Kolhapur with its rich, colourful historical and mythical past stands out among the various cities in Maharastra State. The city is situated on the banks of river Panchaganga and is nestled among the Sahyadri ranges and surrounded by beautiful fortresses and hillocks.
The name Kolhapur originates around Dravidian times when it is said that the aborgines of the region worshipped a powerful mother goddess named 'kolla'. Some say that the name originates around the temple of goddess Mahalaxmi. She, after the great deluge, salvaged the city by using her mace(kur) and hence the name 'Karveer'.
Going by the puranas, some suggest that the city is spiritually vibrant. They say that Lord Vishnu dwells in the form of rocks, Lord Mahadeva in the form of water, goddesses in the form of trees and seers in the form of sand.
At present the city is supposedly the fourth largest city in Maharastra and boasts a booming commercial centre, flourishing Dairy and Sugar industry. Infact the Sugar Industry is amongst the Richest Belt in India.
