the festival, further emphasizing the grandeur and significance of the Sasan Kathi within this vibrant celebration.
NEARBY TEMPLES
Yamai Temple
The Jyotiba premises are graced by the presence of Mul (Origin) Maya Goddess Yamai. During the South expedition, Kedarnath encountered the monster Aundhasur, leading to a fierce battle. According to mythology, Aundhasur was destined to be defeated by Goddess Yamai. When Kedarnath called upon her, she revealed herself, earning the name Goddess Yamai. She ultimately vanquished Aundhasur, clearing the path for Kedarnath’s journey south, an event that took place in Aundh village, Satara District. To confront Aundhasur, Goddess Mulmaya Yamai manifested on Kanthgiri Mountain, which is why it is also referred to as Mulgiri.
After completing his southern expedition, Kedarnath returned to the Himalayas. At this time, Goddess Mahalaxmi persuaded him to establish a kingdom by crowning Shree Jyotiba as the king of Deccan. However, during this ceremony, Shree Mahalaxmi overlooked inviting Goddess Yamai. Goddess Chopdai brought this to Kedarnath’s attention, prompting him to seek forgiveness from Goddess Yamai.
Years later, Goddess Yamai expressed her disappointment that Kedarnath rarely visited her. She then declared that she would appear in the Chafe Van (forest) at Wadi Ratnagiri. In the Chaitra month (March-April) of the spring season, Goddess Yamai manifested in the Champak Van (forest). As was tradition, Shree Kedareshvar went to meet her with his offerings on the full moon of Chaitra.
In a prior era, when Jamadgni had killed Goddess Renuka, he requested Shree Jyotiba to reunite him with her. Remembering this, Kedarnath facilitated the marriage of Jamadgni with Goddess Renuka, who is also identified as Goddess Yamai, thereby reuniting them.
During the Main Chaitra Festival, the Sasan Reeds and the palanquin of Shree Jyotiba, accompanied by a grand procession and paraphernalia, make their way to meet Goddess Yamai.
Rameshvar Temple
The Rameshwar Temple is located on the west side of the Jyotiba temple. Adjacent to this temple, Shree Jyotiba’s palanquin rests on a platform. The Rameshwar (Ramalinga) Temple was constructed in 1780 by Malji Nikam Panhalkar.
Shree Datta Temple
The Paduka of Balavdhut Shree Datta, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, is located within the temple premises. When Shree Dattaguru came to seek the darshan of Shree Jyotiba, he wished to stay at this place and lived under the Audumbar tree on the south side of the temple. Today, the Scindiya Trust of Gwalior has constructed a beautiful temple dedicated to Shree Datta at that very location.
Twelve Jyotirlingas Nearby
Badrikedar (Mahadev Temple )
Place of Origin: Kedarnath – Himalaya
After completing his incarnation, Shri Kedarnath was crowned king. He then established his Asht Pradhan (Ashtabhairavas) within the temple premises. Additionally, he set up the Badrikedar Linga, created by Kaalbhairav, to honor the original manifestation of the Himalayas. This Linga is notable for its east-facing orientation and is worshipped in the presence of all the gods and goddesses.
Kashi Vishwanath (Mahadev Temple )
Place of origin: Vishveshwar – Varanasi
Varanasi (Kashi) is the original abode of Shri Kala Bhairav, the commander of King Kedarnath. The Linga established here serves as a reminder of Kashi Vishwanath, the chief deity of the Kashi region. Notably, Kashi Vishwanath was established by Kaalbhairav himself, and this Linga also faces east. One distinctive feature of this Linga is that it does not have a Nandi in front of it. The temple showcases many unique attributes that are worth exploring.
Setuband Rameshwar (Ramalinga temple)
Original place: Tamilnadu
Shri Kedarnath’s devoted follower, Gomaji Sawant, expressed his wish to embark on the Chardham Yatra and visit the twelve Jyotirlingas. In response, Kedarnath established the Setuband Rameshwar as a promise to Kivat and in memory of Lord Ram. The Ramalinga (Rameshwar) was set up at the back of the platform where the Kedarnath palanquin rests within the premises of the Shree Jyotiba temple.
