Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur — Maharashtra. One of 51 Shakti Peeths. Dham of Maa Ambabai (Mahalakshmi). 7th century.
Wife of Tirupati (belief). South Kashi. After Tirupati darshan, Kolhapur mandatory.
✦ Features
Black stone idol.
40 kg weight.
3 ft tall.
Crown + 5-hooded snake on head.
Diamonds-gems.
Chalukya-era temple.
UNESCO nominated.
✦ Kiranotsav (Sun Festival)
Twice yearly.
31 January and 9 November.
Sun rays fall directly on idol.
3 days. Daily 3 minutes.
Astronomical-architectural unique.
Thousands of devotees.
✦ Darshan
4:30 AM — 10:30 PM.
5 daily aartis.
Sarva: free. VIP: ₹100.
Navratri: very special.
Friday: special shringar.
Kiranotsav: limited entry.
✦ Access
Kolhapur rail + airport.
Mumbai 380 km. Pune 240 km. Goa 220 km.
Jyotiba Temple 18 km.
Narsobachi-Wadi 50 km.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kiranotsav?▼
Sun rays fall directly on idol per architecture. 31 Jan & 9 Nov. 7th century math. Miraculous.
Why South Kashi?▼
Like Kashi is moksha-city, Kolhapur is Mahalakshmi-dham. Moksha tirth.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.