Mahalaxmi Temple, also known as the Maata Amba Bai Temple, is in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple timings are from 4 am to 11 pm. Devotees can make Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple darshan online booking at the official website.
Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
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The Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple is highly sacred, especially to the followers of Shakta Sakha, who worship Adi Parasakti as their chief deity.
Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple is believed to be one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas described in the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha hymn written by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
According to the beliefs of Shaktimatam, in the Srimad Devi Bhagavat Purana, Adi Parasakti addresses himself as “the master of the universe, absolute reality, dynamic in feminine form and constant in the masculine form”.
The goddess Adi Parasakti was considered the “Supreme Being”. She is the original creator, destroyer, and observer of the universe, creating the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. She believes in being the goddess of nature.
The greatness of Adi Parasakti was described in many other sacred ancient manuscripts such as Shiva Purana, Devi Mahatmyam, Vishnu Purana and Shakta Purana. In the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple, Adi Parasakti is in the form of Mahalaxmi, the consort of Goddess Vishnu.
Nearby Temples
- Jyotiba Temple
- Bhavani mandap
- Narasimhawadi or the Narsobachi Wadi
- Bahubali hill temple
- Kopeshwar temple
Festivals celebrated
- Navratri Mahotsav
- Lalitha Panchami
- Kirnotsav
- Rathotsav
- Deepavali
Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple Timings
The Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple’s timings are as follows: The temple opens at 4:00 am and closes at 11:00 pm. During this time, the temple also conducts various poojas. Devotees may be part of these rituals, such as afternoon and evening harati.
Poojas and Sevas at the Mahalaxmi Mandir Kolhapur
- Ghantanaad
- Kakad Aarti
- Morning maha pooja
- Naivaidyam
- Afternoon maha pooja
- Alankar Pooja
- Dhup Aarti or bhog Aarti
- Shej Aarti
History of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
There is a brief history of the temple:
First Story
According to written records, the history of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple dates back to the Chalukya period, from 550 AD to 660 AD. The Chalukyas built the original temple during this period, evidenced by the distinctive architectural style.
However, an earthquake in the 8th century destroyed many ancient monuments. Some parts have survived and can still be seen. Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple has long been unknown as lush forests cover it.
Eventually, the temple was discovered by the Konkan king Carnadio in 109 AD. King Gandaraditya (11th century) of the Shilahara dynasty built a pilgrimage route around the main sanctum sanctorum.
He also built two shrines dedicated to Mahakali and Maha Saraswati. The main sanctum sanctorum on the second floor is believed to have been built during Matulinga Yadava.
The eastern entrance of the Mahalaxmi Temple Complex bears the inscription of the 18th-century Maratha rule. It states that the Dhabadels and Gaikwads, who ruled the area, restored the temple.
1941 Shrimant Jahagirdar Babasaheb Ghatge installed nine planetary idols in the Navagraha Temple. Sri Shankaracharya of Sankeshwar recently built the five domes or gopurams in the 19th century.
Garud Mandapam was built between 1838 – and 1843 under the patronage of Daji Pandit. Kurma Mandapam and Ganapati Chowk are believed to have been built by the Yadava dynasty.
Second Story
There are many legends associated with the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple. One of the myths mentioned in the Karavira Mahatmyam states that a demon named Kolha lived in a place formerly known as Padmavati Pura.
When he went to do penance for Brahma, another demon named Sukeshi invaded his kingdom. He killed Sukesh and made his son Karavir the king. However, Lord Shiva killed Karavir in battle.
With a thirst for revenge, he did penance for Goddess Mahalaxmi (Parvati or another form of Adi Parasakti) and asked not to enter the city for 100 years. She agreed and left.
Kolha terrorized the people and other gods and made their abode in heaven. The gods asked Mahalaxmi to return to the city and slay the monster.
One hundred years later, Goddess Mahalaxmi came back and, with the help of all the other gods and goddesses, killed a demon named Kolha. Before his death, Kolha apologized and asked for three weeks given by the goddess.
They wanted to name the city Kolhapur, and the mothers wanted to stay here, protect the city, and finally make the place a ready field.
Third Story
Another famous legend associated with the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple is that of Goddess Mahalaxmi, who is associated with Lord Vishnu. At the beginning of Kaliyuga, Lord Vishnu decided to leave Venkatadri and go to Vaikuntha.
Brahma was saddened and asked Narada to persuade Vishnu to come back. Narada went to the banks of the Ganges, where he saw the sage Bhrigu performing a yajna.
Sage Bhrigu could not determine Yajna’s benefactor. He went to Satyaloka and found that Lord Brahma was engaged in reciting the Vedas, pronouncing the names of Narayana and watching Saraswati.
He went to Kailasa and found that Lord Shiva was busy in a game with Goddess Parvati; finally, he went to Vaikuntha and noticed that Vishnu and Lakshmi Devi were lying asleep, ignoring his visit. Angered, he kicked Vishnu in the chest.
Sri Mahavishnu immediately massaged his foot, asking if Rishi was injured. The Rishi was pleased with his serenity and dedicated the Yajna to Vishnu. However, Lakshmidevi was very angry at what had happened and left Vaikuntam for Karavirapura (Kolhapur).
The history of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple dates back to the Chalukya period.
How to reach Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
Air:
The nearest airport to Kolhapur Domestic Airport is located 10 km from the Mahalaxmi Temple Complex. Flights to the airport are limited to Pune and Belgaum.
However, Belgaum Airport and Dabolim Airport (Panaji, Goa) are approximately 100 and 140 km apart. Trains and buses are available from these places connecting Kolhapur.
Train:
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus is the nearest railway station, 5 km from the temple. The city was well connected to all the major cities in India.
Many trains stop at the junction and connect cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Bangalore, Tirupati, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Solapur, Dhanbad and Ahmedabad.
Road:
The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) maintains regular Kolhapur buses from major Maharashtra cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Solapur.
Buses are also available from Goa and Bangalore. Many private bus operators operate buses to Kolhapur from major cities like Bangalore and Pune.
Mahalaxmi Mandir Kolhapur Accommodation
Many guest houses are available for accommodation near the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple Complex and other parts of the city. The prices are reasonable.
People can book rooms from a wide range of options. Most hotels offer excellent and clean accommodations along with restaurant facilities.
Nearby the temple are famous hotels like Padma Guest House, Hotel Jyotiba, Hotel Pearl and Heritage Resort.
Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple Darshan online booking
Due to corona, the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple darshan online booking process is unavailable. For any queries, please visit their official website.
Address and Contact Number
187KH,
B ward, Mangalwar Peth,
Kolhapur
0231-2541779
Fax: 0231-2626750