Onkarammaleshwar (Kekhale Ganesh Bagh)
Place of Origin: Vidyanachal – Madhya Pradesh
This Linga is situated on the southwest side of the Ganesh Mandir. It is uniquely shaped like the Maingiri Mountain, resembling the sacred symbol of Onkar, which represents the three letters of the holy word “OM”: A, U, and M. Together, these letters form a single sound known as “Ardhmatra,” which can be pronounced but not written. This Linga embodies that Ardhmatra, leading to its designation as Onkar Mamleshwar.
The site attracts a large crowd of devotees during Vinayak Chaturthi, Sankasht Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and special Angarki Sankashti.
Mahakaleshwar – Nandkeshwar
(in front of Sri Yamai temple)
Place of Origin: Ujjain – Madhya Pradesh
After defeating the Raktbhoj monster, Shri Kedarnath established the Mahakaleshvar Linga (Tirth). During Navratri, daily Aarati is performed in front of this Tirtha. A notable feature of the Nandikeshvar Linga is its east-facing orientation, complemented by the presence of a Nandi in front of the Linga.
Karpureshwar (Jyotiba on the edge of Karpurtirtha)
Place of Origin: Shri Ghruneshwar-Verul-Aurangabad
According to ancient texts, the Karpureshwar temple on Jyotiba Mountain faces east and is set in a picturesque area surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. This sacred site was constructed by Shree Adishakti Charpat Amba. The Karpureshwar pilgrimage is particularly significant during the Navaratri festival, with devotees engaging in heartfelt worship and devotion.
Trimbakeshwar (Ninai Temple in Giroli village)
Place of Origin: Nashik
Monster called Sindhuraj was living on the Neil Mountains on east side of jotiba. Since this giant is mighty and powerful, the Rishi Muni, who is suffering from his atrocities, requested the Kedarnath, which was held at Battis Shirala. Then Kedarnath appointed his army chief Kalbhairav and Gandabhairav on the campaign. They came here and killed Sindhu Raj Monster with the help of Ninai (Nilai) goddess and established various villages there. Trimbakeshwar Linga was established in front of the temple of Nine Devi.
Aundhya Nagnath
Place of Origin: Nagnath – Parbhani
Shri Kedarnath established the Aundhya Nagnath Linga in the Pandav caves within the dense, uninterrupted forest near the Jyotiba Mountains. He also consecrated Goddess Jugai on the east side of this sacred site and the deity Maruti to the south of Pohale village. The Aundhya Nagnath shrine is renowned for its spiritual significance, attracting numerous devotees every Monday during the Shravan month who come to seek blessings and experience its awakening energy.
Sorati Somnath
Place of Origin: Saurashtra, Gujarat
Kedarnath established the Linga of Sorathi Somnath in Narande village, located about twenty kilometers east of Wadi Ratnagiri hill in Hatkanangle taluka. This Nagnath shrine was created for the devotee Goma Sawant and is situated in the Daruk Forest within Narande Village.
Parli Vaijnath
Place of Origin: Shri Vaijnath – Beed
The Parli Vaijnath shrine is located on the northeastern hill of Sadle village, on the eastern side of Jyotiba Mountain. At the request of Kedarnath, the Vaijnath Shrine was established on this hill, which is shaped like a Shivling. Many Siddhapurush and Rishis have resided in this sacred area, adding to its spiritual significance.
Shree Shailya Mallikarjuna
Place of Origin: Karnool Andhra Pradesh
Mallikarjuna Tirtha is a vibrant and spiritually uplifting site among the twelve Jyotirlingas. To aid his devoted follower Goma Sawant, Shree Kedarnath established these twelve Jyotirlingas at the same location as the Gaymukh pilgrimage. It is here that Goma Sawant experienced the revelation of the Twelve Jyotirlingas, enhancing the sanctity of this pilgrimage site.
Bhimashankar
Place of Origin: Bhimashankar, Pune
The King of Deccan, Shree Jyotiba, established the Bhimashankar Linga at the Dankini Pilgrimage on Shree Jyotiba Mountain. To the west of this pilgrimage site, several sacred places dedicated to various Shakti (Goddess) manifestations can be found. A distinctive feature of this Linga is that it is considered an awakening pilgrimage, drawing devotees seeking spiritual rejuvenation.