Located 400kms south of Mumbai, Kolhapur is an anient town. In about the 3rd century BC, Kolhapur was an important Buddhist center. There are entries in the old religious texts showing that once upon a time this city was a center of religion, religious power and trade. It has been also referred to as Dakshin Kashi. The puranas, have listed 108 sites where Shakti (the goddess of power) is manifested. Amongst these, the Karveer area (the area where the present town of Kolhapur is located), is of special significance. This is one of the six abodes of Shakti, where one can achieve both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered to be of greater significance than Uttar Kashi. Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that they both reside in the Karveer area.