I am from Maharashtra, and I have a very special connection with this temple. As a Punekar, sometimes I even get jealous of people residing in Kolhapur, because they have unlimited access to her divine energy. Every time I have visited the Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur, I was filled with a surge of strength, power and soft feminine bliss. It’s not just any simple temple. It is a place where time pauses, the air is full of unseen power, and the goddess doesn’t just bless you – she transforms you into something more powerful. In this blog post, I will share with you the mysterious legends, the ancient origins, and the architectural wonders of the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur.
Is Ambabai a form of Goddess Lakshmi or Parvati?
Is Mahalakshmi Devi inside the temple of Kolhapur a form of Goddess Lakshmi or Parvati? Hindus and scholars have divided views on this matter. But we will try to understand both the stories and look at physical evidence in the temple architecture and written evidence in the Puranas.
The Vaishnava point of view
According to an ancient legend, Goddess Mahalakshmi Devi, residing in Kolhapur, is the wife of God Venkateshwara (Vishnu), who resides in Tirupati Temple, Andhra Pradesh. According to this tale, after a fight, Goddess Mahalaxmi left Tirumala and chose Kolhapur as her home. But once a year, on Margashirsha Pournima, she visits Tirupati to meet him again. Special rituals are performed in both temples acknowledging this divine reunion. It is also a common tradition to visit Tirupati Balaji first, followed by the Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur, because it’s a common belief that a trip to Tirupati is incomplete without a visit to Kolhapur. I searched for written evidence for this story in the Puranas and Hindu texts, but it is not explicitly recorded in any sacred Hindu texts. It seems like this story is a more recent innovation.
The Shakt point of view
The symbols inside the Mahalakshmi temple, the written text in Devi Bhagavad Purana and the rituals conducted inside the temple clearly suggest that this temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeth temples found across India. Goddess Mahalakshmi is not the consort of God Vishnu; she is the consort of Sadashiva (the most supreme form of God Shiva). The idol of Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) inside this temple has a lion carved beneath her feet and a Shivalinga on her crown, and this is without any doubt an iconography depicting Goddess Parvati.
My point of view: After examining the written and physical evidence, I believe the Goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur is a form of the Goddess Parvati, and this temple is a very powerful Shaktipeeth. But I also trust that God resides where you believe it resides. So if you strongly believe that she is Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Venkateshwara of Tirupati, then you might find her in Kolhapur too. It all depends on what you want to believe.
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Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is a Shaktipeeth
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur is not any ordinary temple. It is one of the 3.5 Shaktipeeth temples found in the state of Maharashtra, and one of the Ashtadasha (18) Maha Shaktipeeth mentioned in Skanda Purana. Additionally, it is also listed among the 51 Shaktipeeth temples mentioned in the Devi Bhagavata Purana. According to the legend, when Goddess Sati immolated herself, God Shiva was grief-stricken and wandered the earth with her charred body. It is believed that Sati’s three eyes fell in Kolhapur. That’s why the Mahalakshmi temple and its surroundings have extremely powerful divine energy. Devotees seek her blessings for strength, wish fulfilment and spiritual healing.
Mythological Story of Ambabai defeating Kolhasura
The Karveer Mahatmya mentions the mythological story of Goddess Ambabai defeating Kolhasura at this place. Once, a powerful demon called Kolhasura ruled the region of Karveer. He was arrogant, cruel, and began harassing sages and righteous people. Then Goddess Mahalakshmi took the form of a warrior, mounted her lion and fought Kolhasura in a fierce battle that lasted several days. When he started losing the battle, he begged her for mercy. Goddess Mahalakshmi forgave him but asked him to leave the Karveer region. In his memory, this city was renamed as Kolhapur (the city of Kolhasura).
The Goddess Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur is a very powerful goddess. It is believed that various gods and goddesses have visited Kolhapur to pay their respects to her. They include God Vishnu, Narsimha, Parshuram, Krishna, Ram and Janaki. Moreover, it is said that there is a presence of Brahma and Shiva in this region. Several important saints and revolutionaries like Adi Shankaracharya, Guru Dattareya, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj have all visited this sacred temple in Maharashtra. Their presence makes the Mahalaxmi Temple a spiritually powerful and divine place to visit even today.
Source: Read the original text of Karveer Mahatmya
The mysterious idol of Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur
The sacred idol of Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) inside the temple of Kolhapur is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and believed to be more than 7000 years old. This means it predates even the Shri Krishna avatar by 2000 years. According to a legend, Shri Krishna himself visited and worshipped at this temple. It is believed that a powerful Shri Yantra is kept inside this temple, which emits strong spiritual energy all around the Garbhagriha of the temple.
The Mahalakshmi idol’s unique features
- The Mahalakshmi idol is 3 feet in height and weighs around 40 Kgs. It is entirely made of black stone.
- A lion is carved near the feet of the Goddess. A lion is an animal always associated with the Durga form of Goddess Parvati.
- The idol has a Shivalinga on her crown symbolising the origin of the universe. This Shivalinga is covered with snake fangs behind it, symbolising time.
- The beautiful idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi has 4 hands, each one holding a special symbol.
- The upper right-hand holds a Gada (Mace) – symbol for strength & power
- The lower right-hand holds a Mahalunga (Citron fruit) – symbol of fertility
- The upper left-hand holds a Dhal (shield) – symbol of protection
- The lower left-hand holds Amrut Kalash (pot of nectar) – symbol of nurturing
Glory of the Chalukya’s temple architecture
The architecture of the Mahalakshmi temple of Kolhapur showcases the glorious designs built by the Chalukyas. It was built in the 6th to 7th century by Chalukya King Karnadeva, in the classic Hemadpanti style of architecture. The temple’s massive pillars and the ceiling are full of ornate carvings depicting mythological figures and stories from the Puranas. Every stone tells us a story from the past as the temple echoes with divine rituals and chants.
