Mahalaxmi Temple is a hindu temple located in Kolhapur in Maharashtra, India. It is one of the three and half Shakti Peethas listed in various puranas of Hinduism.
Mahalaxmi Temple has special religious significance being one of the six places where it is believed that one can either obtain salvation from desires or havethem fulfilled.
The temple takes its name from Ambabai/Mahalaxmi,and it is believed that the divine couple live withinside the area.
The temple belongs architecturally to the Chalukya empire and may have been first builtin circa seven hundred AD. Mounted on a stone platform, the picture of the 4 armed and crowned goddess is fabricated from sandstone.
The picture of Mahalaxmi carved in black stone is 2feet 8.five inches in height. The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the corner oposite to mahakali withinside the temple primises. A stone lion, the vahana of the goddess, stands at the back of the statue.
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History of Mahalaxmi Temple
The Sanskrit inscription on a stone tablet in the wall of the house of Annacharya Panditrao, now in the town corridor museum says,”The superb Kind Bhojadeva was reigning peacefully with alluring verbal exchange at Panhala; in 1190.
He in order to make sure the prosperity of his king-dom, The crown contains an image of the nag ling and yoni,the symbols of kal (the time) purush (the creater) and prakruti (the origin of universe) — .
In Her 4 hands, the deity of Ambabai holds items of symbolic value. The lower right hand holds a mhalunga (a citrus fruit), withinside the top proper, a huge mace (kaumodaki) with its head touching the ground, withinside the top left a shield (khetaka), and in the lower left, a bowl (panpatra).
Unlike most Hindu sacred pictures, which face north or east, the image of this deity seems west (Pashchim). sunrays came directly from mahadwar in evening , the rays of the putting sun falls at the face of the idole for 3 days (31 january 01 02 february and 09,10,eleven november.
There are a number of different shrines withinside the courtyard to the datta mandir dkpalmandap, Navagrahas, Surya, Mahishasuramardini, Vitthal-Rakhmai, krishna, panchanganga & swami smarth dashavartar , Ram mandir, sheshashai , Mahavishnu,Hanuman ,Laxmi-narayan ,Khandoba ,Atibaleshwar ,krishna , kalbhairav ,Sidhivinyak ,Sinhwahini ,Tulja Bhavani ,Indrashabha ,Ek mukhi datta.
Some of those photographs date lower back to the eleventh century, whilst a few are of new foundation. Also positioned withinside the courtyard there has been the temple tank Manikarnika Kund, close to datta mandir now there’s a garden.
Architecture of Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalakshmi Temple architecture follows the “Hemadpanthi” style of architecture. The temple complex consists of five huge towers and the main hall. The biggest spire is above the sanctum housing Goddess Mahalakshmi.
The North and the South domes house Goddess Mahakali and MahaSaraswati respectively. The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple also houses a Shree Yantra which geometrically represents the three Goddesses.
The temple has four entrances but the main entrance called the Mahadwaar lies towards the West. It is believed that the Mahadwaar was built by Sri Adi Shankaracharya himself.
Above the main sanctum, on the second level, a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganapathi is present. A Shiva Linga called the Matulinga can also be seen along with a stone Nandi.
Quick Facts
- Address: Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012
- District: Kolhapur
- Architecture: Hemadpanthi style
- Deity: Mahalakshmi (Lakshmi)
- Festival: Navratri Mahotsav, Lalitha Panchami, Kirnotsav, Rathotsav
- Entry Fee: Nil
- Temple Timings : 6 AM – 10 PM
- Time Required : 1 hour
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Photography: Not allowed inside
Pooja Timings of Mahalaxmi Temple
| 4.00 a.m. | Opening of the Temple Entrance Gate. |
|---|---|
| 4.00 a.m. to 4.30 a.m | Ghantanaad (Ringing of the bell) |
| 4.45 a.m. | Opening of Main Door by the High Priest (Hakkadar Pujari) for that day. |
| 5.30 a.m. | Padhya Pooja (Washing the feet of the idol Goddess Mahalaxmi by Milk.) |
| 5.45 a.m. | Kakada Aarati of the Goddess Mahalaxmi. |
| 8.30 a.m. | Ghantanaad (Ringing of the bell) and Snan Abhishek (Bathing of the main idol. Goddess Mahalaxmi) |
| 9.30 a.m. | Aarati and Shankh Trith |
| 11.30 a.m. | Ghantanaad and Abhishek (Milk Bathing of the main idol. Goddess Mahalaxmi) |
| 12.30 to 1.00 p.m. | Aarati and Shankh Tirth |
| 1.30 to 2.30 p.m. | Alankar Pooja. Salankruti (i.e. Goddess is decorated with beautiful Gold ornaments, Sari and Blouse) This Pooja is kept upto 8.30 p.m. in the evening |
| 8.00 p.m. | Ghantanaad (Ringing of the bell) |
| 8.15 p.m. | Aarati |
| 8.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. | Mantrapushp and removing the Alankar (Gold ornaments.) and simple Pooja is performed |
| 10.00 p.m. | Ghantanaad (Ringing of the bell) |
| 10.15 p.m. | Shejarati (Last Aarti of the day.) |
| 10.30 p.m. | Temple’s Doors are closed. |
How To Reach Mahalaxmi Temple?
By Air
Nearest airport is the Kolhapur Airport that is located 10 km away from the Temple . Cabs and buses are available to reach the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, located about 5 km away from the temple. Autorickshaw are available at the terminal.
By Road
Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) operates regular buses from all major Maharashtrian cities. Private buses also operate on this route.
Where To Stay?
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