Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) Temple, Kolhapur

Introduction

 

The city of Kolhapur (Karaveerapur as it was known in ancient times) is situated in the Western state of Maharashtra. In the Kolhapur Mahatmya and also in a number of Puranas, it is mentioned as Dakshin Kashi on account of its ancient tradition and religious influences. Different dynasties ruled it at different periods although it attained its stature of greatness under the Maratha rule of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.  One of the most important pilgrim centre which draws millions of pilgrims from all over the world is the Mahalakshmi or Ambabai temple at Kolhapur. It is considered one of the Shakti Peethas in Maharashtra the other three being Tuljapur, Vani and Mahur which is believed to lead one to salvation and fulfilment of all desires.

Temple history

The temple was said to have been constructed in the Chalukya period (550 AD to 660 AD) by King Manglesh as can be evident from the style of sculpture. However in the 8th century the ancient temple was destroyed by an earthquake and several ruins of the former structure can be found today. In the 9th century, it was restored and beautified by the Shilahara Yadavas. The remains can be observed in the ancient idol which is found in a small structure next to the stairs. (Alprazolam) On the other side of the stairs is the sculpture of the Varaha (boar) Avatar of Lord Vishnu carrying Mother Earth on its tusk. The boar also represented the emblem of the erstwhile Chalukyan empire. Behind the sculpture of the boar is an inscription of a Shivalinga, a bull and a sword. The remains of masterpieces of art include a part of a spire with the sun disc having 12 signs of the zodiac. Above this spire is an intricately carved panel of Jain Tirthankars and on the left side is a sculpture of moon and standing eagle with its hands joined together.  On the first storey is an idol of Lord Ganesha with stone carving carrying the face of a ferocious lion which was the symbol of the Chalukyan dynasty. There is also a sculpture of Vyala which is a composite mythical leonine beast with horns found near the staircase leading to the superstructure. The remains of two sculptures one of a bull and the other of a ram can be seen on either side of the main entrance.  Below the lamp pillars is the snake sculpture and Shivalingas which portray the Badami (Bijapur) style of temples built in the Chalukyan era.

Architecture of the temple

Since the temple was reconstructed and restored during successive centuries, the influence of various architectural styles of different eras can be seen. From the 6th to the 13th century, various additions to the original temple were made. The temple measures 350 feet by 225 feet with a height of 35 feet with the main spire at 45 feet. The temple is said to be of Hemadpanthi style after Prime Minister Hemadri Yadav of the Yadav dynasty. This style involves the use of locally available black stone and lime in its construction. The Mahalakshmi temple also depicts the Vesar style of architecture which is a confluence of Nagar and Dravidian styles which comprises of a main temple with a complex having several small shrines. The base of such temples is star shaped (called Tarakapeeth, taraka meaning star and peeth meaning base) with angular contours and 24 to 32 angles to the star shaped structure. At the base there are sculptures of elephants at various entrances and corners of this temple.

Iconography

It is said that it was in 250 BC that the first mention of Goddess Mahalakshmi was made evolving into the form as seen today. Various coins with her image were seen in the Gupta period and later in the Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Shilahara and Yadava dynasties. Stone inscriptions in Kolhapur describe Goddess Mahalakshmi as Simhavahini and grants given by King Prabhu, who was a devotee of the Goddess, are recorded in these inscriptions. The image of Goddess Mahalakshmi weighs about 40 kg and is 3 feet in height mounted on a stone platform. It is carved in black stone and is four armed. The crown made of gemstones contains an image of Sheshnag, the serpent of Vishnu. In her four hands she holds a citrus fruit (Mhalunga), a large mace (kaumodaki), a shield (Khetaka) and a bowl (panpatra). The image faces West instead of the usual North or East. The crown of Goddess Mahalakshmi has a cobra hood and a Shivalinga with a Yoni around it.

Legend behind the temple

Sage Bhrigu was one of the Saptarishis and the Manas Putra of Lord Brahma. Once a great Maha Yajna was being performed by many great sages and a decision could not be taken as to which God among Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva was the greatest in order to be offered the primary seat in the Yajna. Sage Bhrigu decided to test each of them and decide on the greatest. On reaching Brahmaloka, he displayed disrespect for Lord Brahma who furious with him wished to punish him, but was restrained by his consort Mother Saraswati. Unhappy, Sage Bhrigu left the place cursing that no one would worship Brahma on earth due to which there are very few Brahma temples on earth to this day. Sage Bhrigu then set out to Kailash and was stopped by Nandi from entering inside as Shiva and Parvati were in their private chambers. Bhrigu then cursed Shiva that he would only be worshipped in the Linga form. Finally, Bhrigu set out to Vaikunta to test Lord Vishnu. When he entered, he saw Vishnu in deep sleep and when he did not wake up and acknowledge Bhrigu, the sage kicked him on his chest (said to be the place where Goddess Mahalakshmi resides). Vishnu immediately awoke and instead of getting angry rushed to sage Bhrigu and asking him if his foot was paining due to the strike began to massage it. During this act, the Lord is said to have squashed the extra eye that was present in the sole of Bhrigu’s foot symbolising the sage’s egotism. Sage Bhrigu immediately declared that Vishnu was the greatest among the trinity. But Goddess Mahalakshmi, Vishnu’s consort was furious at Bhrigu’s temerity and when she saw Vishnu’s inaction against Bhrigu, she left Vaikunta and went to Kolhapur where she observed strict penance for many years and remained there until Vishnu went in search of her, which resulted in the legend of Lord Balaji and Padmavati. Her presence is said to ensure never ending prosperity to the city of Kolhapur.

