Bhavani Mandap

Bhavani Mandap is a historical building located in the walled city center of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, adjacent to the Mahalaxmi Temple. Constructed between 1785 and 1800 under Shivaji II, it originally served as a royal palace and durbar for the Chhatrapati Maharaja. Today, it functions as a collective tomb for Maratha royalty and houses exhibits including a life-size statue of Shahu Maharaj, hunted animals, and a wooden throne attributed to Shivaji. The structure features British Raj-era architecture and holds religious significance as a shrine for Goddess Tulja Bhavani.

Visitors can explore a historic British Raj-era building that displays relics of Maratha royalty, including stuffed animals hunted by Shahu Maharaj and a modest wooden throne believed to have been used by Shivaji. The site serves as a collective tomb for Kolhapur's Maratha royalty and contains a life-size statue of Shahu Maharaj. It also functions as a temple dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani. The architecture reflects the princely state's legacy, and the location is adjacent to the Mahalaxmi Temple within the walled city precincts.

Constructed between 1785 and 1800 under Shivaji II, Bhavani Mandap served as the royal palace and durbar for the Chhatrapati Maharaja of Kolhapur. It housed offices of court officials and was a venue for celebrations. The building witnessed a notable murder in its central courtyard and now serves as a collective tomb for Maratha royalty. A wooden throne on display is believed to have been used by Shivaji during his visits to Kolhapur.

The site is considered a sacred dwelling place for Goddess Tulja Bhavani, who is regarded as the elder sister of Goddess Mahalaxmi. Local legend claims the idol here is the original one worshipped by Shivaji Maharaj and rescued from Tuljapur during Aurangzeb's siege, though this remains contested by Tuljapur clergy. An unverified legend suggests an underground tunnel connects the mandap to Panhala Fort as an escape route for Maratha soldiers.