Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur is a revered Hindu temple situated in the city of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. This temple is one of the Shakti Peethas and is also known as the Ambabai Temple. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every day from all over India and abroad, seeking the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
History of Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur :
The origin of the Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur temple dates back to the 7th century. The temple was built by the Chalukya dynasty, and it was later renovated by several other dynasties, including the Yadavas, the Shilaharas, and the Marathas. The temple's architecture is a blend of the Chalukya and Hoysala styles, which are characteristic of the southern part of India.
Legend has it that the temple is located at the spot where Goddess Mahalakshmi herself appeared to grant a boon to a sage named Kukkutswami. The sage had performed intense penance to appease the goddess, who appeared before him and granted him a boon. The sage then requested the goddess to stay at the spot, and she agreed, thus making the temple her abode.
The temple's deity is a four-armed idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi, made of precious stones and weighing around 40 kg. The idol is adorned with gold ornaments and is believed to be self-manifested. The temple also houses idols of Goddess Mahakali and Goddess Saraswati, who are believed to be the companions of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Significance of Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur :
The Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. The temple is considered a Shakti Peetha, which is a place where the body parts of the goddess Sati are said to have fallen when Lord Shiva carried her burnt body. The Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur temple is believed to be the place where the goddess's feet had fallen.
The temple is also known for its association with the Maratha ruler, Shivaji Maharaj. The ruler had a deep devotion to the goddess and had visited the temple several times to seek her blessings. It is believed that the goddess had blessed Shivaji with a sword that had helped him win several battles.
The temple is also a significant center of cultural and religious activities. The temple hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, attracting devotees from all over India. The temple of Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur is famous for its annual festival, which is celebrated during the month of Chaitra (March-April). The festival, known as the Mahalakshmi Yatra, attracts thousands of devotees from all over India who come to offer their prayers to the goddess. The festival is marked by various rituals, including the worship of the goddess and the offering of sweets and flowers.
Visiting Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur :
The Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur temple is located in the heart of Kolhapur city and is easily accessible by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Pune, which is around 240 km away from Kolhapur. The temple is open to visitors throughout the day, and there is no entry fee.
While visiting the temple, it is essential to follow the dress code and other rules and regulations. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs inside the temple, and they must remove their footwear before entering the temple premises. The temple is known for its cleanliness and hygienic facilities.
In conclusion, Mahalakshmi Devi Kolhapur is a sacred and ancient temple
that holds great significance for millions of devotees across India. The
temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and the
devotion of its people towards the goddess. The temple complex is not
just a place of worship but also a symbol of the spiritual and cultural
identity of India.
How to Reach Kolhapur
By Air :
Kolhapur
Airport has no commercial airline services and the nearest civil airport
is Pune Airport. The airport connects Pune to all major Indian cities
by via almost all domestic airlines. On arrival at the airport,
passengers can hire a local cab to reach their respective destinations
in Kolhapur.
By Road :
Kolhapur lies on National Highway 4 which connects the city to Mumbai
and Bangalore. It is served by a good number of buses plying from
various nearby cities like Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore amongst others.
Good road conditions make road travel between Kolhapur and other cities
comfortable and convenient.
By Train :
Kolhapur Railway Station is around 5 km away from the city centre. Regular train service from places like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Tirupati and Satara to Kolhapur contributed to better transportation to Kolhapur. Bus, auto or rickshaw can be availed from the railway station to reach the city centre.
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