Other temples and layout

On the left side of the main shrine is the temple of Goddess Mahasaraswati and on the right side is the Mahakali temple. The temple houses the Sri Yantra (geometrical representation of the Goddess) and the idol of Lord Ganesha lies in one niche of the wall. Over the sanctum sanctorum is an upper temple housing an icon of Lord Ganesha with a rectangular Shivalinga in front of it better known as Matulinga as the Shivalinga is atop the idol of the Goddess and depicts the Supreme form of genesis. There is an arch like gateway made of black stone with the Ganesh Pattika. The first hall or Ranga Mandap is octagonal in shape called the Darshan Mandap followed by the Kurma Mandap or the Shankha Tirtha Mandap as tirth is sprinkled on the devotees from a shankh or conch. There are several pillars with sculpted patterns and the ceilings are also intricately carved. This is followed by a second archway with idols of Jaya and Vijaya, the doorkeepers of Vishnu, who are said to have built the temple for Goddess Mahalakshmi in one night. This is followed by the Ganapati Chowk with the idol of Lord Ganesha and other idols of Sage Agastya, Lopamudra, Uma Maheshwar, Katyayani and Venkatesh. The outermost hall is the Garud mandap and the outer side of the main temple have niches with beautiful sculptures. Five spires and domes representing the four cardinal directions and the centre have been built in recent times by Shankaracharya of Sankeshwar. There is a Navagraha temple on entering the temple complex along with various shrines of Gods and Goddesses namely Kalabhairav, Radhakrishna, Siddhivinayak, Tulja Bhavani, Annapurna and many others towards the Southern gate called Vidyapeeth Darwaza. There are two holy ponds namely Manikarnika and Kasi, the former having now been replaced by a garden. There is a Sheshashahi (Vishnu) temple with Vitthal and Rakhumai on the northern door of the temple. There is a Nagar Khana or drum chamber and the holy kitchen where meals for the Goddess are prepared.

Daily schedule

The daily routine of the temple starts at 4.30 am with ringing of the bell at Ghati Darwaza (the doors of the main temple), Kakad arati followed by morning Mahapuja, Naivedya, Afternoon Mahapuja, Alankar Puja, Dhoop Arati and Shej Arati.

Festivals celebrated

Kirnotsav celebrations

 

Kirnotsav or the festival of the sun’s rays is celebrated each year when the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days through a small open window on the western wall. This is considered highly auspicious and rare and pilgrims throng to see the deity at this time. The three days are as follows –

Jan 31st and Nov 9th – Sun rays fall directly on the feet of the deity

Feb 1st and Nov 10th – Sun rays fall directly on the chest of the deity

Feb 2nd and Nov 11th – Sun rays fall directly on the entire body of the deity

Rathotsav Celebrations

This is the chariot festival in April when the chariot bearing the silver representation of the Goddess is decorated with lights and flowers and taken out in a procession to the city and back to the temple. The military or police band accompanies the procession along with the bursting of firecrackers. Huge Rangolis are painted along the path of the procession.

 

 

Navratra Mahotsav

The Navratra festival in the month of October is celebrated grandly for ten days at the temple. The Goddess is adorned with ornaments and accompanied by lights, flowers and military band, is taken in a procession and placed in a special Mandap. After a single canon salute followed by ritual worship and Arati, there are many cultural programmes organised by the Temple Trust.

Devasthan Committee

The temple is managed by a Committee appointed by the law and judicial department, Government of Maharashtra.  They take care of the overall functioning of the temple, accept donations for renovations and trust activities, preserve and store the ornaments of the Goddess and other precious items, oversee the distribution of Mahaprasad and other functions.

How To Reach

The major town or city closest to Kolhapur is Panhala, which is at a distance of 20 km from Kolhapur.

By Air

Kolhapur airport is at a distance of 30 km from the temple. Also, Pune and Mumbai have regular domestic and international flights.

By Train

Kolhapur railway station is at a distance of 5 km from the temple and many trains pass by from most of the major cities in the country. Miraj is also an important railway station at a distance of 10 km from the temple.

By Road

Kolhapur is 400 km from Mumbai and 240 km from Pune. It is located on NH4 which lies between Pune and Bangalore hence it is well connected by buses, cars and autos.

Accommodation

There are a number of guest houses and Dharamshalas for pilgrims including budget, A/c and non A/c hotels.

Conclusion

The Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur is referred to as Sreekarveer Nivasini. Pilgrims come from all over the country to soak in the spiritual ambience of the temple. The darshan and worship of the Goddess is said to fulfil all desires and lead the pilgrim towards self-realisation. As it is one of the Shakti Peethas listed in all the Puranas, the temple is said to be a storehouse of energy and power. The Goddess is offered Sari-Choli (Sari and blouse) or coconut and silk cloth especially during the holy festival of Navratra. Some pilgrims recite the Saptashati (the biography of the Goddess in seven hundred verses), some offer eyes made of silver to the Goddess while others sprinkle the path circling the inner sanctum of the Goddess with Kumkum during Navratra.  Holy temples like the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur have been preserved, restructured and renovated for centuries and their precincts have been hallowed by saints, seers and pilgrims strengthening the ideals of Hinduism and divinity.