Mahalakshmi Temple (also known as Ambabai Mandir) is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi. According to Hinduism, Goddess Mahalakshmi is the consort of Maha Vishnu and it is customary among Hindus to visit Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple and Padmavathi Temple as a yatra (pilgrimage). It is believed by Hindus that visiting these temples as a pilgrimage helps achieve moksha (salvation). It is also believed by Hindus that Mahalakshmi had appeared here to kill demon Kolhasur. It is considered one of the three and a half Shaktipeetha's in the Shakta tradition.
History
The temple was built by the Chalukya king Karnadeva in 634 CE.
Based on the writings of the twelfth century Kannada poet Brahmashiva, scholar and historian Paul Dundas notes disturbing developments stating that the temple was originally a Jain temple dedicated to the 8th Tirthankar, Chandraprabh Bhagwan, and was later converted into a Hindu shrine for Goddess Mahalakshmi during religious tensions in the medieval era.
Description
Mounted on a stone platform, the murti of the crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. A stone lion (the vahana of the goddess), stands behind the statue. The crown contains a five headed snake. Furthermore, she holds a Matulinga fruit, mace, shield and a pānapātra (drinking bowl). Professor Prabhakar Malshe says, "The name of Karaveera is still locally used to denote the city of Kolhapur".
References
External links Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur