What is so unique about the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur therefore Kolhapur’s Karveer Nivasini Mahalakshmi Temple Located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the Shakti Peethas, also known as Dakshin Kashi. The goddess Mahalakshmi is also known as Karveer Nivasini because Kolhapur, one of the six locations of Shakti where one might obtain both salvation and the fulfillment of one’s aspirations, is a major and important city situated in the ancient Karveer region. 108 shaktipeethas, or places where the goddess of force Shakti manifests, are mentioned in the numerous puranas of ancient India. Between these. Of particular importance is Shri Mahalakshmi of the Karveer region, which is where the modern town of Kolhapur is situated.
An image of Vishnu’s serpent, the Sheshnag, may be found on the crown. The Mahalakshmi goddess carries symbolic things in Her four hands. A mhalunga (citrus fruit) is held in the lower right hand; an enormous mace (kaumodaki) with its head touching the ground is held in the upper right; a shield (khetaka) is held in the upper left; and a bowl (panpatra) is held in the lower left.
This deity’s image faces west, in contrast to the majority of Hindu sacred representations that face north or east (Pashchim). The image’s face receives light from the setting sun for three days around March 21st and September 21st, thanks to a little open window on the western wall.
Legends: According to the Karavira Mahatmya, Vishnu resides in Kolhapur as Mahalakshmi. According to legend, Mahalakshmi defeated Kolhasura, a demon that tormented the Gods and other beings, here at Karavira. The site of his death then became a thirtha, and she established her residence here in a shrine that now serves as the temple. Legend also states that at Tryambakeshwar, Parvati-Kalhambika vanquished the monster Kolhasura.
The Temple: The main door The western entrance to the temple is called Mahadwara. The Mahadwara has many deepamaalas on either side as one approaches the Garuda mandap, which has square pillars and wood arches with foliation that are typical of Maratha temples. The mandap in question is 18th-century in origin. In front of the sanctuary is a garuda picture. A second stone mandap faces the sanctum and is situated atop an elevated platform that houses Ganesh’s shrine. The mandap, which has three shrines facing west, comes next. Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi are the two on either side of the central one, which is that of Mahalakshmi.
The temple complex is built in a mortar-less form that is reminiscent of the early Deccan temple architecture. Not to be overlooked are the vertical offsets and horizontal mouldings, which combine to provide a beautiful pattern of light and shade. This temple also features an extensive collection of sculptures featuring dancing figurines, musicians, gods, and goddesses. The 19th-century shikharas of brick and mortar that house the three sanctas are relatively basic.
The early Deccan temple architecture may be seen in the temple complex’s mortarless construction. The horizontal mouldings and vertical offsets should also be noted because they work together to create a lovely pattern of light and shade. This temple also has a sizable collection of sculptures that depict gods, goddesses, musicians, and dancing figurines. The three sanctas are housed in rather simple brick-and-mortar shikharas from the 19th century.
There is a shrine with a Shivalingam and a nandi above the Mahalakshmi sanctuary. Venkatesha, Katyayani, and Gowri Shankar reside in the devakoshtas’ home, which faces the north, east, and south. In the courtyard, there are numerous smaller shrines dedicated to the Navagrahas, Shiva, Vishnu, Tulja Bhavani, Surya, Mahishasuramardini, Vitthal-Rakhmai, and other deities. While some of these pictures are more modern, some date back to the eleventh century. The temple tank Manikarnika Kund, which has a shrine dedicated to Visweshwar Mahadev on its bank, is also situated in the courtyard.
Worship: This location hosts five daily worship services. The first one takes place at five in the morning and is accompanied by hymns as the deity is awakened with a Kakada torch. The 16-element Shodashopachara pooja is offered during the second worship session, which begins at 8 a.m. The three other services are the Shejaarati pooja, and afternoon and evening services. Every Friday and on full moon days, a festival image of the deity is carried in a procession around the courtyard of the temple.
2. History of MahalaAkshmi Temple Kolhapur.
Millions of devotees around India receive both material satisfaction and salvation from Karveernivasini, also known as Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur.
The city is mentioned in numerous Puranas dating back 500 years. According to research, it may have existed during Parashuram’s time. The period is thought to be comparable to that of the Ramayana’s Mata Peeth (Mahurgad), Sapta Shringi (Nasik), and Bhavani Peetha. Karveer purges grave transgressions. There are a lot of old, elaborate temples, cemeteries, and gardens.
There is proof that this city was visited by the Chalukya, Yadav, Shilahar, and Konkan king Kamadeo dynasties. Also present was Adya Shankaracharya. Sambhaji and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ruled.
