About Mahalakshmi Temple
Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, lovingly called Ambabai, stands in the centre of Kolhapur in southern Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and is counted among the Shakti Peethas, where tradition says the eyes of Sati fell. It is also one of the 'three and a half' Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra. The temple is famous for Kiranotsav, when the setting sun's rays enter the temple and fall on the goddess for a few days each year.
The Karvir Mahatmya and other Puranic texts describe Kolhapur, then called Karvir, as a sacred place where the goddess slew the demon Kolhasur. The stone temple is believed to date from the Chalukya period, around the seventh century, with later additions under the Shilaharas and Yadavas. The Marathas, especially the Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur, supported its worship, and the present image was reinstalled in the temple in the eighteenth century.
The temple is built of black stone with finely carved walls and pillars. The four-armed image of the goddess, made of black stone and adorned with jewels, faces west, unlike most temples. A small window on the western wall lets in the sun's rays during Kiranotsav. Smaller shrines to Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, Ganesha and others surround the main sanctum.
Mahalakshmi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Kakad Aarti | Early morning, around 5:00 AM |
| Mahapuja and Aarti | Morning |
| Naivedya Aarti | Around midday |
| Dhoop Aarti | Evening |
| Shej Aarti | Night, before closing |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mahalakshmi Temple
By air
Kolhapur Airport – about 10 km; Pune International Airport – about 230 km.
By train
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, Kolhapur – about 2 km.
By road
Kolhapur is on the Pune–Bengaluru highway (NH-48), with frequent MSRTC buses from Pune, Mumbai and other cities.
Festivals at Mahalakshmi Temple
- NavaratriSep/Oct
- KiranotsavJan/Feb and Nov
- Lalita PanchamiSep/Oct
- RathotsavMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Entry is free and open to all devotees; paid darshan options may be available at the temple office. Bags may be checked at the entrance.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid long queues.
- During Kiranotsav, arrive well before sunset to watch the sun's rays reach the goddess.
- Many pilgrims also visit the Jyotiba temple nearby.
- Try a Kolhapuri thali or misal after darshan.
- Keep footwear at the official stands outside the gates.
Places to visit near Mahalakshmi Temple
- Jyotiba TempleHilltop temple of Jyotiba, about 18 km
- Rankala LakeScenic lake popular in the evenings, about 2 km
- New Palace MuseumRoyal palace museum of Kolhapur, about 4 km
- Panhala FortHistoric Maratha fort, about 20 km
- NarsobawadiDatta pilgrimage site on the Krishna river, about 45 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
What is Kiranotsav at Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?
It is the event when the setting sun's rays fall directly on the goddess for a few days, usually in late January–early February and again in November.
Is Kolhapur Mahalakshmi a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. Tradition holds that Sati's eyes fell here, and it is one of the main Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra.
Which is the nearest railway station to Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur?
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus in Kolhapur, about 2 km away.
Why does the goddess face west?
The image of Mahalakshmi faces west, which is unusual, and this alignment allows the setting sun to reach her during Kiranotsav.
What is the aarti time at Mahalakshmi Temple?
Kakad Aarti: Early morning, around 5:00 AM; Mahapuja and Aarti: Morning; Naivedya Aarti: Around midday; Dhoop Aarti: Evening; Shej Aarti: Night, before closing. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Mahalakshmi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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