Shakti Peeth
Mahalakshmi Shakti Peeth, Kolhapur
Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Revered as the 'Kashi of the South' — Maharashtra's celebrated Shakti tirtha
At a glance
- Location
- Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Presiding deity
- Goddess Mahalakshmi (Ambabai)
- Temple type
- Shakti Peeth
- Tradition
- Shakta
- Nearest railway station
- Kolhapur (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus) railway station (~2.4 km)
- Nearest airport
- Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, Kolhapur (~8-10 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March; the Kirnotsav (around January and November) is especially worth witnessing.
History
The Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur, locally called the Ambabai temple, is among Maharashtra's oldest and most revered shrines and is counted within the Shakta tradition of Shakti Peethas. Its Chalukya-style architecture dates to roughly the 7th-8th century CE. The black-stone idol of the goddess bears a crown depicting a Shiva linga and Sheshnag, symbolizing the inseparable bond between Shakti and Shiva.
Spiritual significance
Kolhapur's Mahalakshmi is also worshipped as "Karvir Nivasini," and the temple is famous for a biannual "Kirnotsav," when the setting sun's rays fall directly on the goddess's idol.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
5:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Kolhapur station has direct trains from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad; autos and taxis reach the temple from the station within minutes.
Continue your Lakshmi bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.