Shri Bahubali Bramhcharya and Vidyapeeth is located at Kumbhoj i.e 27 km south of Kolhapur on the Bahubali hills. The hill ranges are popularly known as 'Kumbhojgiri'. A temple here is dedicated to Lord Bahubali which makes it a popular Jain pilgrimage center. Also known for being a celibacy resort it was established in the year 1935 and named after the sage Bahubali who mediated here for a long period of time.
The elegantly designed temple has a grand entrance with an image of two elephants.Once you enter the temple, you will notice the huge and majestic statue of Bahubali which is approximately 28 feet in height.As you climb further 400 steps to reach the temple, throughout the way you get a beautiful view of the villages which have sprung up in the near vicinity.
The Bahubali temple was established keeping in mind that all visitors or devotees can have a glance from very far off places during important festivals. Besides the temple of Bahubali, there are several other pilgrim centers, holy structures, resorts and schools around the temple complex which were here built 100 years ago.
History of Bahubali and Jahaj Mandir
The history behind this tirth (holy place) is not much known or recorded, except for the fact that has been a very ancient tirth of Jains.This religious complex has seen several renovations and expansions down the years, the last major one being in the year of 1926.
Legend says that a saint named Shri Bahubali Maharaj lived here about 2 centuries ago. He was well known for his mastery in spells and due to his presence no wild animals caused any harm to the pilgrims visiting the holy place. Later, this place was named in memory of the great saint. After his death many other notable people visited this place. In the year 1851 Muni Shri Prabhachandraji visited this holy place. Later in 1958 Muni Shri Kamlakarji came here. In the last century another great saint Acharya, Shri Shanti Sagarji came here. Eventually, down the years this place became a holy place by the footprints of these great sages. Many other great events followed making this place a sacred place for both Jains and Hindus.
Jahaj Mandir
Jain temples in India are very popular because they have a long tradition of being beautifully designed. The ship temple of Shri BahuBali Atishaya Kshetra is an another great example of great craftsmanship.
Just outside the main complex is the Shwetambar Jahaj Mandir. Built in a shape of a ship the temple stands magnificently at 55 feet in height with marble work all over. The ship temple is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and have a nice walkway with exotic flowers all around. In the evenings, the entire area is lit up and fountains are turned on, making it a beautiful place to be in.
Annual Gathering and fair
Every year a fair is held here on Kartika Poornima.
Best time to visit
The Bahubali temple here is a worship place for the native Jains of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, so there is a heavy rush of pilgrims all the year round.
Getting there
Kumbhoj is 27 km to the south of Kolhapur city, tourist can reach this place by buses run by MSRTC i.e (S.T buses) or by private cars or taxis. Hatkanangale a small town is about 8 km from Kumbhoj by road and rail. Miraj railway junction is about 24 km from Kumbhoj, private cars from Miraj station can be hired to reach Kumbhoj in 20 minutes.
Where to stay and eat
The Swetambar Jain Trust provides lodging and boarding for the devotees. Dharmashala – Samantbhadra Nilay has a number of rooms, there is a Bhojanshala and Mess facility.
There are about 17 Jain hotels around this place.
For reservations, please call on Phone No : 0230 - 2584422.
Contact Details
Bahubali Kumbhoj,
Taluka: Hatkadngale,
District: Kolhapur, Maharashtra – 416110.
Phone : 0230 - 2584422.
Temple Timings : 6 am to 9 pm