Sri Mahalaxmi Temple - Kolhapur || Kolhapur Temple Timings

 

Sri Mahalaxmi(Ambabai) temple is located at Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra.

Goddess Ambabai the main deity of this temple, is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height and weighs about 40 kilos. The precious stones that adorn the deity indicate the antiquity of the idol. The platform of the Goddess is made of stone in Karveernivasini Temple. The statue of the Goddess has four arms. In the lower right hand, she holds the matulinga, (a fruit similar to an ordinary lemon but much larger in size). In the upper right hand, she holds a large mace, kaumodaks, its head touching the ground. In the upper left hand, she holds the shield or khetaka, and in the lower one, she holds a bowl, panpatra. On the crown of the Goddess are a cobra-hood and a Shiva-ling with a Yoni around it. Standing behind is the Goddess' vahana-a lion.

The main entrance Mahadwara of the temple is the western entrance. Upon entering the Mahadwara one is confronted with several deepamaalas on either side and enters the Garuda mandap with square pillars and foliated arches of wood, characteristic of Maratha temples. This mandap dates back to the 18th century. An image of garuda faces the sanctum. Another stone mandap, on a raised platform enshrining Ganesh, also faces the sanctum. Following this is the mandap with three shrines facing west. The central one is that of Mahalakshmi and the two on either side are those of Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi. The architectural structure of Mahalakshmi temple and the engravings on it indicate that it may have been built during the Chalukya reign i.e. around 600 to 700 A.D. The three sancta have rather simple shikhara of brick and mortar dating back to the 19th century.

 

The Karavira Mahatmya states that Vishnu resides in the form of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur. Legend has it that Kolhasura, a demon that tormented the Gods and other beings, was destroyed by Mahalakshmi here at Karavira, and that the spot of his death became a tirtha and that she took abode here in a shrine that constitutes the temple today. (Legend also has it that Parvati – Kolhambika destroyed the demon Kolhasura at Tryambakeshwar).

 

 Sati Devi’s eyes had fallen here and the temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.

Kirnotsav Celebrations: It is celebrated when the sun's rays directly fall on the deity.

31^st Jan & 9^th Nov – Directly falls on the feet of the deity

1^st Feb & 10^th Nov - Directly falls on the Chest of the deity

2^nd Feb & 11^th Nov - Directly falls on the entire body of the deity.

It is not surprising that even the rays of a setting sun pay homage to Goddess Mahalakshmi Ambabai as the life of a human being revolves around illumination and prosperity. But it is the wonder of wise architects who built the temple of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur that the rays of the setting Sun, bow at the feet of the Goddess through a window, for a while before vanishing. It is the architect's excellence, which was done more than 1000 years ago and can still be observed. This special event is celebrated by thousands of people as Kiranotsav.

This temple was built in 700 A.D and renovated in the 18^th Century.

Temple Timings

4.30 am to 10.30 pm

Pooja Schedule

4.30 am – Daily routine

4.30 am to 6.00 am – Kakad Arati

8.00 am – Morning Mahapuja

9.30 am – Naivedyam

11.30 am – Afternoon Mahapuja

1.30 pm – Alankar Pooja

8.00 pm – Dhup Arati

10.00 pm – Shej Arati.

Important festivals

Rathotsav in April

Navratri Ustavams in October

Kirnotsav in Jan/Feb/November

How to reach the Temple

2 km from Kolhapur

375 km from Mumbai

230 km from Pune

Temples Nearby

Khidrapur, Sri Kopeshwar Temple – 62 km.

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