Festivals
Kiranotsav
A Phenomenal event : an Aggregation of nature and architecture
Kiranotsav is an Aggregation of nature and architecture. Rays of setting sun directly approaches to the idol of the goddess Mahalaxmi (Ambabai); situated too much garbhagruhainside .; at the center of the This happens twice a year. Firstly, on 31st January, 1st February and 2nd February and secondly on 9th, 10th & 11th November every year. As the sun travels during Dakshinayan & Uttarayan; culturally defined a period in between Makar Sankranti (on 14th January) and Kark Sankranti (on 16th July). Dakshinayana is derived from two Sanskrit words Dakshin (south) & Ayana (movement). Likewise, Uttarayana is Uttar (north) & Ayana (movement).
Relation between Sandhyamath & Mahalaxmi temple
Another surprising truth that came out recently is during Kiranotsav, the sunrays travels from above ‘Sandhyamath’, a historical structure located inside lake Rankala. It is located one and a half kilometers way from Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) temple.
Below is a diagram containing details of the phenomena. A straight line defined in this picture connects Sandhyamath & Mahalaxmi temple. Scholars have numerous opportunities to explore hidden truths interlinked between such monuments scattered in and around Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) temple.
Sharadiya Navaratrotsav (Nine Devine Nights)
Almost all the Hindu festivals are celebrated with relation with the nature’s yearly cycle. Sharadiya Navaratri literally means; welcoming of Sharad; the winter season. A very prime festival of the goddess Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) of Kolhapur. The celebrations starts on the Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada & continues till Khandenavami.
Palakhee Sohala
Every Friday, at 9.30 pm, the utsav Murti of the goddess performs Pradakshina to the temple. This Palakhee Sohala is performed for nine days during Navaratri.
Lalita Panchami
On the fifth day, Lalita Panchami is celebrated when the goddess visits Tryamboli temple. It is situated in the outskirts of the town.
Nagar Pradakshina
Utsav Murti of the goddess performs Nagar Pradakshina in a chariot.
Vijaya Dashami
Vijaya dashami (Dasara) is celebrated under the royal patronage of the Karveer Sansthan. On this occasion, Palakhee of the goddess visits the famous Dasara Chowk where the celebration of Dasara begins. After the event, Palakhee visits Panchaganga River & comes back to the temple.
Rathotsav
Every year on Chaitra Vadhya Pratipada (the next day of Shri Jotiba Yatra); the goddess performs Nagar Pradakshina. A newly chariot made from silver donated by thousands of devotees is used for Rathotsav