Kolhapur pronunciation (helpinfo) (Marathi: ) is a city situated in the southwest corner of Maharashtra, India. The population of Kolhapur city was 5,49,283, as per the 2011 census. Kolhapur also serves as the headquarters of the Kolhapur district. As is the case in most of the Maharashtra cities, the main language spoken in Kolhapur is Marathi. Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchganga and is the location of the Temple of Mahalakshmi, a Hindu goddess. According to Hindu mythology, Kolhapur was settled by Kolhasur, a demon who was later killed by Mahalakshmi to relieve the local populace. However, honouring the demon's dying wish, the city was named after him. Kolhapur finds mentions in Devi Gita, the final and most important chapter of the Srimad Devi Bhagawatam, as one the important places of Shakti worship, "Devi spoke:..."O King of Mountains! Still I am now telling something out of My affection to My Bhaktas. Hear. There is a great place of pilgrimage...