The Mahalaxmi statue weighs about 40 kg and is fashioned of jewel-stone. Salunki is comparable in size. It contains diamonds and sand. It has a lion standing behind it on a stony platform. There is a genuine lotus in the center. It has four hands, a shield, a mhalung, a water pot, and a vetak. A snake provides shade, and the head is crowned.
Karnadeo cleared the bush and illuminated the temple in 109 A.D. Dr. Bhandarkar and Mr. Khare claim that the existence dates back to the eighth century.
An earthquake in the eighth century caused the temple to collapse. Mahakali Mandir was constructed by Gandavadix, the King, to expand the temple in the ninth century. Between 1178 and 1109, in the region of
Atibaleshwar Temple, South Gate, and Raja Jaysing & Sindhava were constructed. The Yadav ruler Tolum constructed Mahadwar in 1218 and presented Devi with gems. Shilahar also constructed Maha Sarasvati Mandir. As a gain, he had 64 idols carved. It’s probable that Padmavati, a new idol, was installed at that period. Moreover, Ganapati existed in Chalukya era prior to the construction of the temple. It appears that Hindus built the initial temple. Shankaracharya constructed Nagar Khana & Office, Deepmalas, in the thirteenth century.
Narhar Bhat Shastree shared a dream he experienced with Sambhajee between 1712 and 1760 (the Sambhaje Reign). The idol was concealed by the devotees during the Mogal era as a means of defense. Sambhajee, believing Sangavakar’s dream, began his hunt. This idol was discovered in a Kapil Teerth Market home. Sambhaji’s letter from 8 Nov 1723 states that on 26 Sept. 1712 (Monday), Sindhoji Hindurao Ghorpade of Panhala reinstalled the idol (Ashwin Vijiya Dashami).
The Devi eventually rose to become the state deity of Maharashtra as the number of her believers increased. Abhishekas caused the idol to start shedding skin. Thus, Sankeshwar Shankaracharya fixed it. In 1954, Kolhapur Shahajee Raje reinstalled it following Vajralep and sacrifices.
Mr. Lohiya oversaw a change that occurred in 1960. Consequently, the premises appeared large. There are currently 7 Deepamalas and 5 major temples. There are about 20 stores and 35 small to large temples. Five tops in the style of Hemad. The Garud Mandap, constructed by Mr. Harshe, is next door. Kolhapur has three thousand temples in total, all under the administration of the.
3. Mahalakshmi Temple Design And Deity.
The carvings and architectural design of the Mahalakshmi temple suggest that it was constructed between 600 and 700 A.D., under the Chalukya dynasty. The goddess statue is thought to be between 5000 and 6000 years old and is crafted of gemstones. It has a 40 kg weight. The idol’s age is indicated by the priceless stones that adorn the god.
The Karveernivasini Temple’s platform is composed of stone. There are four arms on the goddess statue. She is holding a matulinga (a fruit that resembles a regular lemon but is much larger) in her lower right hand. She is holding a big mace, a kaumodaks, with its head touching the ground, in her upper right hand. She has a shield, or khetaka, in her upper left hand and a bowl, or panpatra, in her lower one.
A Shiva ling with a Yoni encircling it and a cobra hood are perched atop the Goddess’ crown. The vahana-a lion of the Goddess stands behind. While the idol in this instance faces westward, nearly all other godly images face either the north or the east. the little, open window on the western wall. The sun sets through this window once a year, casting shadows across the image’s face. This period runs for three days on March 21st and September 21st of each year. Because this time of year is seen to be very auspicious, devotees swarm the temple on all three evenings to catch a sight of the lovely image bathed in the golden rays of the setting sun
4. Mahalakshmi Temple Daily Puja Schedule.
Mahalakshmi Temple offers five worship programs daily. The first is at five in the morning when hymns are played as the deity is awakened by torchlight (Kakada). The offering of the 16-item Shodashopachara puja takes place on the second at 8 am. The three other services are the Shejaarati pooja, and afternoon and evening services. Every Friday and on full moon days, a festival image of the deity is carried in a procession around the courtyard of the temple.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Ghantanaad -ringing of the temple bells Daily 4 a.m., 8.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m., 9.30 p.m.
Ghantanaad in the month of Kartik 2 a.m.
Ghantanaad on Tripuri Pournima Day 2.30am
Daily Opening of the temple 5 a.m.
Daily Closing of the temple 10.30 p.m.
Daily closing of the outer doors of the temple 11 p.m.
Opening of the temple in Kartik month and on Tripuri Pournima 2.45 a.m.
Closing of the temple in Kartik month and Tripuri Pournima 10.30 p.m.
Closing of the outer doors of the temple in Kartik month and on Tripuri Pournima 11.30 p.m.
