The Mahalakshmi Temple which is locally called as Ambabai Mandir, is one of the 18 Mahashaktipeeths in the ancient city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra. She is described as the Mulaprakriti Mahālakshmī Devī in some scriptures.
According to historians it was built by Karndeva in 634 C.E of the Chalukya reign. The image of Devi is carved in black stone and is 3 feet in height. Devi Mahalakshmi carries a shiva Lingam on her head beneath the crown, She holds a mātulunga fruit, a mace, a shield and a drinking bowl. This is also mentioned in the ancient scripture Devi Mahatmya. A rare feature of this idol is that it faces west. Through an open window on the western wall the Sunlight falls on the deity.
The deities of several other Gods and Goddesses are there in the temple courtyard. Some of these images date back to the 11th century, while some are of recent origin. A temple tank called Manikarnika Kund is also there in the temple courtyard.
Within the temple there is an idol of Dattatreya. As per scriptures he use to seek alms at Kolhapur.
Narsinhwadi Datta Mandir, 48 KM from Kolhapur is incarnation of Lord Shri Dattatreya as Narasimha Saraswati.
The architecture of belongs the Devi temple to the Chalukya empire period. It was first built in the 7th century. Several genarations of kings worshiped and Adi Shankara and Chhatrapati also visited the temple.
The temple also went through repairs and rebuilding in the hands of several kings of Several genarations of various dynasties.
It is famous as an “Icchaa siddhi” temple,i.e, wish fulfilling temple and hence attracts huge crowds every year.
During the Islamic invasions the idol was hidden. During 1712 Narhar Bhat Shastree had a dream by goddess Mahalakshmi telling him where her idol is hidden. He told this to to Chhatrapati Sambhaji and the king started a search. This idol of the Devi was found in a house in Kapila Teertha Market in the city. Hence they installed the idol again on 26 September 1712 and today she is the most popular Devi of Maharashtra.
Temple timings:
1 Opening of the Temple 4:30 a.m
2 Kakad Aarti (The Morning Aarti) 4:30 to 6:00 a.m
3 Morning Mahapuja 8:00 a.m
4 Naivedya (Offering of Holy Food) 9:30 a.m
5 Madhyan Aarti (The Afternoon Aarti) 11:30 a.m
6 Alankar Puja 1:30 p.m
7 Dhoop Aarti (The Evening Aarti) 8:00 p.m
8 Shej Aarti (The Night Aarti) 10:00 p.m
Things to do: Kolhapur is famous for its hand made leather “Kolhapuri Chappals” and “Kolhapuri shoes”
Accommodation: Some 1 star and 2 star hotels are available. Better book online before.
How to reach:
Air: Kolhapur city has a domestic Airport at Ujalaiwadi which has daily Air India and Indigo Flights to and from Mumbai and Hyderabad.
Rail & Road: Kolhapur is well connected by road with the other cities in Maharashtra and neighboring states.
Nearest Railway Station :-Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur Station)