Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple

Introduction to the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple

The Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple is located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. It is an extremely sacred temple to the followers who worship Adi Parasakthi as their main deity. Sri Adi Shankaracharya described Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple as one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas in his Ashtadasa Shakti Peeta Stotram.

Legend of the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple

According to the Karavira Mahatmya, Vishnu resides in the form of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur. Legend explains that Kolhasura, a demon who tormented all in heaven and earth, was destroyed by Mahalakshmi at Karavira. The place where he died became a Theertha, and Mahalakshmi dwelt here in a shrine which is now the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple.

The Architecture of the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple

King Gandharaditya of the Silahara dynasty built the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple in the 11th century. It is in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture. It is said that Karnadeva built the temple first around 700 AD. There are two temples for Saraswati and Mahakali in the north and south directions, connected by a complex route.

"Ambabai" is an incarnation of Mahalakshmi, the presiding deity of this temple. Her idol is carved in black stone. She is 3 feet high and weighs around 40 Kg. Precious stones adorn her. The idol of Ambabai has four arms. Her lower right-hand holds the matulinga, her upper right hand holds a large mace, her upper left hand holds a shield, and the lower hand holds a bowl and paanapatra. A cobra's hood and a Shiva Linga with a Yoni can be seen in her crown. Her divine Vahana, a lion, is standing behind her. She is facing the west direction.

The Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple has four entrances, and the main entrance (Mahadwara) is on the western side. The Sheshashahi temple is dedicated to Vishnu. A Navagraha temple, Vithal temple, and Rakhumai temple are also located in the complex. Siddhivinayak, Radhakrishna, Kaalbhairav, Annapurna, Indrasabha, and Rameshwar have separate shrines towards the southern side.

Upon entering the main entrance, visitors can see many Deepa Malas on either side. The Garuda Mandap has square pillars and foliated arches of wood. It dates back to the 18th century.
The temple walls have beautiful carvings of niches and flowers. There are beautiful carvings of dancing yoginis.

Above the sanctum is an upper temple with an idol of Ganesha and a Shiva Linga in front called Matulinga. An idol of Shiva's vehicle, Nandi, stands outside the sanctum. Sri Yantra is carved on a wall inside the temple, covered with glass.

Under the tallest Mandapa in the east is the idol of Mahalakshmi. Under the central Mandap is the Kurma (tortoise) Mandap, and under the western Mandap is the Ganapati Chowk.
An idol of Garuda faces the sanctum. There is a temple for Ganesha on a raised platform in another stone Mandap facing the sanctum.

Festivals in the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple

The temple celebrates the Kirnotsav festival when the Sun's rays fall directly on the deity at sunrise. It is said that the Sun pays his homage to Mahalakshmi for three days a year.
Navratri, Lalita Panchami, Ashtami, and Navami are other main festivals in the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple

Usually, Hindu pilgrims visit the triad of Tirumala Venkateswara temple, Kolhapur Shree Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple, and Padmavathi Temple as part of a single pilgrimage. It is believed that this can help them achieve Moksha (salvation).