HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE kolhapur mahalaxmi temple Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur Shakti peetha

KARVEER NIVASINI SHRI MAHALAKSHMI PRASANNA

The various puranas of ancient India, have listed 108 sites where shakti (the goddess of power) is manifested. Amongst these, the Karveer area (the area where the present town of Kolhapur is located), is of special significance.

This is one of the six sites of Shakti, where one can get both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them.

It is therefore considered of even greater significance than Uttar Kashi, the place where one prays for salvation.

Shri Mahalakshmi is the consort of Shri Vishnu and it is said that both reside in the Karveer area eternally.

The architectural structure of the temple, shows that it may have been built during the Chalukya reign i.e. around 600 to 700 A.D.

The idol of the goddess is made of gemstone. It weighs about 40 kilos. A stone lion stands behind the statue. The goddess has four limbs. The head has a crown and the Sheshnag (the mythical serpent of Shri Vishnu)is on it.

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur is one of the Shakti peetha located in Maharashtra. The various puranas of ancient India, have listed 108 shaktipeethas where Shakti (the goddess of power) is manifested.

Amongst these. Shri Mahalakshmi of the Karveer area (the area where the present town of Kolhapur is located), is of special significance.

This is one of the six sites of the Shakti, where one can get both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered of even greater significance than Uttar Kashi, the place where one prays for salvation to Shri Mahalakshmi the consort of Shri Vishnu.

It is said that both Shri Lakshmi and Shri Vishnu reside in the Karveer area eternally and shall not leave even at the time of Mahaprayakala. This region is therefore also referred to as a avimuktakshetra.

Karveer region is eternally blessed and is believed to be held by Mother Jagdambe in her right hand, and so this region is protected from all destruction.

Lord Vishnu himself adores this region more than Vaikiuntha or the Kshirsagar since it is the home of his consort Lakshmi. The greatness of this region has therefore attracted many sages and devotees, the blessings and affections showered by this region on its devotees are immeasurable.

It is believed that Prabhu Shri Dattatreya still comes here every noon to seek alms.

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple is situated in the city Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Kolhapur is an important and significant city lying in the ancient Karveer region which is a treasure trove of ancient religious monuments in Western Maharashtra.

Kolhapur is well connected by rail and road with the major cities of India.Trains ply between Kolhapur and Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi and other important cities of Maharashtra like Pune,Sangli, Miraj. The city is also well connected by a road network.

Within the city too public transport is conveniently available to and from the temple

The architectural structure of the temple and the engravings on it indicate that it may have been built during the Chalukya reign i.e. around 600 to 700 A.D.

The statue of the Goddess is made of gemstone and is considered to be at least 5000 to 6000 years old. It weighs about 40 kilos. The precious stones that adorn the deity indicate the antiquity of the idol.

The platform of the Goddess is made of stone. The statue of the Goddess has four arms. In the lower right hand she holds the matulinga, (a fruit similar to and ordinary lemon but much larger in size). In the upper right hand she holds large mace, kaumodaks, its head touching the ground. In the upper left hand she holds the shield or khetaka, and while in the the lower one she holds a bowl, panpatra.

On the crown of the Goddess are a cobra-hood and a Shiva-ling with a Yoni around it. Standing behind is the Goddess' vahana-a lion.

Almost all the idols of the God face the north or the east directions, whereas here the Idol faces the west.

The small window on the western wall which is open. Once a year, the rays of the Sun during sunset falls on the face of the image through this window. This period lasts for three days, each time, the 21st, of the months of March and September. This period is considered extremely auspicious, the Devotees throng the temple on all the three evenings the temple for a glimpse of the beautiful image bathing in the golden rays of the setting sun.