SHRI MAHALAXMI AMBABAI MANDIR
The Divine Heart of Kolhapur
A Living Temple
Shri Mahalaxmi Ambabai Mandir is one of the most revered temples of Kolhapur.
SHAKTI PEETHAS
The temple holds an important place in the Shakti tradition and is deeply revered by devotees.
A Geometry of Devotion
Every column, carving and ornamental detail contributes to the temple's sacred character.
Every Stone Tells a Story
Intricate pillars, carvings and sculptural details preserve centuries of craftsmanship.
From Stone Toward the Sky
A vertical expression of devotion, geometry and architectural tradition.
A LIVING HERITAGE
Ancient tradition.
Living devotion.
One sacred home.
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
A sanctuary woven
from stone, fire and song.
Shri Mahalaxmi Mandir in Kolhapur is one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in India, dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi (Ambabai). Built originally during the Chalukya period in the 7th century CE, the temple has been expanded over centuries by various dynasties including the Shilahara, Yadava, and Maratha rulers.
It holds immense importance in Hindu tradition, standing as an enduring symbol of spiritual devotion, cultural heritage, and incredible ancient architectural mastery. The temple remains a living, breathing space where centuries-old traditions and daily aartis are performed every single day without interruption.
SACRED DEITY
Goddess Mahalaxmi
(Ambabai)
The idol of Mahalaxmi is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). Seated on a stone platform, the image of the four-armed deity is carved in black stone, holding sacred symbols in her hands. She is revered as the mother of the universe, blessing devotees with spiritual liberation and worldly prosperity alike.
KIRNOTSAV
A rare alignment of
light and devotion.
The annual Kirnotsav (Festival of Sun Rays) is a unique architectural and astronomical phenomenon. Twice a year, in January and November, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the temple's western entrance. The golden rays travel across the mandapam, illuminating the Goddess's feet on the first day, her chest on the second, and finally resting upon her face on the third day.
ARCHITECTURE
A Geometry of Devotion
Gopuram
The towering, intricately carved entrance gateway.
Main Entrance
Sacred thresholds leading inward to the divine.
Mandapam
The grand assembly hall supported by master-crafted pillars.
Sanctum
Garbhagriha — the innermost sacred chamber.
Pillars
Monolithic columns bearing ancient stories and geometry.
Carvings
Centuries-old bas-reliefs of celestial dancers and deities.
TEMPLE INFORMATION
Mahalaxmi Temple,
Shivaji Chowk, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra 416012
5:00 AM – 9:30 PM
(Open Daily)
Goddess Mahalaxmi
(Ambabai)
MISSION
To preserve sacred tradition with grace and openness.
VISION
A spiritual home for every seeker, of every path.
VALUES
Reverence.Service.Compassion.Beauty.
OUR SACRED JOURNEY
MahalaxmiPuja was born from a vision to bring authentic temple rituals closer to devotees who cannot physically visit Kolhapur. We understand that devotion knows no geographical boundaries.
Our platform serves as a digital bridge to the divine, ensuring that every seva, chadhava, and naivedya is offered with exact Vedic precision by the hereditary Shreepujaks of the temple, directly in your name.
OUR SERVICES
Complete Devotional Offerings
Online Puja Booking
Book personalized pujas performed by hereditary Shreepujak.
Chadhava / Arpan
Offer Regular Otee, Saree Otee, directly to Goddess Mahalaxmi.
Naivedya / Bhog
Offer Puranpoli Naivedya and sacred Bhojan in your family name.
Online Darshan
Watch live aarti and darshan of Goddess Ambabai 24/7.
Offline Darshan Pass
Book VIP darshan passes for priority temple entry.
Annadan & Gou Seva
Contribute to sacred Annadan and Goushala Gou Seva.