What is "kumbhoj"

Kumbhoj (pronounced as kam'bho'j) is the name of an ancient town located in Kolhapur district in Maharashtra. The town is about eight kilometers from Hatkanangale, about twenty seven kilometers from Kolhapur and currently, also is the Taluka or Tehsil Headquarters. The famous Jain Tirtha (pilgrim place) known as Bahubali, is just two kilometers away from the Kumbhoj city.

Geographically, Kumbhoj is located at a latitude (DMS) of 16° 49' 60 N and longitude (DMS) of 74° 25' 60 E.

As the name itself suggests, Kumbhoj seems to be connected with well-known ancient term Kamboja of Sanskrit/ Pali literature.

Alternative name of Kumbhoj is Kumboj (= Kamboj). The former name is apparently free from Iranian or Paisaci influence since Maharashtra location was far removed from the north-west division of ancient India. Kamboj is the standard name found in numerous ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts.

Padma Vibhushan Dr. Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil, a renowned social worker and philanthropist was born at Kumbhoj.

Bahubali at Kumbhoj is identical to the Bahubali of Shravanabelagola known as Gomateshwar to the south in Karnataka.