India is known as the divine land, blessed with sacred temples and shrines. Lakhs of pilgrims are on a journey to these sacred places every day. People have great faith in the spiritual powers to help them attain salvation (moksha). If you are also looking forward to embark on one such journey, Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur has to be on your list.
The Mahalaxmi Temple, also known as Ambabai Temple, holds great significance among Hindu and Jain pilgrims. The temple located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaksmi, whom locals worship as Ambabai. Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, along with Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and Padmavathi Temple (both located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh), are the three temples considered sacred to help achieve moksha.
Also, did you know that the Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the three and a half Shaktipeethas? According to the legends, Goddess Sati’s 3 eyes fell here. It is believed that the devotees visit the Kolhapur Shaktipeeth to obtain salvation for their desires or have them fulfilled. People from all over Maharashtra and the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Telangana visit the temple in large numbers.
Let’s explore and learn about its history, best time to visit, aarti timings, modes of transportation and nearby places to explore on your trip to Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur.
Historic Significance: The Architectural Grandeur of Mahalaxmi Temple!
The architecture of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple showcases the traces of various dynasties of the past, including the Chalukyas, Shilahara and Yadavas of Devagiri. The Temple traces its history back to the 7th century. It is believed that Karnadeva built the temple during the 634 CE during the Chalukya reign. The idol of the goddess is carved in black stone and is 3 ft in height and 40 kg in weight. Her crown contains five five-headed snakes, while she holds a Matulinga fruit, mace, shield and a panapatra (drinking bowl).
The mention of the temple as a Jain temple can also be found in the historian Paul Dundas’s book The Jains, making it a place of pilgrimage for the Jains.
Best Time to Visit Mahalaksmi Temple, Kolhapur
Since the temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeethas and most-visited temples in India, devotees across the country visit it throughout the year. But if you wish to experience the festivity and explore the nearby tourist attractions in pleasant weather, then October to March is the best time to visit the Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur.
During these months, the temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, offering pleasant weather for temple visits, participating in religious activities and festivities and exploring the nearby attractions.
Moreover, the temple celebrates various religious events during these months, including Navaratri (September/October) and Makar Sankranti (January). You can also visit the temple during Rathotsav, the annual chariot festival celebrated in April. However, since a large number of pilgrims visit the temple during these festivals, it is recommended to book your stay at hotels in Kolhapur in advance if you are planning to attend the festivities.
How to Reach Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur?
The temple located in Kolhapur district in Maharashtra has excellent connectivity through roads, rails and air. If you are looking for flights, the nearest airport to the temple is Kolhapur Airport, which is 13 kms away. From there, you can book a cab or take a bus to Kolhapur Bus Stand, located just 3 kms away from the temple. For a train journey, you can take a train to Kolhapur Railway Station, which is also just 3 kms away.
Also, various hotels in Kolhapur offer private cab services to the transit points, which you can request while booking your stay for a hassle-free and smooth journey around the city.
Timings for Darshan at Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
The temple opens for public from 4:00 AM to 10:30 PM. If you wish to attend specific rituals of the temple, then here is the list of rituals and aartis performed throughout the day at Mahalaxmi Temple:
- Padyapuja and Mukhmarjan – 5:00 AM
- Kakad Aarti – 5:30 AM to 6:00 AM
- Morning Mahapuja – 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM
- Naivadya (Holy Food) – 9:30 AM
- Afternoon Mahapuja (Panchamrut Abhishek Shodhopchar Puja) – 11:30 AM.
- Alankar Puja – 1:30 PM
- Dhup Aarti – 8:30 PM
- Shej Aarti – 10:00 PM
Festivals to Attend At The Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
The temple is immersed in a festive vibe for various Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the year. Here are some of the major festivals that are celebrated at Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple with pomp and show:
1. Navratri Mahotsav
The festival of nine nights, Navratri, is celebrated for ten days till Dashmi, during the Hindu months of Ashwin (September or October). The timings of the daily rituals are modified during the festival as Abhishek, followed by Mahanaivedya and aarti, are performed at 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM. The deity is decorated with ornaments at 2:00 PM. The procession carried out in a silver palanquin, decorated with flowers and lights from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM, every 10 days, is something you can never forget. The day’s rituals end with the darshan of the deity at the Garud Mandap and a canon salute at 10:30 PM.
Apart from these rituals, you can also witness various cultural programmes organised by the temple Trust during this 10-day festival. If you wish to attend the festivals, you can book affordable hotels near Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur.
2. Rathotsav (Chariot Festival)
The Rathotsav festival is celebrated every year during the Marathi month of Chaitra Shudda Purnima (April). During the festival, the goddess performs Nagar Pradakshina on a newly-built chariot made form silver. The procession begins at 9:30 PM with a cannon salute and is accompanied by a military or police band while moving through the city.
While being a part of the procession, you can witness spellbound Rangolis drawn along the path of the procession and fireworks to mark the festivities.
3. Kirnotsav
To witness the architectural marvel at the temple and experience the divine energies, one must witness Kirnotsav at the Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, at least once in a lifetime. The three-day festival is celebrated twice a year on 31st January, 1st and 2nd February and on 9th, 10th and 11th November.
The festival is celebrated to mark the special occasion when the rays of the setting sun pay homage to the deity by falling at the feet, the middle part and the face of the Goddess through an open corridor. This auspicious occasion attracts devotees in large numbers from various parts of the country.
Must-Visit Places Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
1. Rankala Lake
Located just 500 mts from the Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake is one of the oldest lakes around the area. A huge idol of Nandi, Nandi Temple and Sandhya Math are the key highlights of the lake. The lake is also a famous spot for movie shootings due to its picturesque views. You can enjoy walks and photography around the lake.
You can also visit Padmaraje Garden, Rajghat, Shalini Pala and Ambai Swimming Tank while exploring the locality and enjoy a relaxing stay at hotels near Rankala Lake Kolhapur.
Entry Fee: No Fee.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Location: Rankala Lake, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012.
2. Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum Kolhapur (New Palace)
New Palace is one of the mesmerising places to visit in Kolhapur, which is famous for its timeless beauty. It was built over 7 years (1877-1884) and it is considered one of the regal masterpieces to explore around the city. The maximum portion of the palace is turned into a museum to preserve the historic artefacts, photographs and wild hunted animals. The ground floor is the residence of the current Shrimant Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur.
While visiting the New Palace, you can also explore the famous Bhavani Mandap, an ancient building housing Tulja Bhavani herself.
Entry Fees: INR 18 for Adults, INR 6 for children, NCC students in Uniform, and Class 1 to 7 students, INR 12 for army/police personnel, and Class 8 to 10 students.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Museum is closed on Mondays).
Location: New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416003.
3. Kaneri Museum
Also known as Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, Kaneri Museum is an epitome of the culture, historic and spiritual heritage of rural India. Located in the Kaneri village, it offers a glimpse into the self-sufficient rural life before the advent of foreign invasion and urbanisation.
The museum is spread over 7 acres and is dotted with more than 3000 life-size statues crafted from wax and cement, depicting the various aspects of village life. These aspects include agriculture, education, health, art, craft, religion and festivals.
While visiting the museum on your trip to the Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, you can also take part in numerous ongoing workshops and seminars to learn about the values and virtues of rural life.
Entry Fees: INR 50 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Location: J767+JH7, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416013.
So, now that you have all the necessary information about the Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, you can plan your trip to this magnificent place. Also for affordable stays, you can book budget-friendly hotels from the Treebo Club’s website or app and get ready to soak in the spirituality, history and culture of the place.
