Kolhapur, a historic Jain heritage center located in Maharashtra near the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, is home to a range of ancient Jain temples and monuments. The region, historically influenced by Jainism, is mentioned in texts such as the Bhagavat Purana, highlighting Lord Rishabha’s travels in nearby regions and the spread of Jainism due to a local king’s influence. Kolhapur and neighboring districts like Belgaum and Sangli remain some of the top districts in India with significant Jain populations.
Main Deity – 9 mts high idol of Bhagwan Adinatha.
Notable Jain Temples and Sites – Kolhapur houses several significant Jain temples:
- Lakshmisen Math (Shukravarpeth): The math houses a prominent 9-meter-high idol of Bhagwan Adinatha, known for its grandeur.
- Neminath Jain Temple: Known for its association with the last chapter of the Shatkhadagam, a significant Jain text said to have been completed here.
- Shahipuri Jain Mandir and Parshwanath Manastambh Digambar Jain Mandir: These temples are popular sites in Kolhapur, attracting pilgrims and visitors.
- Mahalakshmi Temple: The Jain carvings on its outer walls and the bhuvaneshwari ceiling indicate it was originally a Jain temple before it became a site of worship for the Hindu goddess Mahalakshmi.
Influence of Jain Monarchs and Dynasties – Kolhapur’s Jain heritage was strongly supported by regional rulers, notably:
- Rashtrakuta Dynasty (752-972 AD): Originating from Latur, the Rashtrakutas promoted Jainism, commissioning texts like the Dhavala and Mahapurana. The last Rashtrakuta king, Indra IV, retired to Shravanabelagola for his final renunciation.
- Shilahara Dynasty (11th Century): The Shilaharas made Kolhapur a prominent Jain center, with King Gonka constructing temples and supporting Jain monks. Under Bhoja I, the revered Acharya Maghanandi established Jain institutes and supported various Jain activities in the region. Maghanandi, a respected figure, had a deep impact on Jain propagation in Kolhapur, with King Gandaraditya building 770 Jain shrines inspired by his teachings.
Legendary Figures and Cultural Legacy
- Acharya Maghanandi and King Gandaraditya: This teacher-devotee pair is well-known in Jain history. Gandaraditya is celebrated for building the “Tribhuvan Tilak” temple for Lord Nemi and commissioning Jain literature, such as Somadeva’s ShabdarNava-Chandrika. Many inscriptions in Kolhapur reference donations by Gandaraditya and his successors.
- Shilahara Dynasty Generals and Ministers: Generals like Nimbadeva and ministers such as Vasudeva contributed significantly to Jain temples and culture, commissioning temples dedicated to Tirthankars and sponsoring various Jain activities.
The Lakshmisena and Jinasena Bhattaraka Seats – Kolhapur is unique in India for hosting two active Bhattaraka seats—those of Lakshmisena Swamiji and Jinasena Swamiji. The Lakshmisena Math in Kolhapur, known for its monumental 9-meter Adinatha idol, is an influential Jain institution. The Math has a long history, including the prominent Maha-mastakabhisheka ceremony of Lord Gommateshvar at Shravanabelagola in 1871, organized by Lakshmisena Swami of Kolhapur.
How to Reach and Facilities – Kolhapur, a major city in Maharashtra, is well-connected by rail and road to Mumbai, Pune, and Miraj (48 kilometers away). Boarding and lodging facilities are available at the local Dharmashala.
Annual Celebrations and Events – Kolhapur hosts several religious events celebrating Jain history and teachings, drawing pilgrims to its temples, the Lakshmisena Math, and nearby ancient sites associated with Jainism’s spiritual legacy in the region.