Kiranotsav: The Sun Bows down to the Goddess
One of the temple’s most awe-inspiring features is its astronomical alignment with the sun. The Kiranotsav (Sun-rays Festival) is a popular and unique event celebrated inside this temple. This festival celebrates how the sun’s rays filter through the ancient temple’s complex architecture and fall perfectly on the idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi. Here’s what exactly happens:
- On Jan 31 & Nov 9, the sun’s rays fall just on her feet
- On Feb 1 & Nov 10, the sun’s rays touch up to her chest
- On Feb 2 & Nov 11, the sun’s rays start by falling on her feet and slowly rise up to illuminate the entire idol for a few minutes
The precision with which the temple’s architecture aligns with the sun for Kiranotsav is proof of the advanced knowledge of astronomy and architecture possessed by ancient temple builders in India. For a few minutes, the goddess shines as bright as the Sun himself. This is a great engineering marvel that blends astronomy, architecture and devotion. And it makes me think how smart that architect must be who came up with this brilliant idea!
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The hidden chamber above Mahalakshmi Murti
Right above the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of this temple lies a mysterious hidden chamber. Inside this chamber is an ancient Shivalinga, and an idol of God Ganesha. This chamber is usually closed to the common public and opens only on Tripurari Pornima, Mahashivratri and Mondays of the Shravan month. Very few devotees have seen this hidden chamber in the Mahalakshmi temple, but its energy can be felt even in the main temple below.
Mysterious legends of the Mahalakshmi Temple
Some interesting legends of the Mahalaxmi temple of Kolhapur –
- West-facing idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi: Unlike most Hindu temples where the deity faces the north or east (towards the rising sun), the idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur faces west. West-facing deities are extremely rare and are believed to be highly powerful. Devotees believe that west-facing temples grant blessings more quickly.
- Strong Energy in Garbhagriha: Spiritually strong and sensitive devotees feel a mysterious pull or powerful vibration inside the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the temple. This is possibly due to the Shri Yantra, architectural alignment. or divine energy inside the temple.
- The Floating Lamp Mystery: There are tales of an oil lamp seen floating in the air during nighttime. Priests and locals pass down this story orally. It’s not visible today, and there are no physical proofs for this. It is believed that spiritually strong people might feel the presence of a floating flame during evening Aarti rituals inside the temple.
- When time slows down: During Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri, devotees have reported feeling as if time slows down inside the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) of the temple. Some people say they lost track of time completely while inside for darshan.
- Tunnel to Panhala Fort: Local whispers speak of an underground hidden passage connecting the Mahalakshmi temple to Panhala Fort. It was used during invasions to protect treasures, soldiers or royal women. Some historians claim to have seen its remnants beneath the temple complex. But there is no exact written or physical evidence found for this tunnel yet.
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Festivals celebrated in the Mahalakshmi temple
- Mahashivratri: When the hidden chamber opens, devotees gather to experience its unique vibrations and worship the ancient Shivalinga.
- Navratri: A grand 9-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) with elaborate decorations and traditional folk performances.
- Lalita Panchami: A special puja on the 5th day of Navratri, where the goddess is worshipped as Lalita Tripurasundari, representing divine beauty and wisdom. The Palkhi (palanquin) of the Goddess is taken in procession to the Tryamboli Devi Temple in Kolhapur.
- Lakshmi Puja: A festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Kiranotsav: As explained earlier, a solar festival unlike any other in India.
Plan your trip to the Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Mahalakshmi Temple timings: 4 AM to 10:30 PM (varies on festival days)
- Mahalakshmi Temple Aarti timings: Kakad Aarti (morning aarti) – 4:30 am to 5 am; Dhup Aarti (afternoon aarti) – 12:30 to 1 pm; Evening Aarti – 7 to 7:30 pm, and Shayan Aarti (Good night Aarti) – 10 to 10:30 pm.
- Annadana Timings: Every day, delicious free lunch is served from 12 to 3 pm for all devotees visiting the Mahalakshmi temple, Kolhapur. The lunch hall is a bit farther from the temple, so wear your footwear when you go after your darshan, and ask the locals for directions.
- Dress Code: Modest traditional clothing, covering arms and legs for everyone. It is preferred that women dress up in Sarees or traditional Indian wear. Although it’s not compulsory, I think women must avoid wearing jeans and t-shirts (western wear) to honour the Goddess inside.
- Nearby Temple: Don’t miss the Kopeshwar Temple in Khidrapur village near Kolhapur.
How to reach Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur?
Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur Address Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hgg6KEbxdwsEMmr46
- Pune to Kolhapur distance: 236 km, 5-hour drive
- Mumbai to Kolhapur distance: 381 km, 7-hour drive
- Satara to Kolhapur distance: 121 km, 3-hour drive
- Malvan to Kolhapur distance: 151 km, 4-hour drive
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Come and experience her yourself!
There is something indescribable about standing before Goddess Mahalakshmi (or Ambabai). You feel rooted yet elevated. Feminine, yet fierce. The energy is magnetic—it wraps around your heart and whispers, “You are powerful, too.” For me, she is the reminder that power can be gentle, and softness can be strong. Whether you believe the goddess in this temple is Lakshmi or Parvati, one thing is certain – she is powerful beyond imagination, but also full of kindness. If you seek courage, love or fulfilment, then you must visit the Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur. Because once you stand before her brilliant form inside the temple, you will know she is real. And her divine power flows through you, too.
Don’t just visit the temple, meet the Shakti herself, meet the Lakshmi herself!
