The temple belongs architecturally to the Chalukya Empire and may have to been first
built in circa 700 AD. The idol of Mahalaxmi carved in black stone is a three feet
in height. The image of the four armed and crowned Goddess is made by gemstone and
weight about forty kilograms. The Shree Yantra is carved on one of the walls in
the temple. A stone lion, the conveyance of the Goddess Mahalaxmi, stand behind
the idol. The crown contains an image of the Sheshnag, the serpent of Lord Vishnu.
In her four hands, the deity of Goddess Mahalaxmi holds of symbolic value. The lower
right hand holds a Mhalunga ( a citrus fruit), in the upper right, a large mace
(Koumodaki) with its head touching the ground, in the upper left a shield (Khetaka)
and the lower left, a bowl (Panpatra). Unlike most Hindu sacred images, which face
north or east, the image of this deity looks west (Pashchim). 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.
There are a number of other shrines in the courtyard to the Navagrahas, Surya, Mahishasuramardini,
Vitthal-Rakhmai, Shiva, Vishnu, Tulaja Bhavani and others. Some of these images
date back to the 11th century, while some are of recent origin. Also located in
the courtyard is the temple tank Manikarnika Kund, on whose bank is a shrine to
Visweshwar Mahadev.
Worship Structure:
Five worship services are offered each day. The first one is at 5 am, and it involves
the waking of the deity with a Kakada Aarati, –torch, to the accompaniment of hymns.
The second worship service at 8 am involves the offering of the Shodashopachara
pooja consisting of 16 elements. The afternoon and evening services and the Shejaarati
pooja constitute the three other services.
Special Events:
A festival image of the deity is taken out in procession around the temple courtyard
each Friday, and on full moon days.
Navratra Festival:
Navratra (Nine Nights):This festival is celebrated for ten days during the Hindu
month of Ashwin (around October). All the ten days at 9.30 pm the idol of the Goddess
is decorated in different forms with flowers and lights and is taken out in procession
in the temple complex. Various programs arranged in ten days by Devasthan Committees.
Millions of devotees are present on these days from all over India. Lalita Panchami
(Fifth Day of the Navratra):On this day litter of Goddess Mahalaxmi procession leaves
the temple premises to visit Goddess Tryamboli’s Temple which is at a short distance
from the main temple in Kolhapur. Ashtami (Eight day of the Navratra):On this day,
the silver representation is placed on a throne and is taken around the town in
procession from Mahadwar road, Gujri-Bhausinghji road, Bhavani Mandap (where the
goddess is honored with betel leaves and betel nut by distinguished people. She
is also offered Oti (comprising golden bordered blouse piece, coconut, bangles,
sweets and token money), Guru maharaj wada, Shri Binkhanbi Ganesh (where Lord Ganesh
is worshipped) and back to the Mahadwar Road and to the temple.
Kiranotsav (Sun rays):
This festival is celebrated when the sun rays fall directly on the deity’s idol
at the time of sunset on the following days: 31st January and 9th November: Sun
rays fall directly on the foot of deity. 1st February and 10thNovenber: Sun rays
fall directly on the chest of the deity. 2nd February and 11th November: Sun rays
fall directly on the entire body of the deity.
Rathotsav (Chariot Festival):
This festival organized in April. The chariot bearing the silver representation
of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is decorated with flowers and lights. It is taken out in
a procession in the evening from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. The devotees can pay their
respects to the Goddess when the procession arrives at the main entrance of the
temple, Huge Rangoli (floor paintings) is drawn along the path of the procession
and fireworks add to the festivities. Several devotees flock to participate in this
event.