Mahalakshmi Shakti Peetha

Three-and-a-half Shakti Peetha of special sanctity — Mahalakshmi’s stone image is uniquely beautiful.

दर्शन महत्व: Kirnotsav sun-ray darshan twice a year is a marvel; Kolhapur cuisine rewards the trip.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Feb

History

Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur is one of the three-and-a-half Shakti Peethas of special sanctity in Maharashtra (with Tuljapur, Mahur, and the half at Saptashrungi). The Chalukya-era stone temple holds a unique four-armed Mahalakshmi image. Kirnotsav — when the setting sun lights the murti — occurs a few days a year.

Legends

• Kolhapur is Karavira kshetra; the Goddess slew the demon Kolasura and took her seat here.
• She is both Lakshmi and Mahishasuramardini — prosperity and protective Shakti in one peetha.