STATES+
GOD AND GODDESS+
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Shree Ambabai Shaktipeeth
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History of the temple
The Shri Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is located in the Kolhapur city of Maharashtra on the banks of the Panchganga River, about 156 miles south of Pune is one of the three and half Shakti Peethas listed in various puranas of Hinduism. According to these writings, a Shakti Peetha is a place associated with Shakti, the goddess of power.
The Kolhapur Shakti Peetha is of special religious significance being one of the six places where it is believed that one can either obtain salvation from desires or have them fulfilled.According to the written records, the history of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple dates back to the Chalukya period 550 AD to 660 AD.
It is commonly agreed that the original Temple was built during this particular period by the Chalukyas as also evident from the distinctive architectural style. However, an earthquake in the 8th century destroyed most of the ancient structures. Some portions survived and can be seen to date.
Photos
Mahalakshmi Temple (also known as Ambabai Mandir) is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who resides here as Supreme Mother Mahalakshmi and is worshipped by locals as Ambabai. Goddess Mahalakshmi 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). It is believed that visiting these temples as a pilgrimage helps achieve moksha (salvation).
The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple was unknown to the world for a long time as it was covered by tall forests. Eventually, the Konkan King Karnadeo discovered the temple’s existence in 109 AD.King Gandaraditya of the Shilahara dynasty (11th century) built the path on which the devotees circumambulate the main sanctum. He also built the two shrines dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and Maha Saraswati. It is believed that the Matulinga installed on the second level of the main sanctum was installed during the Yadava reign.
The Eastern entrance of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Complex has an inscription dating back to the Maratha reign in the 18th century. It states that renovation work was carried out by the Dhabades and the Gaikwads who were ruling the area at that time.In 1941, Shrimant Jahagirdar Babasaheb Ghatge installed the idols of the nine planets in the Navagraha Temple. The five domes or spires were constructed comparatively recently by Sri Shankaracharya of Sankeshwar in the 19th century. The Garud Mandap was built under Daji Pandit between 1838 – 1843. The Kurma Mandap and the Ganapati Chowk is believed to have been built by the Yadava dynasty.
The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple architecture follows the “Hemadpanthi” style. The temple complex consists of five huge towers and the main hall. The biggest spire is above the sanctum housing Goddess Mahalakshmi. The North and the South domes house Goddess Mahakali and MahaSaraswati respectively. The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple also houses a Shree Yantra which geometrically represents the three Goddesses.The temple has four entrances but the main entrance called the Mahadwaar lies towards the West. It is believed that the Mahadwaar was built by Sri Adi Shankaracharya himself.
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The Sheshashahi Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Navagraha Temple, Vithal Temple, and Rakhumai Temple are all present in the complex. Towards the southern side, several shrines dedicated to Kalbhairav, Siddhivinayak, Radhakrishna, Annapurna, Indrasabha and Rameshwar are present.Above the main sanctum, on the second level, a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganapathi is present. A Shiva Linga called the Matulinga can also be seen along with a stone Nandi
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 LOCATION
 ADDRESS
 TIMING
4:00 AM to 4:30 AM – Ghantanaad (Ringing of bells)
4:45 AM – Door Opening Time
5:30 AM – Padya Pooja Abhishekam
5:45 AM – Kakad Arti
5:30 AM to 11:30 AM – Poojas of Devotee
8:30 AM – Ghantanaad, Mahapuja, Arti
9:30 AM to 10:15 AM – Arti, Shankhatirth
11:30 AM – Ghantanaad, Puja, Abhishek
12:30 AM – Holy Food, Arti, Shankhatirth
1:00 PM – Jewellery Puja
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM – Ghat Arti, Shankhatirth, Daivya Tirth Mantra Pushpa, Mata Tirtha Mantra
10:00 PM to 10:15 PM – Ghantanaad, Shej
10:15 PM – Close The Temple Door
 CONTACT
Mahadwar Rd, B Ward, C Ward, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416012
Contact : 0231 254 1779
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