Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur

Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur is located on the banks of Panchganga River, about 233 km away from Pune. Also known as the Ambabai Tempe, it is one of 108 Shakti Peethas listed in various Hindu Puranas. A Shakti Peetha is a place associated with Shakti or the Goddess of Power.

The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple derives its name from Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the six sacred temples where worshippers can either be freed from or granted their desires and longings.

The temple was first built in the 7^th century and belongs to the Chalukya era. The temple was damaged in an earthquake in the 8^th century. However, in the following centuries the temple complex was extended with additions of many other shrines and building. In the 17^th century, the Marathas repaired the temple back to its original glory.

Approximately 5000-years-old, the idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi at this temple is absolutely beautiful. Made of stone, the serene idol has four arms and is adorned with precious gems and gold from head to toe. It weighs about 40 kilos and is about 3 feet high. Every day, the goddess’s idol is draped in vividly coloured silk sarees. The idol is further adorned with vibrant garlands of exquisite flowers. One feels at peace by just looking at the divine goddess.

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple itself is wonderfully constructed with several Deepmalas (Pillars for lamps), pillars and wooden arches. A Shri Yantra is carved on one of the temple walls. In addition, the temple is decorated with beautiful carvings of Every year around 21^st March and 21^st September, for three days, sun light enters through a small window on the temple’s western wall and directly illuminates the face of the goddess.

Besides the main sanctum of Shri Mahalakshmi, the temple complex also houses the shrines of Goddess Mahakali, Goddess Mahasaraswati, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Navgrahas, Surya, Vitthal-Rukmini and many other deities.

The temple is open to devotees from 5am in the morning till 10.30 pm in the night on all days of the year. One can confirm the schedule of artis and pujas in advance before visiting the temple. The temple has 4 entrances and one has to wait in a queue for the darshan. There are separate queues for men and women.

Abhishek can be performed on one’s behalf by pre-booking it in the temple office. One can buy free meal coupons for ‘Anna Prasad’ and one can purchase ‘Prasad Laddus’ as well. The temple complex also has lockers, where one can keep valuable items, bags and footwear. There are washrooms, drinking water facilities as well as parking facilities in the temple complex. Puja items, snacks and souvenirs can be purchased from vendors located inside and outside the complex.