DAILY PUJA SCHEDULE
At 5 a.m., the following puja-s are carried out
Mukhmarjan Puja
Padya Puja
Ekarti
At 8.30 a.m. and then at 11.30 a.m. the Pancamrit Abhishek (anointing the Goddess’s feet with curd, milk, honey, and sugar) is carried out
Note: In the month of Kartik and on Tripuri Pournima the time of the above puja changes to 5 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
From 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. the Kumkumarchan, Padhyapuja is offered to the Goddesses Mahalakshmi. The timing of this puja remains the same even during the month of Kartik and on Tripuri Pournima.
[The times listed above are susceptible to alter on special events, such as solar and lunar eclipses.]
5. Festivals Celebrated in Mahalakshmi Temple.
It is hardly unexpected that the goddess Mahalakshmi be honored by the sun’s last rays, as prosperity and light are vital to human existence. However, it is a marvel of the intelligent architects who constructed the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur that the dying sun’s rays briefly bow at the Goddess’ feet via a window before disappearing. Thousands of people commemorate this unique occasion as “KiranUtsav.” This festival is observed in the evenings on the following days each year:
January 31st
February 1st
February 2nd
November 9th
November 10th
November 11th
6. Location of Mahalakshmi Temple.
The Maharashtra city of Kolhapur is home to the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple. Located in the historic Karveer region in Western Maharashtra, Kolhapur is a major city that is home to numerous historical religious structures.
Kolhapur has excellent rail and road connections to all of India’s main cities. Trains connect Kolhapur to major Maharashtra cities including Pune, Sangli, and Miraj, as well as Mumbai, Bangalore, and New Delhi. The road system connects the city well as well.
Public transportation is easily accessible from and to the temple inside the city.
7. Temple Address & Contact.
Shree Mahalaxmi Ambabai Temple, Kolhapur
For More Information on Temple & Donation Please visit the Official Website of Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur
at www.mahalaxmikolhapur.com
Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward,
Kolhapur-416012, Maharashtra.
E-mail Id:- dmckolhapur@gmail.com
8. Daily Puja At Shree Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur.
Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is the place where the ‘Aarati’ ceremony is most significant. Every day at 4:30 a.m., when the Temple opens, Aarati is conducted following the foot worship of the Mahalakshmi idol. We name this ‘Kakadarati.’ ‘Bhup-Rag’ devotional songs are recited during the time.
Mahapooja is performed at 8:30 a.m., and then “Mangalarati.” Worship with fragrant flowers and kumkum is performed for the devotees between 11 and 30 a.m., after which camphor is burned and “Naivedya” (rich meals) are offered. If there isn’t any Mahapooja performed by devotees, milk is poured on the feet before Aarati in place of Panchamrit, which is made of milk, curds, sugar, ghee, and honey. This process keeps going till around 2:00 p.m. Next is ‘Pooja’, adorned with decorations. Chants of Vedic melodies are heard within the Mandir. ‘Aarati’ concludes with the ringing of bells at 7:30 p.m. We refer to this as ‘Bhog -Arati.’
Every Friday, ‘Naivedya’ is offered to the Devi at night. After Aarati, ornaments are taken off and returned to the treasury. When milk with sugar is provided at 10 p.m., shejarati is performed. In the bedroom, ‘Nidra Vida’ is sung along with Aarati. The main gate and subgate are then closed, along with the daily schedule. So, five times a day, Aarati is performed. Aarati and Naidedya are also offered for Mahakali, Matuling, Shree Yantra, Maha Ganapati, and Maha Saraswati. Each Tuesday through Friday, Aarati chairs get more. Arati-visit is granted to all 87 large and splendid temples. Several devotee groups participate in one or more Aaratis.
There are various Aaratis used, two of which are silver and the last one is brass: Akarati, Pancharati, and Kapurarti. In addition to the aratis performed in the temple, there are additional ones performed during festivals such as Rathosava, Tryarnbuli Fair, Ashtami Jagar, Eclipse, Gokul Ashtami, Kiranotsava, etc. When Shree Shankaracharya and Shreeman Chhatrapati visit the temple, it is customary to do special Aarati. From Deepavali to Purnirna celebration, which takes place in the month of Kartik
9. Navratra Mahotsav in Mahalakshmi Temple,
Navratra Mahotsav
The ten-day Navratra (nine nights) festival falls in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which is around October. During the Navratri Festivals, the Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur modifies its regular schedule. Aarti and Mahanaivedya are done after Abhishek at 8.30 and 11.30 a.m. The deity gets decked out with all of the decorations later around 2:00 p.m. The Goddess’ litter is adorned in various ways with flowers and lights on all ten days at 9:30 p.m., and it is carried through the temple compound in a procession. The military band and police, sponsored by the government, play at the front of the procession. The litter returns to the Garud Mandap at 10.30 p.m. and is set atop a special pedestal to mark the culmination of the event. One canon salute is then given to the Goddess. The Mahalakshmi Temple Trust has arranged several cultural events during these 10 days.
