Tryamboli Devi

The temple of the Tryamboli Devi is located on a lofty hillock to the east of Kolhapur. According to the Karveer Puranas Temblai, Tryamboli, or Trymbuli the younger sister of Mahalaxmi in conquest of a quarrel with Mahalaxmi left Kolhapur and retired to the hill. The reason for quarrel being she neglected in the celebration of victory in war with demon Kola by gods. Therefore, she got annoyed, went, and sat on Trymbuli hill. When her absence was noticed Mahalaxmi, She sent some Gods to fetch her. However, she would not come. Finally, Mahalaxmi herself went there with a Kohala or pumpkin to remind her of an incident in fight with Kola, the demon, but the Tryamboli not moved. The incident occurred on the 5thAshwin. Even today, Mahalaxmi is said to pay her sister one visit in honor of Goddess Tryamboli. An image of Mahalaxmi placed in a pitcher and carried in procession to the hill and an unmarried girl in memory of the destruction by the deity of a giant named Kolasur afterwards cuts Kohala or pumpkin to pieces. Large crowd attends the fair. Sweetmeats and other eatables as well as toys offered for sale.