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KOLHAPURA MAHATMYA
Kolhapura
Mahatmya traces the name of the capital - Karvirpur
to the progeny of Brahma, the Creator. According to mythology, Brahma had three
manasaputras - Lavana, Kolha and Gaya. On obtaining boons from him and Siva,
Gaya and Lavana turned lokakantakas and terrorized the world, making it
unbearable to live in both for gods and humans. When Devendra along with the
affected prayed for Lord Vishnu's intervention; he killed them both at once. The
youngest Kolha for the purpose of wreaking vengeance did penance propitiating
Brahma, his own father. Pleased, Brahma blessed him to be ruler of the Universe
unchallenged. Returning, Kolha found to his surprise, one by name Sukesha ruling
the country. Killing him in the battle, he enthroned his eldest son Karvir and
went to forest for the Vanaprastasram. Karavir unleashed demonic forces to
avenge the unjust death of his uncles. There was all round destruction -
hermitages were burnt; temples, pulled down; yagasala descreted; innocent,
slagheted etc. The afflicted when appealed for mercy, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu
waged a dreadful war for long, since Karvir was a hero of great mettle, yet Lord
Siva slew him in the battle. He named the city as Karvirnagar in accordance with
the request of the dying warrior.
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