Nitin Munishwar Guruji

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History of the temple

From lot of references in various Pooranas, Granthas and other Historical literature it can be said that this temple exists for ages. The earliest references of this temple say that the JIRNODHAR of this temple was done by Rishi Agasti. According to several Granthas like the Karveer Mahatmya the period of Rishi Agasti’s visit to Karveer goes back to approximately 2000 years. So it can be said that this temple is more than 2000 years old. It can be also proved from our existence which is proved on paper to be of more than 1000 years. Every dynasty that ruled this area has contributed to various structures of this temple and the premises. The Nagas, The Yadavas, The Marathas all gave their service to the goddess by either expanding the structures or by donating invaluable ornaments. There are historical evidence that the MAHADWAR or the main door was built by SINGHANDEO YADAV through his officer PALAM. The NAGARKHANA was built on around 1340 A.D. by the Shankaracharya of Karveer Peeth. The SHIKHAR (Peaks) were repaired alongwith the construction of DEEPMALA and small rooms for pilgrims (OVARYA) in 17th century. At that time the Karveer Sansthan (i.e. the royal state of Karveer) was under the rule of Chhatrapati Sambhaji.
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The first huge bell situated above the Northern entrance, which is named as GHATI DARVAJA after it, was bestowed by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Satara. This bell was won by CHIMAJI AAPPA the famous and corageous brother of THORALA BAJIRAO PESHVA in the battel of Tarapoor. Most of the ancient ornaments, which are used in daily POOJAS, are donated by Chh.Sambhaji of Karveer Sansthan. The GARUD MANDAP, which is the place of most of the functions in various festivals and which is a recent extension was built in 1850. The premises also contains some unique temples like the NAV-GRAHA mandap, The DASHAVTARs etc. which have very amusing sculptures and carvings.

Mythology

According to the Hindu mythology; there are five major ways through which gods are worshiped and they are
1) Shakta 2) Shaiva 3) Soura 4) Vaishnav & 5) Ganpatya
Every way has its own supreme god. And they have a concrete belief that their god invented this nature.
1. Shaktas worship god Shakti, 2. Shaivas worship god Shiva, 3. Souras worship god Sun, 4. Vaishnavas worship god Vishnu & 5. Ganpatyas worship god Ganesha.
Among these five gods, one being worshiped by Shaktas since ages is shakti. Shakti means goddess Mahalaxmi. In & around Kolhapur goddess Mahalaxmi is known as Ambabai.
According to Yoga shastra, human body contains the universe in it & is made of seven chakras. Every Chakra is controlled by some god or goddess. Mahalaxmi is the goddess of ‘Muladhar Chakra’.
The evidences of the greatness of the goddess can be found in famous mythological writings such as the Karveermahatmya, Devimahatmya, Vishnu Puran, Kedarvijay etc. If we try to discover the evidences mentioned in these famous writings, the destinations can still be found with same or another names. One thing is true, everything desires a sincere discovery and the world of miracles will be explored.

 

Temple Architecture

Mahalakshmi Temple, an ancient temple in Kolhapur, is dedicated to the Goddess of prosperity Mahalaxmi, locally known as Goddess Ambabai. This temple had been under the patronage of all the major dynasties who ruled the region and temple is revered by all the royal family members as well as populace of the region. The temple was constructed during the reign of King Karandev of Chalukya dynasty in 7th century AD. The temple is a marvelous example of architectural style known as ‘Hemandpanthi’ in ancient India. The walls of the temple complex are adorned with exquisite carvings and many sculptures. The temple complex consists of five towers and a main hall. The idol of Mahalaxmi is very unique, weighing 40 kg, made as a monolithic structure embedded with precious stones and diamonds.
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Temple Premises

Mahalakshmi Temple, a centrally located marvelous example of Hemadpanthi style architecture, deserves more than an appreciation. A huge open space, four major entrances, facility of drinking water, administrative building and a major attraction : Garud Mandap. This mandap can be called as a community hall to celebrate major festivals related to the goddess Mahalaxmi. Small rooms for pilgrims is a typical construction to serve devotees thronging in to the temple from other destinations. This premise consists of many temples & amazing sculptures demonstrating Hindu mythology. Along with the main temple building, Mahadwar, Garud Mandap, Navagraha Mandap, Dashavtar etc. are among the other major attractions.

Door Ways

The huge structure of Mahalaxmi Temple is accessible by four major ways.
The first is the Mahadwar. This is the main entrance of the temple.
Second is Uttar darwaza (the northern door) which is popularly known as a ghati darwaza. A massive bell is installed here which was donated by the then Chhatrapati of Kolhapur sansthan.

Third is Poorv Darwaza (the eastern door). This door has a direct opening to the old palace premises. A historical monument and the only Maratha kind of architecture existing today.
Fourth is Dakshin Darwaza (Southern door).

 

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The Idol

Mounted on a stone platform, the image of the four armed and 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 an image of the Sheshnag — the serpent of Vishnu. In Her four hands, the deity of Mahalakshmi holds objects of symbolic value. The lower right hand holds a mhalunga (a citrus fruit), in the upper right, a large mace (kaumodaki) with its head touching the ground, in the upper left a shield (khetaka), and in the lower left, a bowl (Panpatra).

Utsav Murti

A special, smaller sized idol is usually served during most of the festivals. Especially during chariot festival, which is celebrated once in a year, the goddess throngs around the temple. The Utsav Murti is placed in the chariot & the chariot is pulled by hundreds of devotees.
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