Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the abode of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, one of the most sacred and ancient temples in India. This temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of history, culture, art, and beauty.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur, covering everything from its history and significance to its architecture and festivals. Whether you are a devotee, a tourist, or a curious traveller, you will find something interesting and inspiring in this divine destination.
How to Reach Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur
The Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is located in the city of Kolhapur, in the state of Maharashtra, in western India. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
By air: The nearest airport to Kolhapur is the Kolhapur Airport, which is about 10 km away from the city center.
By train: The nearest railway station to Kolhapur is the Kolhapur Railway Station, which is about 3 km away from the temple.
By road: Kolhapur is well-connected by road to other cities and towns in Maharashtra and neighbouring states. You can drive your own car or hire a cab to reach the temple. You can also take a bus from nearby cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc. There are many state-run and private buses that ply to and from Kolhapur.
By bus: The nearest bus stand to the temple is the Kolhapur Central Bus Stand, which is about 2 km away from the temple. You can take a rickshaw or a taxi from the bus stand to reach the temple.
Best Time to Visit Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur
The best time to visit the Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur depends on your preference and purpose. You can visit the temple throughout the year, but there are some factors that you should consider before you plan your trip:
Seasons: Kolhapur has a tropical climate with three main seasons: summer (March to May), monsoon (June to September), and winter (October to February). The summer season is hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. The monsoon season is wet and humid with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The winter season is cool and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C.
Festivals: The festivals in Kolhapur are one of the main attractions of visiting the temple. There are many festivals and events celebrated at the temple throughout the year, such as Navratri, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Rathotsav, Kirnotsav, etc. These festivals are marked by special rituals, ceremonies, processions, decorations, and cultural programs. They attract thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the country and the world.
Mahalaxmi Temple Timings and Entry Fees
The Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is open for visitors every day of the week and every season of the year. However, there are some timings and entry fees that you should know before you visit the temple:
Opening and closing hours: The temple is open from 4:30 am to 10:30 pm on all days. However, there are some breaks in between for cleaning and maintenance. The temple is closed from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm on all days.
Aarti timings: The temple performs daily rituals and ceremonies at different times of the day. The most important and popular ritual is the aarti, which is a form of worship involving lamps, incense, flowers, and chants. The aarti timings at the temple are as follows:
Kakad Aarti: This is the first aarti of the day, performed at 4:30 am. It is also known as the morning aarti or the dawn aarti. It involves waking up the goddess with prayers and songs.
Shodashopachar Pooja: This is the second aarti of the day, performed at 8:00 am. It is also known as the forenoon aarti or the mid-morning aarti. It involves offering 16 items to the goddess, such as water, milk, honey, fruits, flowers, etc.
Naivedya Aarti: This is the third aarti of the day, performed at 11:30 am. It is also known as the noon aarti or the lunchtime aarti. It involves offering food to the goddess as a sign of gratitude and devotion.
Mahapooja Aarti: This is the fourth aarti of the day, performed at 7:30 pm. It is also known as the evening aarti or the sunset aarti. It involves performing a grand worship ceremony with elaborate rituals and offerings.
Shej Aarti: This is the fifth and final aarti of the day, performed at 10:00 pm. It is also known as the night aarti or the bedtime aarti. It involves putting the goddess to sleep with lullabies and blessings.
Entry fees and ticket prices: The entry to the temple is free for all visitors.
Things to Do and See at Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur
The Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is not just a place of worship, but also a place of history, culture, art, and beauty. There are many things to do and see at the temple complex that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
Darshan: This is the most important and popular thing to do at the temple complex. Darshan means seeing and being seen by the goddess Mahalaxmi, who is also known as Ambabai or Mahalasa by the locals. The goddess is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
Shopping: This is something that you can do at the temple complex if you want to buy some souvenirs or gifts for yourself or your loved ones. There are many shops and stalls in and around the temple complex that sell various items related to the temple and its culture, such as idols, pictures, pendants, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, etc. made of gold, silver, bronze, copper, or brass. You can also buy some local items, such as Kolhapuri chappals (leather sandals), Kolhapuri saaj (necklace), Kolhapuri pheta (turban), Kolhapuri masala (spice mix), Kolhapuri jaggery (sugar cane), etc. that are famous for their quality and taste.
Eating: This is something that you can do at the temple complex if you want to taste some delicious and authentic food from Kolhapur and Maharashtra. Some of the popular dishes that you can try are misal pav (spicy sprouts curry with bread), pav bhaji (vegetable mash with bread), vada pav (potato fritter with bread), kolhapuri mutton (spicy mutton curry), kolhapuri chicken (spicy chicken curry), kolhapuri tambda rassa (red mutton soup), kolhapuri pandhara rassa (white mutton soup), kolhapuri bhel (spicy puffed rice snack), kolhapuri shenga chutney (peanut chutney), puran poli (sweet flatbread with lentil stuffing), modak (sweet dumpling with coconut and jaggery stuffing), etc.
Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit around Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur
The Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is not only a divine destination, but also a gateway to many other attractions and places to visit around the city. There are many nearby attractions and places to visit around the temple complex that are worth exploring for visitors. Some of them are Rankala Lake, New Palace Museum, Panhala Fort, Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Gaganbawada, Ramtirth Waterfall and Jyotiba Temple.
The Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur is a divine destination that you don’t want to miss. It is a place where you can experience the grace and glory of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is also a place where you can explore the history, culture, art, and beauty of Kolhapur and Maharashtra. Whether you are looking for spirituality, adventure, or entertainment, you will find it all at the Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur.
We hope this article helps you with your planning and preparation for visiting the Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur.
