Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is located at the core of Kolhapur district in Maharashtra and lies as a shining light of faith and devotion. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi as worshipped by locals as Ambabai. The temple holds pride of place among 108 Shakti peethas.
Adorned with the Hemadpanti structure, a unique architectural style created in the Deccan region, its majestic grandeur attracts people from far and wide, offering blessings and comfort in prayer. People consider visiting the temple a pilgrimage to help attain salvation.
Architecture of Mahalaxmi Temple
The Mahalaxmi temple was constructed in the Hemadpanthi infrastructure style. It was reportedly originally built around 700 AD and is an example of Chalukya empire architecture. The sandstone sculpture of the four-armed, crowned goddess is situated on a stone platform. The black stone carving of the goddess is 2 feet 8.5 inches large.
The Shri Yantra is imprinted on the corner opposite the Mahakali in the temple. There are even five huge towers in the temple complex, alongside a huge hall area. A big spire is also situated above the sanctum where the goddess Mahalaxmi is placed.
Story Behind Kolhapur Temple
The legend says that sage Bhrigu, a powerful ancient sage, travelled to Lord Vishnu, who was resting on his Shesnag (great serpent), with Goddess Lakshmi at his feet. Rishi Bhrigu angrily kicked Vishnu on his chest. To calm the sage, Lord Vishnu apologized and started shoving his legs in terms of showing respect.
Doing this act, Goddess Lakshmi got angered and left their abode, ‘Vaikunta,’ and settled down in Kolhapur for the day. Surprisingly, the story seems to be very famous these days, and necessary to remember the recent origin and discover no mention in any scriptures.
Another tale is Mahalaxmi temple has a Shakti relationship from the fact there is a hidden Shiva shrine, in the dome of the temple. It is considered to be there to maintain the Shakti of Goddess. Although, this Shiva Shrine is not accessible to the public.
History of Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur
Epigraphic evidence shows that God resided in the temple in the seventh century CE, while some of the temple’s components date back to the second millennium CE. Builders constructed the temple in the 10th century CE. During the interim, people stopped using the temple, and they relocated the goddess’s idol elsewhere. The Marathas restored their honour when they rose to power in 1715.
When Queen Tarabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji’s daughter-in-law, founded the Kingdom of Kolhapur in 1709 CE, the city of Kolhapur and its well-known Mahalakshmi temple entered a new era. Adjacent to the Mahalaxmi temple, the Kolhapur Maharajas constructed a palace and made several alterations and enhancements to the shrine.
A sizable temple complex with ornate entrances and numerous sub-shrines developed as a result of the donations made by the different Maratha aristocrats. One of the most important festivals celebrated at the temple is ‘Kirnotsav,’ which means ‘festival of Sunray.’. It is celebrated twice a year, on 31st January or 9th November.
During these days, the first rays of the Sun fall directly at the feet of the Goddess. Hundreds of devotees come together to view the wonder. More than 1400 years after temple construction, the temple became popular among devotees. New deities have been added to the temple.
Relation Between Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur and Tirupati Balaji
Every single day, people who seek the darshan of Tirupati Balaji travel 860 km to Kolhapur to seek the blessings of Goddess Mahalaxmi. Devotees believe that the worship of Tirupati Balaji is not considered complete until the Mahalaxmi temple (his wife) is visited. This is a land where myths, deities, and relations abound, Tirupati-Kolhapur connection must come as no wonder.
The tale says when Goddess Lakshmi left Vaikunth in anger. She came to the earth and found a place to reside, Kolhapur. Lord Vishnu came after the goddess to take her back to the adobe. But Mahalaxmi refuses to go with him. Later, lord Vishnu waited for the goddess in Tirumala.
The blessings of Ambabai or Lakshmi are considered incomplete without the blessings of Lord Tirupati. Every year, on the occasion of Dussehra, a silk saree is sent for the Goddess from Tirupati. And the idol of goddess wrapped into this.
People carry a bronze figure of the goddess around the city in a clockwise fashion on a palanquin every Friday, as well as on the full moon of the Hindu calendar months of Ashwin Kartik, Magashirsha, and Magha, and Chaitra Krishna Pratipada. Because of their conviction that God Ambabai grants their every wish, all of the devotees come to her temple annually to ask for her blessings.
Festival Celebrated in Mahalaxmi Temple
In Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, devotees celebrate multiple festivals to honour the power of Goddess with lots of joy and spirit are kirnotsav, Rathotsav, Lakshmi puja, Navratri, Lalita Panchami, Diwali and also Varalakshmi vratham.
Best Time to Visit Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur
For people planning to visit the temple in Kolhapur, the best time to visit is from October to February. These months include the winter in Kolhapur. At that period, temperature comes between a comfortable range of 15°C to 25°C. People find it adjusting to visiting and adorning the temple. The mild temperature makes an ideal setting for visiting multiple places and connecting in diverse practices while relishing your visit.
