MAHALAXMI DEVI OF KOLHAPUR

Devi Mahalaxmi

This exquisitely carved temple drawing millions of pilgrims from all over India for many centuries, is an important spiritual center. Over the years, members of royal families of the Shalivahan, Chalukya, Shilahar, Rashtrakoot, Kadamba and Yadava dynasties sought the blessings of this goddess. It is a family deity of numerous devotees. This deity is affectionately called as Ambabai.

In the 7th Century the Chalukya King started the construction of the temple and later in the 9th century the Shilahar Yadava rulers beautified it in the Hemadpanti Style. Thousands of pilgrims from distant places come to this important spiritual place.

The temple complex, consisting of garbhaghar, sabha mandap (Audience Hall), pillars, ceiling also houses the temple of other deities like Kashivishweshwar, Kartikswami, Siddhivinayak, Mahasaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dattatraya and Shree Ram. The sanctum Sanctorum houses the revered idol of the goddess, Mahalaxmi weighs 40 kgs., the idol is 'Swayambhu' (existing in its natural form). Three and a half feet tall, with the Sheshnag holding his hood like a canopy over the idol, it has four arms that hold a nectar filled cap, a mace and a Shield.

Palanquin (Palakhi) is carried every Friday, besides there are celebrations on Chaitra Poornima and Navratri. The temple has a huge 'Garuda Mandapa' built in 1838. This mandapa holds music concerts wherein renowned artists perform their art before the deity as a service during festivals.

Mahalaxmi Temple (Daily Schedule) :-

04.30 Temple door opens, Kakad Aarti

08.30 Maha Pooja

11.30 Kumkumarchan

13.30 Alankar Pooja 

19.30 Bhog Aarti

22.00 Temple Doors Closed

Accommodation :-

Shree Mahalaxmi Dharmashala # 0231-2626377

Nearest Railway Station :-

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur Station)

Nearest Airport :-

Kolhapur Airport (KLH)

Distance :-

Kolhapur Station to Mahalaxmi Mandir - 2 Kilometers

Mumbai to Kolhapur - 383 kilometers (By Road) Via Mumbai Pune Express Way

Nearby Attractions / Holy Places :-

Jyotiba Temple, Narsobachi Wadi, Vishalgad, Panhala, Dajipur Radhanagari



Photos @ Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Mandir :-

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