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Maharashtra Mahalakshmi Temple Of Kolhapur
The temple is considered to be one of the Shakti peeth found in the district of Maharashtra. There are approximately 108 shaktipeeths which have been listed in the Puranas of ancient India where Shakti-the goddess of power has been manifested. When devotees visit this temple they can get both fulfillment of desires as well as salvation. It is for this reason that the temple is considered to be of greater importance than Uttar Kashi.
Architecture
It is of gemstones that the statue of the Goddess Mahalakshmi has been made of. It is approximately 5000 to 6000 years old. It weighs about 40 kilos. The precious stones that embellish the deity indicate the ancientness of the idol. It was in 109 A. D. that Karnadeo cut off the jungle and brought the temple to light. The goddess Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntha and arrived in Kolhapur when she came to know that her beloved Lord Venkatesh or Vishnu failed to take action against the sage Bhrigu for his horrifying behavior towards him.
The goddess sits on a platform made of stone. The statue of the Goddess has four arms. A cobra-hood and a Shiva-ling with a Yoni around it can be seen on the crown of the Goddess Mahalakshmi are. Standing behind the Goddess is her vahana in the form of a lion.
Best Time To Visit
It is once a year that the sun’s rays fall on the face of the goddess through the window, it is a period which lasts for three days on the 21st of the months of March and September and is therefore the best time to visit the temple. It is during this auspicious occasion that the Devotees visit the temple on all these three evenings to catch a glimpse of the goddess bathing in the golden rays of the setting sun.
How To Reach
The city of Kolhapur is connected by both rail and road with all the major cities of India. Trains from all the major cities of India arrive here. The city is also well connected by a road network. You can also avail of the city's public transport.
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