The Jyotiba Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The village is also known as Kedarnath or Wadi Ratnagiri. The temple is on a hill, and the deity in the temple is known as Kedareshwar. 

Districts/Region

Wadi Ratnagiri, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra, India. 

History

Jyotiba temple complex also known as Jyotiba Hill has numerous temples and sacred spots associated with lord Shiva. The oral traditions and mythologies associated with Goddess Ambabai and Shiva are narrated even today in the region.
The hilltop has numerous temples built by Maratha nobles during the 18th and 19th centuries CE. The original temple of Jyotiba is said to have been built by one Navji Saya in 1730. The present shrine was constructed by Ranojirav Sinde. The second temple of Kedareshwar was built in the vicinity by Daulatrav Sinde in1808. The third temple dedicated to Ramling was built in 1780 by one Malji Nilam Panhalkar. In a small domed shrine in front of the temple of Kedareshwar are two sacred bulls made in black stone. A shrine of goddess Chopdai was added to the complex by Pritirav Himmat Bahadur in 1750. The temple of goddess Yamai was built by Ranojirav Sinde. In front of Yamai are two sacred cisterns. One of these was built by Jijabai Saheb about 1743; the Jamadagnya thirth was built by Ranojirav Shinde. Besides these two tirths or sacred pools, five ponds and wells and two sacred streams flow down the sides of the hill.

Geography

The temple is on a mountain above 3124 feet above sea level. The temple is situated 18 KM northwest of Kolhapur. 

Weather/Climate

The climate of the region is a blend of coastal as well as inland elements just like the rest of Maharashtra. 

Things to do

The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. 
April and May are the hottest months in the region when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm.

Nearest tourist places

There are many tourist places around the vicinity 
●    Panhala Fort  (13 KM)
●    Shivtej Shivshrushti Waterpark (8 KM)
●    Mahalaxmi Aamabai Temple (20 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

The region is famous for its South Maharashtrian cuisine which is locally available.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

There are various hotels and lodges around the temple which provide basic facilities. 
Police Station - Juna Rajwada Police Station.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

The best time to visit Jyotiba Temple is between November and February. The temple is open from 5:30 P.M to 10:30 P.M.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi.