Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth Maharashtra – History, Timings & Location

The Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, stands as one of the most revered centers of the Divine Mother, known locally as Ambabai (or Karveer Nivasini). This ancient temple is not only counted among the 51 Shakti Peethas but also holds the extremely rare and prestigious title of being one of the three and a half Maha Shakti Peethas (Sade Teen Shakti Peetha) of Maharashtra, making it an exceptionally potent spiritual destination.

Kolhapur, historically known as Karveer or Dakshin Kashi (Kashi of the South), embodies a unique confluence of the Shakta (Goddess) and Vaishnava (Vishnu) traditions, as the deity worshipped is Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, yet the temple’s foundation is rooted in the fierce energy of Goddess Sati.

Mythology and Deities

The sanctity of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is established by two major Puranic narratives: the legend of the Shakti Peetha and a local legend involving a powerful demon.

The Shakti Peetha Connection: Sati’s Eyes

The most widely accepted Puranic tradition holds that the eyes (or sometimes the third eye) of Goddess Sati fell at this location when Lord Vishnu dismembered her body with the Sudarshan Chakra to halt Lord Shiva’s destructive Tandava.

• Body Part Fallen: Eyes (or Netra/Trinetra).
• Deity of the Peeth (Shakti): Mahalakshmi (Ambabai). She is worshipped as the Goddess of prosperity, wealth, power, and sustenance. Her presence here, rooted in Sati’s sacrifice, also emphasizes her fierce, protective aspect as the vanquisher of evil.
• Guardian (Bhairava): Lord Shiva, the protector of the Peeth, is revered as Karavira Bhairava.

The belief is that because the eyes of the Goddess fell here, the site grants devotees profound spiritual vision, or the ability to obtain both fulfillment of worldly desires and salvation (moksha a very rare promise among pilgrimage sites.

The Karveer Nivasini Legend

The local lore links the Goddess to the ancient name of the city, Karveer. Legend states that a powerful demon named Kolhasura tormented the gods and beings in the region. Goddess Mahalakshmi descended and fought a fierce battle, ultimately slaying Kolhasura at this very spot. As he died, the demon requested the Goddess to name the place after him, which became Kolhapur. She then took permanent abode here as Karveer Nivasini (the resident of Karveer), affirming her role as the fierce protector of the region.

The Sacred Idol and Architecture

The Mahalakshmi Temple is a magnificent example of Chalukya-era architecture, with influences from later dynasties like the Shilaharas and Marathas. It is believed to have been first built around the 7th century CE.

The Unique Idol

The central idol of Mahalakshmi is a marvel of ancient art:

• Material and Size: Carved from black stone (believed to be gemstone or Shaligram stone), it stands approximately 3 feet high and weighs around 40 kilograms.
• Posture and Arms: The Goddess is four-armed (Chaturbhuja). She holds a mace (Kaumodaki) that touches the ground (symbolizing her victory over Kolhasura), a shield (Khetaka), a citrus fruit (Matulinga) symbolizing fertility, and a drinking bowl (Panpatra). These martial symbols differentiate her iconography from the more serene representations of Lakshmi, underscoring her Mahakali/Durga aspect as a warrior Goddess.
• Orientation: Uniquely, the idol faces West (Pashchim), which is generally considered inauspicious for the main deity in Hindu temples, adding to its mystique.

The Kirnotsav Phenomenon

The most celebrated feature of the temple’s architecture is the Kirnotsav (Sun Festival). Due to the precise western orientation and the alignment of the temple’s structure, the rays of the setting sun fall directly onto the idol for three days twice a year (around March 21st and September 21st):

1. Day 1: Sun’s rays touch the Goddess’s feet.
2. Day 2: Rays fall on her chest.
3. Day 3: Rays illuminate her entire face.

This incredible feat of ancient engineering is viewed as the Sun God, Surya, paying homage to the Divine Mother, attracting thousands of devotees and scholars.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

The Trinity of Goddesses

The temple houses three main shrines in the central mandap facing west, representing the divine trinity of the Goddess:

• Mahalakshmi: In the center, embodying power and wealth.
• Mahakali: To the south, embodying destruction of evil and time.
• Mahasaraswati: To the north, embodying knowledge and wisdom.

This configuration signifies the Goddess as the source of all three fundamental energies creation, preservation, and destruction making the temple a microcosm of the entire cosmic Shakti.

The “Three and a Half” Peethas

Kolhapur is one of the four most sacred Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra, known as the Sade Teen Shakti Peetha. The others are Tuljapur (Bhavani), Mahur (Renuka), and Vani/Saptashringi (half-peetha). This status elevates its religious importance far beyond a typical pilgrimage site, as it is believed to be where the cosmic energy of the Goddess is most intensely concentrated.

The visit to the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is often considered an essential pilgrimage to complete the devotional journey to the Divine Mother in the Deccan region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)