Situated at a height of 3124 feet above sea level the Jyotiba temple is dedicated to Jyotiba (Dattatreya), which was formed by the amalgamation of the jyotis (souls) of three gods- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Legend says that the three gods took the form of Jyotiba to destroy the evil Ratnasur. Jyotiba Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. This is also known as Kedarnath and Wadi Ratnagiri. Mythology also states that Jyotiba helped Mahalakshmi in her fight with the demons. He founded his kingdom on this mountain, and belongs to the Nath cult. He was born in the hands of Vimalmbuja, the wife of the sage Pougand, on Chaitra Shukla 6th.
Navajiyasa built the original temple in 1730. The interiors are ancient, the idol is fourhanded. There are other temples and Light-towers. On Chaitra Poornima a gala fair is held, where lakhs of devotees come with tall `Sasan` (sticks). The scattering of `gulal` (vermilion) renders the whole mountain pink. Sunday is considered sacred to Jyotiba. The governmental improvements are clearly visible with the Plaza Garden plan in the pipeline.
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