Sri Mahalakshmi Temple is also known as Mahalakshmi Mandir but the locals call it as Ambabai Temple and it is located in Kolhapur City.  She is an incarnation of Goddess Mahalakshmi.  This Temple started its construction during the reign of the Kannada Chalukya Kings.  Ofcourse the Shilaharas, Yadhavas and Devagiri dynasties too had a big hand in renovating the Temple, redesigning several parts of it and in promoting it to this level.  Many Devotees refer this Temple as Dakshin Kashi for unknown reasons.  Saint Sancharacharya and Chatrapathi Shivaji and his son Sambaji were very fond of this Temple and had visited it many times during their lifetime.  The Idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi is made out of a black stone and measures 3 feet tall and is mounted on a pedestal.  A Lion Vaahan designed in black stone remains behind the Goddess in the Sanctum Sanctorum.  Unlike other Temples, the Presiding Deity of Goddess Mahalakshmi faces West and it has been built in such a way that the Sun Rays falls on the Goddess for 3 days around the 21st of each March and September.  There are Sub Shrines for Gods and Goddesses like Venkatesa Perumal, Kaali, Vinayagar, Krishna, Surya Bhagwan along with Raahu and Kethu, Dhanvanthri, Maa Saraswathi, Mahishasura Mardhini, Vittal Rukmani, Vishnu, Navagrahas and Tulja Bhavani.  Two Idols of Lord Ganesha varying in sizes are seen.  The bigger Idol of Lord Ganesha has been positioned just opposite to the Sanctum Sanctorum.  The other smaller Ganesha is seen with His Consorts Siddhi and Buddhi on the outer peripherals of this Temple and He attracts many Devotees coming here.  Devotees visiting this Temple evince keen interest in seeing the Shri Yanthra which is carved in one of the walls of the Temple and is safely secured and covered with a glass and this is visible to Devotees who come here to offer Haldi, Kumkum and Flowers.  Some Jains allege that this Mahalakshmi Temple was earlier a Jain Temple and therefore, it is not only the Hindus but also several Jains who come here with reverence even today and Pray to Her Almighty.  During the Moghul invasions there was panic and fear spreading among the Hindus, that the Temple could be demolished and the Deity of Goddess Mahalakshmi destroyed.  Hence some of the important men among the Hindus then hid the Moorthy or the Main Idol in a very safe place away from the evil eyes of the invading Moghuls. However during the Maratha Regime the Deity of Goddess Mahalakshmi was brought back to its original place in the Sanctum Sanctorum.  Shivaji Maharaj and Shambaji had a great hand in safeguarding the interest of this Goddess and the Temple.    There are several shops selling Divine and Pooja articles all around the Temple.  There is a Bank functioning within its premises.  The Temple's Office too is located within the Temple and it sends out announcements every now and then for the benefit of the Devotees.  During festival days and during National holidays there is virtually a stampede with several Devotees coming here.  Therefore the Temple office has placed several Monitors at select places and Devotees can see the Goddess Mahalakshmi from Her Sactum Sanctorum from various angles.  The festive Image of Goddess Mahalakshmi is taken around in procession in the Temple Courtyard on every Fridays and on all Full Moon Days.  In recent days Goddess Mahalakshmi Temple attracts Devotees and Tourists from all over India and infact Kolhapur has been put on the Indian Map mainly due to this Temple's presence.

Contact Details: Madhav Guruji - 94224 17900,  98230 53802, 0231 – 2623011, 0231 - 2541779,  and 97237 91011,

Temple Timing: 4.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM

Distance from Chennai to Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur is 968 Kms
Distance from Mumbai to Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur  is 385 Kms
Distance from Pune to Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur  is 231 Kms
Distance from Shree Mahalaxmi Temple and Kolhapur Bus Stand is 90 Kms.
Distance from Kolhapur Railway Station  to Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Kolhapur  is 91 Kms.
Distance from  Kolhapur Airport to  Shri Mahalaxmi Temple  is 62 Kms

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