Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the ancient holy shrines in Kolhapur District. This temple is devoted to Goddess of wealth named Mahalaxmi, simply known as Devi Amba Bai. The holy temple was built under the support of various major empires who ruled this region and the temple is honored by several imperial family members and also the common people who belong to this province. The Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur was built during the sovereignty of King Karandev who was the head of Chalukya reign in the earlier period of 7th century A.D.
However the ancient temple of Shri Mahalakshmi was constructed by the rulers of Chalukya named Karandev, later it was stretched and decorated more by Shilahara Yadava. The main entrance of this temple is from the western gateways or simply known as Mahadwar, wherein visitors come crossways from several spectacular Deepamaala and also a striking Garuda Mandap with erected square pillars and wood arches adorned with foils. In this sacred temple, you can see a raised flat platform where the idol of Ganesh ji is kept in this house facing the chamber of the Mahalakshmi where the idol is placed. On either side of Mahalakshmi there are two statutes of goddesses that lies next to her, they are named as Mahasaraswati and Mahakali.
There are various features that are preserved in this temple which seeks the attention of visitors. But the most interesting attribute to be noted in the Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur is the exquisite design. The alluring motifs and designs draw the attention of around thousands of tourist and devotees each year. This architectural style and the splendid designs please the eyes of visitors when they come to see this sacred place. The structure of this temple is designed in a manner that the setting sun light falls directly on the entire face of Shri Mahalakshmi’s idol for around three days, it mainly appears during the month of September and March, especially on 21st day of these two months. The light passes through a very small opening of a window which lies on the western part of the wall. On 21st of September and March special pujas or aartis are held to remember this miracle event.
The statue of Devi Mahalakshmi is one of the great significance in Kolhapur district. The idol weighs around 40 kg and the material used to structure is precious stone which is considered to be some 5000 years old. The goddess Mahalakshmi signifies with four arms, each one of them holds matulinga (it is a citrus fruit), a huge mace (kaumodaki) where the head touches the ground, a safeguard (Khetaka) and also a bowl known as (Panpatra). It is dais that the stone lion is the vehicle of Devi Mahalakshmi which stands behind her and the cobra lid as a crown on the head of the goddess. Another interesting feature which you can see in the idol of Mahalakshmi is dissimilar to other images of goddess face to east or north, but this statue faces towards west.
Karandev King had cut down the rest of the forest surrounding this sacred place juts to bring it into light. Therefore, the idol of goddess Mahalakshmi is placed in the same place where she is dwelling today. From the earlier period of 17th Century, numerous great persons hail here to witness this holy temple and later as days passed Goddess Mahalakshmi became the powerful deity of the state Maharashtra.
Around Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, there are around thirty five small and big holy shrines and also over twenty shops where you can get all the items related to offer devi while worshipping. This enduring but beautiful Mandir was constructed only after the Hemandpanthi style, which contains 5 tops. Accompanied to the unique Mandir, there is a Pendant which is known as Garud-Pendant. It was mainly build by Mr. Harshe. Apart from all the striking features, there are over 3000 Mandirs, which is managed by ‘West Maharashtra Devasthan Committee’ in Kolhapur district.
Kotiteertha: Kotiteertha or simply known as ‘Pushkareshwar Teerth’, is located at a short distance of around four kilometers from Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur. According to the mythological stories, it is believed that the Hindu Gods had bathed in the sacred tank subsequently overcoming the demons or known as Rakshas. As per the tradition, it is compulsory that the devotees and pilgrims have to bathe in this tank and after that they have the Darshan of this sanctified ‘Pindi’ in this temple.
Temple of Jyotiba: It is said that Jyotiba Temple was constructed in the year 1730 by great Navajisaya Jyotiba, which is located at a distance of 17 kilometers from Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. According to legend tales, it is considered that Jyotiba is an incarnation of around three gods, named as Mahesh, Vishnu, and Brahma and the prophet Jamadagni.
Narasimha Wadi: This sacred place is located on the convergence of rivers Panchaganga and Krishna; Narasimha Wadi is also recognized for sanctified padukas or simply known as slippers of Lord Dattaguru. He was a manifestation of Lord Mahesh, Vishnu, and Brahma. The Narasimha Wadi is situated at a distance of 45 kilometer from Kolhapur.
Other than the pilgrimage centers, there are various vital places that are located near Kolhapur district. Panhala is one of the famous hill stations which lies at a distance of 20 kilometer from this region. Vishalgad Fort is located around miles of 18 kilometer southern from Kolhapur, which represents the history of Maratha. Dajipur Bison Sanctuary which lies at the rim of Kolhapur district is an idyllic place to visit for those tourists who are more aficionados towards adventure and wildlife,. This sanctuary is protective home for various animal species like wild deer, Gava, chital, bison, buffalo, and many more.
Kolhapur is the most famous holiday destination where you will come across various attractions like pilgrimage centers, wildlife sanctuaries, forts of Marathas, rivers, and many more. All these attractions draws the attention of numerous holiday seekers to witness this place in their next vacation. Therefore, there are a large number of guest houses, hotels, lodges, and many more where you can stay. Near the Mahalakshmi Temple, some of the comfortable accommodation facilities are also offered for visitors. The Kolhapur district of Maharashtra provides a wide range of numerous luxurious hotels and resorts to budget hotel. They are well equipped and various amenities are provided as per the need of the visitors. You will definitely experience a relaxing and comfortable stay in an affordable price.
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