Shri Ekmukhi Datta Devsthan
Shri Ekmukhi Datta Akhada Sevabhavi Sanstha, Kolhapur
The Idol of Deity Datta in the Ekmukhi Datta Temple in Kolhapur city was constructed in 18th century and this Idol has been worshipped by Nrusinha Saraswati Maharaj of Gangapur; Shripad Shrivallabh Maharaj and then by Swami Samarth. The original Idol was from North India but details on who installed it are unavailable. H. H. Mauni Maharaj (Patgaon, Kolhapur District) renovated this temple. In the year 1886, Shri. Pandurang Govindrao Bhosale and in the year 1997-98 Shri. Amol Jadhav have renovated the temple once again.
The entire Idol has been sculpted from a single marble like the linga of Mahadev and is 5 feet tall. The Idol faces the East and on the right side, one hand holds a japamala, the second a kamandalu (Pot with Holy water) and the third a damru (Hourglass shaped small drum). The first hand on the left side holds a trident, the second a conch and the third a yogadand. The head of the idol adorns a Shivapindi. The Idol is installed on a stone deck. On the opposite side of the temple, there is a temple of Mahadev along with Nandi.
