Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur
Indian Hindu temple in Kolhapur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mahalakshmi Temple (also known as Ambabai Mandir) is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is worshipped by locals as Ambabai. Goddess Mahalakshmi Ambabai is the consort of Lord Vishnu and it is customary among Hindus to visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple and Padmavathi Temple as a yatra (pilgrimage).[1][2][3] It is believed that visiting these temples as a pilgrimage helps achieve moksha (salvation).[4]
- Kirnotsav
- Rathotsav
- Lakshmi Puja
- Diwali
- Varalakshmi Vratam
- Lalita Panchami
- Navratri
- Margshirsha Guruvar
| Ambabai Temple of Mahalaxmi | |
|---|---|
| |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kolhapur |
| Deity | Mahalakshmi |
| Festivals |
|
| Governing body | Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti |
| Location | |
| Location | Bhavani Mandap, Mahadwar Road, Kolhapur |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Country | India |
  Location in Maharashtra | |
| Coordinates | 16°42′00″N 74°14′00″E |
| Architecture | |
| Style | Hemadpanti architecture |
| Creator | Karnadeva, Chalukya Empire |
| Completed | 7th century CE |
| Website | |
| www | |
Description
Mounted on a stone platform, the murti of the crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. A stone lion (the vahana of the goddess), stands behind the statue. The crown contains a five headed snake. Furthermore, she holds a Matulinga fruit, mace, shield and a pānapātra (drinking bowl). In Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Goddess Lakshmi is praised as "Om Karaveera Nivasiniye Namaha" means "Glory to the Goddess who lives in Karaveera" and as "Om Sesha Vasuki Samsevyaa Namaha" means "Glory to Goddess who is served by Adi Sesha and Vasuki". They are the 119th and 698th names of Lakshmi in Lakshmi Sahasranama. This is also the description mentioned in the Rahasya of Devi Mahatmya.[5] Professor Prabhakar Malshe says, "The name of Karaveera is still locally used to denote the city of Kolhapur".[6] It is considered one of the three and a half Shaktipeetha's in the Shakta tradition.[7]
