Mahalaxmi Temple, commonly referred to as Ambabai or Karveer Nivasini Temple, is a holy Hindu temple that is located in Kolhapur of the state of Maharashtra in India, and it is devoted to the Hindu goddess Mahalaxmi. It is one of the 3.5 Shakti Peeths of Maharashtra which are situated 5 km away along the railway station and the central bus depot of the Kolhapur railway station and it is also a place where the devotees go to receive blessings of wealth and peace. The temple is of Chalukya period (around 10 th century) and was renovated after it was destroyed by Mughals, by Sambhaji Maharaj.
It is characterized by four entrances with main Mahadwar in west, wooden Nagarkhana containing musical instruments and Deep Stambh columns with ornamental carvings. It is located in the sanctum and it is the black stone idol of Mahalaxmi with 4 arms holding a citrus fruit, a mace, a shield and a bowl that is 3 ft tall. Temple complex also has Radha Krishna, Kal Bhairav, Siddhivinayak and others shrines and five spires that emulate Mahalaxmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Ganesha and the central mandap.
The working hours of the temple remain 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but a few extensions to work during holidays such as the Navratri and Diwali periods. Paid darshan tickets are not allowed which makes access to all even. There are not many places to park thus it is suggested that people visit early. Jotiba Temple (22 km) and New Palace, and Rankala Lake are other attractions located within a close distance of a radius of 3.9 km. There is cheap accommodation, such as Shree Mahalaxmi Dharmashala (100 500 m), which is 100 500 m and costs 100 per day. The pilgrims are convinced that a pilgrimage is not done until the deity Mahalaxmi is paid a visit.
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An Overview on Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kolhapur, Maharashtra, near Panchganga River (5 km from railway station) |
| Dedicated To | Goddess Mahalaxmi (Ambabai, Karveer Nivasini) |
| Built | ~10th century (Chalukya era), restored by Sambhaji Maharaj |
| Main Idol | 3-foot-tall black stone Mahalaxmi, four-armed, standing |
| Architecture | Four entrances, five spires, Deep Stambh pillars, Nagarkhana |
| Shakti Peeth Status | One of Maharashtra’s 3.5 Shakti Peeths |
| Temple Timings | 5:00 AM–10:00 PM, extended during festivals |
| Entry Fee | Free, no paid darshan tickets |
| Main Festivals | Navratri, Diwali |
| Distance from Bus Depot | 5 km, 10–15 minutes by road |
| Nearby Attractions | Rankala Lake (3.9 km), Jotiba Temple (22 km), New Palace Museum (3 km) |
| Accommodation | Shree Mahalaxmi Dharmashala (₹100/person, 100–500 m), private hotels |
| Parking | Limited, early arrival advised |
| Photography | Not allowed inside the temple |
Mahalaxmi Temple Presence and Architecture
It has four entrances, and the temple was constructed in the 10 th century in Chalukya era Mahadwar(west), east, north and south windows. There is a Nagarkhana building of wood in close proximity to the Mahadwar, in which musical instruments, such as shehnai, and choughada are found to play during aarti and festivals. The central point of attraction is the 3 feet tall black stone idol of Mahalaxmi in the standing position with four arms carrying a citrus fruit, mace, shield, and a bowl in her arms.
There are five spires and shrines to the Mahalaxmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, Ganesha, and the center mandap which represents energies of rajas, tamas, and sattva. There are other temples such as Radha Krishna, Kal Bhairav, Siddhivinayak, Tulja Bhavani among others. Architectural richness through intricate carvings on pillars and 64 yoginis living in different phases is representative of the temple.
Historical Significance and Mythological Significance Mahalaxmi Temple
Kolhapur is a legendary city named after Kolhasur defeated by Goddess Mahalaxmi, who had prayed the people to stop his oppression. Kolhasur asked the city be named after him and the goddess obliged him. Mughals destroyed the church, yet the priests managed to conceal the idol during several years. During the rule of Sambhaji Maharaj it was restored. By renovations of different rulers such as the Yadav dynasty are confirmed by inscriptions and historical documents.
The different styles that bring the architecture of the temple are related to the mixed styles during various times that brings out the rich culture of Kolhapur. Mahalaxmi pilgrimage is deemed as the culmination of a pilgrimage to Tirupati balaji and this site is thus very crucial to pilgrims.
Other Attractions and Facilities close by Mahalaxmi Temple
The temple complex has shrines such as the Dattatreya Maharaj, Surya Narayan and Annapurna. Rankala Lake exists at the distance of 3.9 km, Jotiba Temple at 22 km, and New Palace Museum at 3 km. There are places to stay such as a Shree Mahalaxmi Dharmashala (1001500 m, 100 per person for the dorms) and hotels at your own expense. They have limited parking space, thus it is recommended to come in advance with your own parking space. The spiritual and the cultural experience is augmented by the peaceful Panchganga River and the colorful markets of the area.
