Manju's Blog

Mahalakshmi Temple at Kolhapur in Maharashtra is a well visited shrine. The importance of this temple goes back to ancient times. The temple architecture is also magnificient. The Garuda Mandapam is built is Maratha style and it dates back to 18th century.

The temple is considered as one of the Shakti Peethams listed in the puranas. This is one of the six abodes of Shakti, where one can achieve both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered to be of greater significance than Uttar Kashi. Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that they both reside in the Karveer area (the present Kolhapur is in this area). It is said that both Shri Lakshmi and Shri Vishnu reside in the Karveer area eternally and shall not leave even at the time of Mahaprayakala. This region is therefore also referred to as a avimuktakshetra. Lord Vishnu himself adores this region more than Vaikiuntha or the Kshirsagar since it is the home of his consort Lakshmi.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is surrounded by about 35 temples. Navratra is the grand annual festival of this temple. Devotees from all over the world visit the Kolhapur temple during this festival.

There is special feature in the construction of this temple. Every year on fixed days the sun rays reach directly on the idol of Mahalaxmi glorifying the divinity of the Goddess. These days are celebrated as ‘Kiranotstav’. This super-natural effect is not seen anywhere else. The temple belongs to ‘Chalukya Empire’. It is believed that the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi temple has been built circa 700 AD.

Kolhapur is well connected by rail and road with the major cities of India.Trains ply between Kolhapur and Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi and other important cities of Maharashtra like Pune,Sangli, Miraj. The city is also well connected by a road network.