Shree Karveer Niwasini Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) Temple, Kolhapur
Mahadwar Road, Kolhapur city · Goddess Mahalaxmi, known locally as Ambabai, 'she who dwells in Karveer (Kolhapur)'
One of the 'three and a half' Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra, a 7th-century black-stone temple where, twice a year, the setting sun reaches through the doors to bathe the Goddess's feet, body and face (Kiranotsav).
Ambabai, or Mahalaxmi, is the presiding goddess of Kolhapur and one of the most important Shakti shrines in India. The temple is generally attributed to the Chalukya period (traditionally to King Karnadeva, 634 CE) and is built of black stone in the Hemadpanti style. The four-armed Goddess, of black stone set with gems, stands about 3 feet tall. Kolhapur is counted as one of the 'three and a half Shakti Peethas' of Maharashtra and a place where wishes are fulfilled. The most famous event is Kiranotsav, when the setting sun shines through the western doors straight onto the Goddess for a few days each year.
Timings
- Temple opens: 4:00 AM
- Darshan: Morning to night, with brief breaks for aartis and poojas
- Temple closes: About 10:30 PM (after Shej Aarti)
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
- Mukh darshan – Free
- Live darshan – Free
- Paid / VIP darshan – Check official site
Sevas and costs
- Abhishek – ₹151 (On the chosen date, during the morning/afternoon Mahapooja)
- Panchamrut Abhishek (saree by devotee) – ₹501 (Morning or afternoon Mahapooja)
- Panchamrut Abhishek with saree – ₹751 (Morning or afternoon Mahapooja)
- Panchamrut Abhishek (Lifetime) – ₹11,001 (Once every year on the chosen date)
- Paddyapooja (Padyapooja) – ₹151 (Early morning with Kakad Aarti)
- Paddyapooja (Lifetime) – ₹6,001 (Every year on the chosen date)
- Kunkumarchan – ₹201 (On the chosen date)
- Kunkumarchan (Lifetime) – ₹8,001 (Every year on the chosen date)
- Prasad saree – Check official site (Any day)
How to book darshan
Abhishek, Panchamrut Abhishek, Padyapooja and Kunkumarchan can be booked online on the committee's website; darshan is free and needs no booking.
Dress code
The committee asks devotees to wear clothes in keeping with Indian culture and not to enter in indecent, vulgar or revealing clothing.
Best time to visit
October to February. Navratri (September/October) is the grandest time but extremely crowded. Plan for Kiranotsav (late January/early February or around 9–11 November) to see the sun-ray event.
How to reach
- air: Kolhapur airport (Ujalaiwadi) is about 10 km away with flights to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other cities. Belagavi (about 110 km) and Pune (about 230 km) are alternatives.
- rail: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur) is about 3 km from the temple, with trains from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Tirupati.
- road: On NH-48 (Mumbai–Bengaluru). Kolhapur is about 230 km from Pune and 380 km from Mumbai; MSRTC and private buses are frequent.
Festivals
- Kiranotsav (festival of rays) – Twice a year, approx. 31 Jan – 2 Feb and 9 – 11 Nov (exact days announced by the committee)
- Sharad Navratri – Ashwin Shukla 1–10 (Sep/Oct)
- Rathotsav – Chaitra Purnima (Mar/Apr)
- Friday Palkhi – Every Friday night
- Makar Sankranti – 14/15 January
- Deepotsav and Diwali – Oct/Nov