Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, and is believed to be the home of wealth, strength, and compassion.
Architecture of the Temple
The temple showcases Hemadpanthi-style architecture, featuring five towering spires and elaborate carvings, including dancing figurines, divine motifs, and mortar-less stonework.
The central idol is a 3‑foot black stone sculpture studded with gemstones, weighing around 40 kg. She holds symbolic items—a citrus fruit (mhalunga), mace (kaumodaki), shield (khetaka), and bowl (panapatra). A lion stands behind her, and her crown bears the image of Sheshnag. Interestingly, the deity faces west (Pashchim).
A unique architectural feature: around the 21st of March and September, the setting sun’s rays illuminate the deity through a small western window.
The temple complex includes a Garuda Mandapam, multiple shrines (Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati), Manikarnika Kund (temple tank), and shrines dedicated to various deities like Navagrahas, Surya, Vitthal-Rakhmai, Shiva, Vishnu, Tulja Bhavani, and more.
How to Reach to Temple
By Air: Closest airport is Kolhapur Domestic Airport, about 10 km from the temple.
By Train: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur Railway Station) is roughly 5 km away.
By Road: Kolhapur is well-connected via buses from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Goa, and others; the central bus stand is approximately 2.6 km from the temple.
Temple Timings
