Chakra Gadha Hasthe Mahalakshmi Namosdude ||
Mahalakshmi devi in Kolhapur, the locals say is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The eyes from the burnt and dismembered body of Devi Dakshayani's fell here.
and hence this place became one of the 51 sacred devi sthals.
(refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)
This place is also known as 'karavira-sthal'.
It is said that Goddess Mahalakshmi destroyed Demon
Kolasura who was terrorizing Gods and humans. The place where this
demon was destroyed has become a holy spot and Mahalakshmi was installed
in the present day temple. Legend also says that Parvathi in the form
of Kolhambika destroyed the demon. In a way Parvathi and Lakshmi are
same descended from Adi sakthi.
Although the temple is of great antiquity it is said that the deity was installed there about 1000 years ago. This temple lost its importance for a while. It was only after the Marathas came to power that this temple was restored to its glory.
'Mahadwara' as the name denotes is the main entrance to the temple. There is the 18th century Garuda mantap in typical Maratha architecture with square pillars and arches of wood. The image of garuda faces the main deity. A stone mandapam with an image of Ganesha, also faces the sanctum.After this is the mandapam with three shrines - the central one that of Mahalakshmi and the other two on either side those of Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi.
The idol of Mahalakshmi is carved in black stone and is 3 feet in height. The Shri-Chakra is sculpted on one of the walls in the temple. The sanctum is laid out in such a way that once in a year, the setting rays of the sun fall on the face of the idol of Mahalakshmi for 3 days.
The early Deccan style of construction without the binding mortar is followed. Rich carvings of figurines of musicians, gods and goddesses and courtiers in dancing poses presents an over-whelming atmosphere.
There is a shrine dedicated to Siva in the Lingam form and also with his faithful Nandi. There are shrines for 'Navagraha' 'Surya' 'Siva ' Vishnu' with centuries old images. There is the temple tank called Manikarnika Kund. Five worship rituals are held every day. The deity is taken out in procession around the temple courtyard
Although the temple is of great antiquity it is said that the deity was installed there about 1000 years ago. This temple lost its importance for a while. It was only after the Marathas came to power that this temple was restored to its glory.
'Mahadwara' as the name denotes is the main entrance to the temple. There is the 18th century Garuda mantap in typical Maratha architecture with square pillars and arches of wood. The image of garuda faces the main deity. A stone mandapam with an image of Ganesha, also faces the sanctum.After this is the mandapam with three shrines - the central one that of Mahalakshmi and the other two on either side those of Mahakali and Mahasaraswathi.
The idol of Mahalakshmi is carved in black stone and is 3 feet in height. The Shri-Chakra is sculpted on one of the walls in the temple. The sanctum is laid out in such a way that once in a year, the setting rays of the sun fall on the face of the idol of Mahalakshmi for 3 days.
The early Deccan style of construction without the binding mortar is followed. Rich carvings of figurines of musicians, gods and goddesses and courtiers in dancing poses presents an over-whelming atmosphere.
There is a shrine dedicated to Siva in the Lingam form and also with his faithful Nandi. There are shrines for 'Navagraha' 'Surya' 'Siva ' Vishnu' with centuries old images. There is the temple tank called Manikarnika Kund. Five worship rituals are held every day. The deity is taken out in procession around the temple courtyard
Om Sakthi
Location:
Kolhapur is well connected with Pune, on
Kolhapur is well connected with Pune, on
the highway between Bangalore
and Pune
It is situated on the banks of the Panchganga river.
It is situated on the banks of the Panchganga river.
No comments:
Post a Comment