Shri Mahalaxmi - Ambabai Temple, Kolhapur

Karveer area the present town of Kolhapur city is one of special significance of Shri Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur which, one of the Shakti peetha located in maharashtra state, mention in various puranas of ancient India have listed 108 sites where shakti ( the goddess of power ) is manifested which one is among these, Mahalaxmi temple of kolhapur is one of the six sites of the Shakti, where one can get both fulfillments of desires as well as salvation from them. It is therefore considered of even greater significance than Uttar Kashi, the place where one prays for salvation to Shri Mahalakshmi the consort of Shri Vishnu.It is said that both Shri Laxmi and Shri Vishnu reside in the Karveer area eternally and shall not leave even at the time of Mahaprayakala. This region is therefore also referred to as an avimukta-kshetra. Karveer region is eternally blessed and is believed to be held by mother Jagdambe in her right hand, and so this region is protected from all destruction.Lord Vishnu himself adores this region more than Vaikuntha or the Kshirsagar since it is the home of his consort Laxmi. The greatness of this region has therefore attracted many sages and devotees, the blessings and affections showered by this region on its devotees are immeasurable.The architectural structure of Mahalaxmi temple and the engravings on it indicate that it may have been built during the Chalukya reign i.e. around 600 to 700 A.D. Statue of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is made of gemstone and is considered to be at least 5000 to 6000 years old. It weighs about 40 kilos. The precious stones that adorn the deity indicate the antiquity of the idol. Platform of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is made of stone. The statue of the Goddess has four arms. In the lower right hand she holds the mahalunga, (a fruit similar to and ordinary lemon but much larger in size). In the upper right hand she holds large mace, kaumodaks, and its head touching the ground. In the upper left hand she holds the shield or khetaka, and while in the lower one she holds a bowl, panpatra. Goddess Mahalaxmi's crown have Shiva-ling facing towards north with a Yoni around it amp; is held by a cobra-hood and Standing behind is the Goddess vahana-a lion.Almost all the idols of the Gods face the north or the east directions, whereas here the Idol faces the west.