Lalita Panchami in Mahalakshmi Temple.
On Lalita Panchami, the fifth day of Navratri, Abhishek is performed along with the other customary rituals between 7:00 and 10:00 in the morning. The goddess Mahalakshmi’s litter is given a single canon salute at 10:00 a.m. and then departs the temple grounds to visit the temple of Goddess Tryambuli, which is not far from Kolhapur’s main temple. It makes stops for puja and aarti at Takala and Shahu Mill along the way. By midday, the procession arrives to the temple of Goddess Tryambuli. The local royal ruler, Chhatrapati, conducts Kushmandabali, which involves slicing a pumpion gourd in half with a sword. In the presence of an unmarried girl from the Patil family from Kasba Bavda, close to Kolhapur, this symbolizes the slaying of the enemy. At 2:00 p.m., the litter returns to the temple, and an Aarti is performed afterwards. The trash is paraded about the temple premises in the evening.
10. Ashtami Celebrations in Mahalakshmi Temple.
Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, sees the performance of Abhishek on the goddess Mahalakshmi between 8.30 and 11.30 a.m., in addition to the customary rituals like Alankar Puja. From 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the goddess’ silver image is displayed at the Garud Mandap. The Goddess is then given one canon salute at 9:45 p.m. Situated atop a throne, the silver figure is carried in a procession around the town, starting at Mahadwar Road, Gujri-Bhausinghji Road, and Bhavani Mandap (where the goddess is honored by notable individuals with betel leaves and betel nut). She is also offered Gurumaharajwada, Shri Binkhanbi Ganesh (where Lord Ganesh is worshipped), Oti (which consists of a golden-bordered blouse piece, coconut, bangles, sweets, and token money), and a route back to the Mahadwar Road and the temple. Once more, an Aarti is performed, and then a sacrificial fire puja is performed, lasting till the early hours of the next day. The Purnahuti (culmination Puja) marks its conclusion.
11. Kirnotsav Celebrations at Shree Mahalaxmi Temple.
At the Mahalakshmi Temple, Kirnotsav Kolhapur, which means “festival of Sun Rays,” is observed on the following days at sunset, when the sun’s rays fall directly on the deity’s Mahalakshmi idol:
On January 31st and November 9th, the deity’s feet receive direct sunlight.
On February 1st and November 10th, the deity’s breast is directly exposed to sunlight.
On February 2nd and November 11th, the deity’s entire body is exposed to direct sunlight.
12. Rathotsav Celebrations in Mahalakshmi Temple.
In Mahalakshmi Temple, Rathotsav In April, there is a chariot festival called Kolhapur. There are lights and flowers adorning the chariot that holds the silver image of the Goddess Mahalakshmi. Between 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. in the evening, it is carried out in a procession. When the procession reaches the temple’s main entrance, devotees can pay their respects to the Goddess. One canon salute is offered to the Goddess at 9.30 p.m., after which the procession is led outside the temple. It goes through the city before coming back to the temple. The military or police band plays during the parade. Along the procession’s route, enormous Rangoli (floor paintings) are painted, and fireworks brighten the mood. Many followers swarm to take part in this event
Conclusion.
Finally, the blog’s trip through “What is so unique about the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur” has revealed the spiritual grandeur, historical richness, and architectural marvels that distinguish this sacred home. The temple’s distinctiveness stems not just from its ancient history, but also from the devotion it inspires and the cultural vibrancy seen during festivals. The Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur emerges as a living tribute to the rich tapestry of India’s religious and cultural past as tourists enter the hallowed confines and observe the supernatural aura. A visit to this sacred spot guarantees not only a spiritual experience, but also an immersion into the heart of Maharashtra’s profound traditions and beliefs.
FAQs What is so unique about the Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur.
1. What makes Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur unique among other temples in India?
A: The temple is renowned for its ancient history, architectural brilliance, and being one of the Shakti Peethas, making it truly distinctive.
2. Are there any specific rituals or festivals celebrated at Mahalaxmi Temple?
A: Yes, the temple hosts various rituals and festivals, including Navaratri, attracting devotees and adding to its unique cultural significance.
3. Can visitors explore the architectural features and historical artifacts within the temple premises?
A: Absolutely, the temple’s architecture and premises offer a glimpse into its rich history and cultural heritage, open for exploration.
4. Is there a dress code or any specific guidelines for visitors to Mahalaxmi Temple?
A: While there isn’t a strict dress code, it’s advisable to dress modestly as a mark of respect when visiting this revered religious site.
5. Are there nearby attractions or points of interest around Mahalaxmi Temple?
A: Kolhapur has other attractions, including historical sites and natural wonders, making it a well-rounded destination beyond the Mahalaxmi Temple.
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