Mahalaxmi Kolhapur
Though relatively unpopular compared to other temples but it is said that married couples must visit this place atleast once for a fruitful married life. Located in the city of Kolhapur, its one of the most revered Mahalaxmi temples of Maharashtra. This destination is the oldest & most holy Devi temples of Maharashtra. This is one of the main Shaktipiths. The temple complex is quiet huge with three entrances. The temple itself is quite grand from the outside, it is quite simple in the inside sanctum. If one goes early morning 6.00 am. the darshan along with the morning aarti can be witnessed without much crowds. Overall its a very pleasing and spiritual experience.
Goddess Mahalaxmi said to be a wife of lord Vishnu(Tirupati) has ancient temple in Kolhapur. Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height, deity faces west (Pashchim). Devis vehicle a stone lion is also carved , stands behind the statue. There is a small open window on the western wall, through which the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days around the 21st of each March and September. The Shree Yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple and covered with glass. So devotees can put flowers, Haldi-Kunku on it. Other small temples in this temple premises are Navgraha, Surya, Mahishasurmardini, Vitthal-Rakhumai, Shiva, Vishnu, Bhawani mata, Lord Dattatray and others. Some of these images date back to the 11th century, while some are of recent origin. Also there is the temple tank “Manikarnika Kund”, on whose bank is another shrine to Visweshwar Mahadev. It is stone carving structure said to be built by two Asuras in a single night.
If you are in Kolhapur this temple should be in your must visit list!
How to reach :
We can take Mahalaxmi Express from CST. at 7.00 pm. will reach at morning in Kolhapur. Otherwise there are private A.C. buses to Kolhapur everyday. From railway station and bus stand by auto we can reach in temple area. There are various hotels to stay and eat food. Also Bhaktaniwas is builded by Mandir Sansthan. Today every day there is Prasad at Bhojanalay free for devotees.
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