What are the sevas and darshans are available at the temple
| Seva/Darshan | Description | Timings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free darshan of Goddess Mahalaxmi’s 3-foot black stone idol in the sanctum. | 5:00 AM–10:30 PM | Free |
| Special Darshan | Paid darshan for quicker access, especially during crowded times. | 5:00 AM–12:30 PM | ₹50 or ₹500 (depending on type) |
| Kakad Aarti | Morning aarti with mouthwash and foot worship, offering butter and sugar. | 5:30 AM | Free (participation open to all) |
| Panchamrut Abhishek | Ritual bathing of the deity with milk, honey, ghee, etc., with Shodshopchar Pooja. | 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM | ₹1,100 (Mahabhishek) |
| Mahapuja (Morning) | Elaborate worship with prayers and offerings after Kakad Aarti. | ~6:00 AM–7:00 AM (post-Kakad Aarti) | Free (observation), paid for participation (contact temple) |
| Afternoon Mahapuja | Midday worship ritual with offerings like Puranpoli (on Fridays). | 11:30 AM–12:00 PM | Free (observation), paid for participation (contact temple) |
| Mangalarati | Evening aarti with offerings like Ladu Karanja’s Naivedya and Shankhtirtha. | 8:15 PM | Free (participation open to all) |
| Alankar Puja | Adorning the goddess with Mahavastra and gold ornaments. | Varies (typically morning) | Contact temple for price |
| Padya Puja | Ritual worship of the goddess’s feet with Panchopchar Vidhi. | 5:30 AM–12:30 PM | ₹100–₹500 (approx., contact temple) |
| Kumkum Archana | Offering kumkum to the goddess’s feet, performed by male devotees only. | 5:30 AM–12:30 PM | ₹100–₹500 (approx., contact temple) |
| Otee Offering | Offering coconut, flowers, bangles, haldi-kumkum, rice, or saree to the goddess. | Any time during temple hours | ₹50–₹1,000 (varies by items) |
| Puran Poli Naivedya | Offering pure veg Puran Poli as naivedya to the goddess. | Fridays, 11:30 AM (Mahanaivedya) | ₹100–₹500 (approx., contact temple) |
Important Instruction of the temple
- Timings: Seva and darshan timings can be prolonged during the festivals such as Navratri, Diwali, Kirnotsav or Rathotsav. Visit https://mahalaxmikolhapur.com/ to get updates.
- Booking: General darshan is non-charging and does not need any booking. Special darshan and sevas will be booked online on: https://mahalaxmikolhapur.com/ or it is done offline in the temple counter. E-Pass is compulsory to be entered through issuing with QR code by means of the site.
- Dress Code: The people, who are required to perform Abhishek/Puja, have to wear a dhoti (please bring your own or rent it 100). Everything is modest there, no heavy materials or purses, or mobiles are suppose to get in.
- Restrictions on Abhishek: To conserve the idol, the Abhishek is done on Utsav Murti or Silver Paduka in Puja Mandap where the main idol is kept. The worshippers should turn up before 20 minutes.
- Senior Citizens: No special facilities to the senior citizens or those who are specially-abled, but you can buy special entry tickets at the temple counter to get in faster (contact temple to understand how).
- Prasad: Anna Prasadam is freely handed out to the devotees. There are extra prasad available on the outside such as laddus.
- Photography: No photography in the sanctum. To reach remote devotees a live darshan is also provided through the temple site or YouTube via the temple site.
- Contact: To book special seva or get the final price, you have to contact the temple at +91-231-2623011 or visit temple office 3068, A Ward, Kapiltirth Market, Kolhapur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the location of Mahalaxmi Temple?
Kolhapur, Maharashtra is at 5 km away from the railway station, central bus depot and the Panchganga River.
When does the temple open?
It is a twenty four hour temple which opens as early as 5: 00 AM and stays open until 10: 00 PM, but has even longer open hours during the festival of Navratri and Diwali.
What are the ways to access Mahalaxmi Temple?
Taxi/auto ( 50-100), or bus Kolhapur railroad station or bus depot (5 km, 10-15 minutes). The closest airport is Kolhapur Airport (10 km).
Would there be paid darshan or entry fee?
There is no entry fee and there are no paid darshan tickets and neither is the case in Shirdi or Tirupati.
What is the importance of Mahalaxmi Temple?
It is the 3.5 Shakti Peeth of Maharashtra dedicated to the Goddess Mahalaxmi which is said to be the completion of the pilgrimage Tirupati Balaji.
Which are the festivals held at the temple?
Two very famous festivals observed include Navratri and Diwali which gather large populations and special decoration.
Is there provision of accommodation near the temple?
And yes, there is Shree Mahalaxmi Dharmashala (100 100 m/person) and individual hotels.
What are the attractions of the surroundings?
Visit Rankala Lake (3.9 km), Jotiba Temple (22 km) and New Palace Museum (3 km) and other shrines within the complex.