Kolhapur Sri Mahalakshmi temple (More than 2000 years old)

When the fury of the sea rose to great heights during the Pralaya – a tsunami – all places on earth were destroyed but the one – this place, as it was lifted by the kind Karaveera – Kara-hand, Veera-might of Mother Mahalakshmi. While departing from Kasi, as prayed by Sage Agasthya, Lord Shiva built this place, equally great as Kasi – now Varanasi. It was known then as Kulapuram.

There are 50 small temples around Mother Mahalakshmi temple besides 3000 temples in this place. The temple is one among the 52 Shakti Peetas in the country and is built according to Maratha tradition. A demon, Kohlasura by name was destroyed by Mother appearing on Her lion Vahan, punching him with Her club in this place. There are beautiful Deepa Sthambas – lamp - posts in the western entrance called Mahadwara. Garuda Mandap and Lord Vinayaka shrine are opposite the sanctum sanctorum. Mother graces the devotees in a standing posture on a square Peeta. The antiquity of the idol made of rare and precious black gems is believed to date back to 1300 years. Mother is holding the nectar pot in Her hand while Adisesha is behind Her as an umbrella.

Navarathri in September-October is very grandly celebrated in the temple.

There are shrines in the temple for the darshan of Mothers Kali, Saraswathi, Sita, Lords Kasi Viswanatha, Panduranga, Lakshmana, Sri Rama with Sri Anjaneya and the Navagrahas the nine planets.

Prayer to Mother Mahalakshmi would relieve the devotee of any evil effect on him/her, is the staunch faith of the people.

Miracle Based: The rays of Sun fall on Mother Mahalakshmi twice a year during the evenings through the holes in the window of the sanctum sanctorum.