Shri Mahalakshmi Temple also called Shri Ambabai Temple, is the most famous shrine which holds great significance in Hindu mythology. It is one of the most holy and ancient temples in Maharashtra which is dedicated to the goddess Mahalaxmi. Here we discussed this temple in detail!
Mahalaxmi Temple is a famous Hindu temple which is located in Kolhapur city of Maharashtra India, It is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi also known as Ambabai, and is considered one of the Shakti Peethas in the country. This temple is so attractive number of devotees come every year to take blessings and believe that this is the one of most powerful and sacred places of worship in India. Mahalaxmi Shakti Peeth is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India.
Architecture of Mahalakshmi Temple
This temple was built in the Hemadpanthi architectural style. This temple was initially constructed about 700 AD and is an example of Chalukya Empire Architecture. The sandstone statue of the four-armed, crowned goddess is set on a stone platform. The black stone carving of Mahalaxmi is 2 feet 8.5 inches tall. In the temple premises, the Shri Yantra is engraved on the corner opposite the Mahakali. There are five huge towers in the temple complex along with a large hall. There is also a big spire located above the sanctum where the goddess Mahalaxmi is housed.
History of Mahalaxmi Temple
Also some of the temple elements date from the second millennium CE, according to the evidence of epigraphic, the god resided there in the seventh century CE, and the temple from the tenth century CE. In the meantime, this temple had fallen out of devotees, and the goddess’s image was kept somewhere else. Following the Maratha’s rise the power in 1715, then worship was brought back.
Festival celebrated in Shri Ambabai Temple
In this Temple celebrated the Kirnotsav, Rathotsav, Laxmi puja, Navaratri, Diwali, and Varalakshmi Vratham with lots of joy and enthusiasm at Mahalakshmi temple Kolhapur.
Places near Mahalakshmi temple
There are many places near Mahalakshmi temple to visit. You must have to go firstly Mahalakshmi temple, after that Gateway of India Mumbai, Shidhivinayak temple, Nehru Science Center and National Museum of Indian Cinema.
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How to reach Mahalakshmi temple?
In Kolhapur transport facility is good. You can go by train, Kolhapur railway station is the nearest railway station to Mahalakshmi temple, also you can go by air, the nearest airport is Kolhapur Airport in Ujalaiwadi, which is also known as Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, is the domestic airport servicing in the city of Kolhapur. To get the Temple buses and auto rickshaws are easily found.
This temple is not just a religious site, it is also a symbol of cultural heritage and architectural beauty. The Mahalaxmi temple is the most visited.
Legends and beliefs of Mahalakshmi Temple
This is one of Shakti Peeth mention in Hindu Puranas. This temple is located on the banks of the Panchganaga River in Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra. The idol of the Goddess established at this temple is worshipped as Mahalaxmi or Ambabai. According to the legends tell the story of how the presence of Goddess Mahalakshmi was established at this place. Once upon a time, there was Spat Rishi, he is the seventh great sage. Sage Bhrigu went to Vaikuntha to meet him, but Lord Vishnu was resting and had failed to greet Bhrigu. And then angry, attacked Vishnu but he welcomed Bhrigu without being angry and realized his fault.
But when saw goddess Lakshmi this kind of behavior Vishnu, she got angry and decided to leave Vaikuntha. She came to reside on earth and the place she chose was Kolhapur, the place where her temple was situated.
After all this happened Lord Vishnu tried to convince Lakshmi to return to the abode but she refused to listen. And then Lord Vishnu stayed back in Tirumala waiting for Lakshmi. It is believed that without blessings of Lakshmi the Tirupati are not completed.
According to the ancient every year on the occasion of Navaratri a silk saree is sent from Tirupati for Ambabai to drape with it.
Kolhapur is a city situated in the state of Maharashtra. How this city name was Kolhapur? There is a mystery behind its name associated with legends. It is believed that a demon named Kolhasur who created a ruckus and goddess came here on Earth, to protect people from demons. The goddess fights with the demon and him to his knees. When he died his last wish was that this city should named after him and for that reason, this city is named Kolhapur.
When you can visit Mahalakshmi Temple
In every year January, February, and November the sun rays fall upon the idol of Maa Ambabai. This event is celebrated as Kiranotsav. On the occasion of Navratri is celebrated with great fervour. On the fifth day of Navratri, which coincides with Lalita Panchami, the palanquin of the goddess is carried in the form of a procession, from the Mahalaxmi temple to the Temblai temple.
On Every Friday and on the full moon off Ashwin Kartik, Magashirsha, and Magha months of the Hindu calendar and on Chaitra Krishna Pratipada, a bronze statue of the goddess is placed in a palanquin, and is taken around the city, in the clockwise pattern of directions. Devotees believe that God Ambabai fulfills all the wishes of her devotees, and with this belief, all the devotees visit this temple every year to seek her blessings.
Timing: 4:00 am to 10:00 pm
Aarti timing : 5.30 am Kakad Aarti , 6.30 pm Dhoop aarti , 8 pm main aarti, 10 pm Shejarati
Official Website: mahalaxmikolhapur.com
Location: Mahalaxmi – Ambabai mandir, Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012
