Kolhapur Mahalakshmi (Shree Ambabai Mahalakshmi) Temple - Maharashtra

Address

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi (Shree Ambabai Mahalakshmi) Temple – Maharashtra

Mangalwar Peth,

Kolhapur,

Maharashtra

Amman

Mahalakshmi

Introduction
Ambabai Temple (also known as Mahalaxmi Mandir) is a significant temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, worshipped here as the Supreme Mother Mahalakshmi, or Ambabai. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is revered by devotees. It is customary to visit several temples as part of a pilgrimage: the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple, and Padmavathi Temple. Pilgrims believe that visiting these temples helps attain moksha (salvation).

Puranic Significance

Historical Background: The temple was built by Karnadeva in 634 CE during the Chalukya dynasty reign.
Iconography: The temple houses the murti (idol) of Goddess Mahalakshmi, which is mounted on a stone platform. The image is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The statue is carved from black stone and is 3 feet tall.
- The Goddess is adorned with a five-headed snake crown and holds several symbolic items:
  - Matulinga fruit,
  - Mace,
  - Shield, and
  - Pānapātra (drinking bowl).
- A stone lion (the vahana or vehicle of the goddess) stands behind the statue.
- The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the walls of the temple.
Vedic Praise: The Goddess is mentioned in the Lakshmi Sahasranama of the Skanda Purana:
- “Om Karaveera Nivasiniye Namaha”: Glory to the Goddess who resides in Karaveera.
- “Om Sesha Vasuki Samsevyaa Namaha”: Glory to Goddess who is served by Adi Sesha and Vasuki.
These are the 119th and 698th names of Goddess Lakshmi in the Lakshmi Sahasranama.
Special Sunlight Phenomenon: There is a small open window on the western wall of the temple, through which the light of the setting sun falls directly on the face of the Goddess’s image. This occurs for three days around March 21st and September 21st.
Additional Shrines: The temple complex features several shrines within the courtyard, including:
- Navagrahas,
- Surya,
- Mahishasuramardini,
- Vitthal-Rukmini,
- Shiva,
- Vishnu, and Bhavani.
Some of these shrines and their idols date back to the 11th century, while others are of more recent origin. The temple also houses a sacred tank called the Manikarnika Kund, with another shrine to Visweshwar Mahadev.

Special Features

The temple follows the Chalukya architectural style and was originally built in the 6th century.
It is mentioned in several Puranas and was also visited by Adi Shankaracharya.
Shri Yantra: The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the temple’s walls and is covered in glass, allowing devotees to view it while offering Haldi, Kumkum, and flowers.

Festivals

Kirnotsav (Festival of Sun Rays) is the most prominent festival held at the temple. During this festival, the rays of the sun directly fall on the deity at sunrise. This phenomenon is celebrated as part of the festival.