Popular Places Near Mahalaxmi Temple
A few popular tourist places to visit after seeking the darshan of Goddess Mahalaxmi include the Mahalaxmi race course, the gateway of India Mumbai, the Shree Siddhivinayak temple, the Nehru Science Center, and the National Museum of Indian Cinema.
Other tourist attractions to see near Mahalaxmi temple Kolhapur to experience the culture and heredity of the city:
- Rankala Lake
- Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum
- New Palace Museum
- Shalini Palace
- Bhavani Mandap
- Khasbag Maidan
- Temblai Hill
Important Things of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
The grand entry, adhered with detailed artwork, greets visitors to the sacred temple. The temple premises are complex; there are multiple halls and infrastructure dedicated to numerous forms of deity. The main Goddess is illustrated with jewels and worshipped splendidly.
People widely recognize the temple for its spiritual, cultural, and historic significance as a place to honour the goddess. For centuries, one travelling multiple backgrounds has made a site to please this cherished place of devotion. The temple architecture also incorporates other designs like Deepamala (lamp power), assembly hall, and other small sanctums.
Serviced Offered in Temple
Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur offers multiple services to devotees to ensure a smooth and convenient visit. A few key services offered in the temple include:
Darshan: The temple allows followers to see the Goddess Mahalaxmi, the ruling deity. Devotees can visit the idol up close and ask for blessings.
Pooja and Archana: The goddess might receive specific prayers, poojas, and merchant offerings from devotees. A variety of poojas held throughout the day allow devotees to partake in the sacred rites.
Abhishekam: The temple performs abhishekam, which is a ceremonial bathing of the deity with holy powders, milk, and water. To obtain the goddess’ blessings, devotees can watch and take part in the abhishekam.
Prasad Distribution: Devotees can get prasad, a food regarded to be sanctified, from the temple. Visitors are given this prasad as a token of the blessings and grace of the goddess.
Hundi (Donation): To assist the temple’s upkeep and welfare initiatives, the temple offers opportunities for devotees to make offerings or donations. The hundi (donation box) on the temple grounds is where devotees can place their donations.
Celebrations and Festivals: Mahalaxmi Temple’s varied array of annual celebrations and festivals is one of its most notable features. In addition to other noteworthy events, visitors might take in highlights like Navratri or Diwali. With special rites carried out in extraordinary ceremonies, universally loved cultural activities, and chances for spiritual explorations, each celebration brings a vibrant aspect to the temple grounds.
Pilgrims who come to seek the darshan of the Goddess can avail themselves of these services. This is the way to seek blessings and experience the religious ambience of the temple. It gives a memorable and fulfilling experience during the visit to the auspicious temple.
How to Reach Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur?
Kolhapur has an easy transportation network available. The railway station of Kolhapur (the most beautiful train station in the world) is the closest railway station to Mahalaxmi temple.
In Ujalaiwadi, Kolhapur Airport, also called Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, is a domestic airport working in the city of Kolhapur and the nearest airport to the Mahalaxmi temple.
If going by bus is considered, auto rickshaws can be easily found. The Mahalaxmi temple is not only a pilgrimage site but also a sign of cultural significance and architectural beauty. The Mahalaxmi temple is a beautiful destination for pilgrimage in spirituality, history, and culture; hence, ensure to visit the temple with your family and friends.
Conclusion
Mahalaxmi temple Kolhapur, located in the state of Maharashtra one of the most sacred places dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mahalaxmi. Goddess Laxmi is the deity of power, health, wealth, prosperity and peace. The history of the temple dates back centuries having a rich heritage of the region.
As Well Kolhapur is the place of auspicious activity. Numerous times, divine energies appeared here in many locations. The places are on the bank of Padmala Tirth, Shri Narsimha, near Ravaneshwar Tirth, Shri Ram, and Janki, and near Shri Katyayani Mandir, Sri Parshuram.
On the right-hand side of the deity, Lord Vishweshwar stayed. Goddess Mahalaxmi blesses the people by only remembering the prevalence of the devotees living in Kolhapur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Goddess Mahalaxmi is described as the consent of Tirupati Balaji (a form of Lord Vishnu) - the sustaining force of the universe that carries out the divine purpose. She is said to have eight forms - Ashtalakshi - and every form shows a specific facet of her generous grace.
Devotees believe that worshiping the Tirupati Balaji is not completed until they visit the Mahalaxmi (his wife) temple.
The Mahalaxmi temple was constructed in the Hemadpanthi infrastructure style. The temple was reportedly originally built about 700 AD and is an example of Chalukya empire architecture.
Mahalaxmi temple located in Kolhapur, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi worshipped by locals as Ambabai.
The reason behind Maa Sati’s 3 eyes felt in this place. The Kolhapur shakti peeth is one of the religious significance being one of the six pilgrimages where it is considered that one can either achieve salvation from wishes or have them completed.