Kolhapur, also known as Kollapuram, is a city in Maharashtra and one of the most popular destinations in India. The city is known for its religious and cultural significance, as it is the home of the Mahalakshmi Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (sacred sites of Goddess). Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum famous attraction In Kolhapur, visit during Kolhapur Local sightseeing.
The city is also known for its rich history and heritage, as it was the capital of the Maratha kingdom of Kolhapur from 1700 to 1949. The city has several monuments and landmarks that reflect its royal and historical glory. One of the most rural and cultural among them is the Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum.
Location of Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
The Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum is located in the Kaneri village of the city, near the Pune-Bangalore Highway. It is easily accessible by public transport, such as buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. The nearest railway station is Kolhapur Railway Station, which is about 15 km away from the museum. The nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport, which is about 20 km away from the museum.
Timing/Entry Fees Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
The museum is open to visitors from 9 am to 6 pm on all days of the week. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 50 per person, while for foreign nationals it is Rs. 200 per person. The fee includes a guide service that provides information about the history and features of the museum.
How to Reach Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
The museum can be reached by various modes of transport from different parts of the city. Here are some of the options:
- By Bus: There are several buses that ply to and from the museum from various bus stops in the city. Some of the bus numbers are 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G, 4H, and 4J.
- By Auto-Rickshaw/Taxi: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available in the city and can be hired to reach the museum. The fare may vary depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
- By Car: The museum has a parking facility for visitors who come by their own vehicles. The parking fee is Rs. 30 for two-wheelers and Rs. 60 for four-wheelers.
Things to Do/Must See Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
The museum is a rural and cultural center that showcases the life and culture of rural India in ancient times through various models and sculptures. It is one of the largest and most unique museums in India and one of the most important educational museums in Maharashtra. The museum was founded by Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Gurukul Foundation Trust in 1998 as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and his ideals of truth and non-violence. The museum covers an area of about 7 acres and has more than 80 scenes that depict various aspects of village life, such as agriculture, education, health, art, craft, religion, festivals, etc.
Some of the things to do and must see in the museum are:
- Admire the models and sculptures of the museum, which are made of cement and fiber glass with realistic details and expressions. The models and sculptures represent various types of people, animals, birds, plants, tools, vehicles, etc. that were part of rural life in ancient times.
- Explore the history and significance of the museum through its various scenes that are arranged according to different themes and categories. Some of them are:
- Agriculture: This scene shows how farmers used to cultivate crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, etc. using traditional methods like ploughing, sowing, harvesting, etc.
- Education: This scene shows how children used to learn in schools called gurukuls under the guidance of teachers called gurus. They used to study subjects like mathematics, astronomy, grammar, literature, etc. using tools like abacus, slate, chalk, etc.
- Health: This scene shows how people used to take care of their health using natural remedies like herbs, spices, oils, etc. They also used to practice yoga and meditation for physical and mental well-being.
- Art and Craft: This scene shows how people used to express their creativity and skill through various forms of art and craft like painting, pottery, weaving, carving, etc. They used to make beautiful and useful items like clothes, utensils, toys, etc. using materials like clay, wood, metal, cotton, etc.
- Religion and Festivals: This scene shows how people used to worship various gods and goddesses and celebrate various festivals like Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. They used to perform rituals like pooja, aarti, prasad, etc. and enjoy activities like singing, dancing, playing games, etc.
Significance of Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
The museum is not only a rural and cultural center, but also a spiritual and social center of the city. The museum hosts various events and functions throughout the year, such as workshops, seminars, camps, competitions, etc. The museum also serves as a venue for film shootings and photo shoots.
The museum aims to preserve and promote the rich and diverse heritage of rural India and to inspire and educate the present and future generations about the values and virtues of rural life. The museum also aims to spread the message of peace and harmony among all people and to contribute to the development of the society and the nation.
FAQ’s
Q: How old is the Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum?
A: The museum was founded by Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Gurukul Foundation Trust in 1998.
Q: What is the meaning of Siddhagiri?
A: Siddhagiri means a place where siddhas (enlightened beings) reside. It is also the name of a hill near Kaneri village where a famous saint named Shri Mouni Maharaj lived and meditated.
Q: What are the timings of the guide service in the Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum?
A: The guide service is available in the museum from 9 am to 6 pm on all days of the week. The guide service provides information about the history and features of the museum in various languages, such as Marathi, Hindi, English, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, Urdu.
Conclusion
The Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone who wants to experience the rural and cultural museum in Kolhapur. The museum offers a glimpse into the life and culture of rural India in ancient times through various models and sculptures. The museum is a place where you can discover the past, enjoy the present, and imagine the future.👍
