Kolhapur is one of the important districts in the state of Maharashtra. The place is famous for many majestic temples. It is in this famous land of temples is the temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi or as popularly known as the Amba Bai temple. Goddess Mahalaxmi is the Goddess of peace and prosperity and many visit the Mahalaxmi temple to attain salvation. It is believed that the visit to the Balaji temple in Tirupathi is not complete without visiting the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur. The temple has a main prayer hall and five towers. Shri Yantra is carved on the walls of the sanctum.

This abode of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed as one of the Shakti peethas mentioned in the puranas 500 years back. The temple is the oldest temple constructed in the 7th century by the King Karandev of Chalukya Dynasty. Here the idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi is very auspicious and is seated on a raised stone platform and it is made of precious stones. This idol is considered to be 5000-6000 years old.  The idol weighs around 40 Kilograms and the statue of Mahalaxmi is made on three feet black stone and has four hands holding ‘mhalunga’, a kind of citrus fruit, a mace, a shield and a bowl. The crown of the Goddess has the portrait of Sheshnag, the serpent of Lord Maha Vishnu. Behind the statue of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is her mount or vehicle, a Lion.

Another peculiarity of this temple is that, while in most of the Hindu temples the deity will be facing the east or north direction. Here the Goddess is facing the west direction. There are small windows on the western wall and once in a year for three days the sunrays falls on the deity during the sunsets. These days from around the 21st of March and September are considered to be auspicious days and thousands of devotees come here to have a look at their Goddess who stands in the sunrays.

Within the courtyard of the temple there are small shrines of Navagrahas, Ganapati, Mahisasurmardini, Shiva, Vishu, Vittal-Rukmani, Tulja Bhavani. These idols also date back to 11th century. There is also a water tank in the temple courtyard which is known as the Manikarnika kund.

History of Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur

The Mahalaxmi Temple at Kolhapur is the oldest temples ever built in India. It has been referred in the Hindu Puranas which is about 500 years ago. There are evidences which state its existence even in the 7th century. The temple has seen the rule of various dynasties like the Konkan King Kamadeo, Yadavas, Chalukyas. It is understood that Adi Sankaracharya has also visited the temple. The temple is built in Hemadpanthi architectural style which was used in ancient India.

As per the history, in 109 AD Karnadeo cleared the jungle and brought the temple to light. During the 8th century the temple was destroyed in an earthquake. During reign of Raja Jaya Singh, the temple was rebuilt. King Tolum built the Mahadwar of the temple and offered jewels to Devi. During the reign of Chalukya Dynasty the temple was renovated and Ganapati statue was installed.

There are beautiful cravings on the walls of the temples and magnificent statues all around the temple. The temple rose to importance from the reign of Marathas.

Best Time to Visit

The temple is visited by thousands of people throughout the year, but the main celebrations occur during the time of ‘Kiran Utsav’. It is celebrated with great grandeur in the evenings of the following days on 31st January, 1sd, 2nd February and 9th, 10th and 11th November.

How to Reach

By Road

The renowned Mahalaxmi Temple is situated in the popular city of Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra. The place has good connectivity through good roads and is easily accessible from Pune. There are bus services and taxi services available from Pune to reach Kolhapur.

By Rail

Trains are easily available from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune. The nearest railway station is Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj terminus in Kolhapur.

By Air

The domestic airport at Ujlaiwadi in Kolhapur is the nearest airport.