Kolhapure Mahalakshmi. Karaverapura vaasine! One of the 18 Shaktipeethams.
Legend has it that Mahalakshmi was enraged when Lord Vishnu touched the feet of Bhrigu rishi after he kicked him on the chest. She left Vaikuntham to settle in Kolhapur.
Legend has it that Mahalakshmi was enraged when Lord Vishnu touched the feet of Bhrigu rishi after he kicked him on the chest. She left Vaikuntham to settle in Kolhapur.
And her husband, Srinivasa pines for her in Tirupathi. A trip to Tirumala is considered incomplete without Kolhapur, the abode of "Ambabai", as she is affectionately called.
This anger/abandonment of Lakshmi is very allegorical to the fickle nature of wealth she represents.
This anger/abandonment of Lakshmi is very allegorical to the fickle nature of wealth she represents.
The interweaving of Vaishnava history (through Lakshmi) and Shaiva history (through the Shakti Peeth) is beautifully done in this temple. The legends are new but the temple is old. Earliest constructions date back to the Kalyani Chalukya period.
The temple was abandoned and the main diety hidden during the Islamic invasions of the 14-15th centuries. It was rediscovered during the reign of Shambhaji (son of Shivaji) and re-installed in the present temple.
After the kingdom of Kolhapur was established, the temple flourished under the patronage of Queen Tarabai and later rulers who expanded the temple complex and added the large ceremonial gateways.
The temple is the main attraction of the city of Kolhapur, and is worth a visit surely.
May the blessings of Lord Mahalakshmi be with everyone and we be blessed with health and happiness. 🙏
End.
May the blessings of Lord Mahalakshmi be with everyone and we be blessed with health and happiness. 🙏
End.
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