Set in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Shree Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi (Ambabai). It is also known as Ambabai Temple, Karvir Mahalakshmi.
One of the Shakti Peethas and among the most visited goddess temples in India. It is famed for Kirnotsav, when the rays of the setting sun align to illuminate the deity. The site is also revered by followers of Jainism. According to written records the temple dates to the Chalukya period (around 550-660 CE), with the original shrine attributed to Karnadeva around 634 CE.
Maharashtra carries a distinct temple identity of its own: From Mumbai's beloved Siddhivinayak and Shirdi's Sai Baba to five of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the Varkari heart of Pandharpur, Maharashtra weaves together Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta devotion.
Darshan hours and daily worship
| Session | Timing (as published) |
|---|---|
| Morning | Opens around 4:00-4:30 AM; Kakad Aarti 5:00-5:30 AM; Morning Mahapuja 8:00-8:30 AM |
| Evening | Dhup Aarti around 8:30 PM; Shej Aarti 10:00 PM; closes around 10:30-11:00 PM |
The temple opens for the public roughly 4:00 AM to 10:30/11:00 PM. Ritual order: Padyapuja/Mukhmarjan 5:00 AM, Kakad Aarti 5:30 AM, Morning Mahapuja 8:00 AM, Naivedya 9:30 AM, Afternoon Mahapuja 11:30 AM, Alankar Puja 1:30 PM, Dhup Aarti 8:30 PM, Shej Aarti 10:00 PM. Timings shift in Kartik month and on Tripuri Poornima.
Poojas and daily rituals
Kakad Aarti, Morning and Afternoon Mahapuja (Panchamrut Abhishek), Alankar (Alankar/decoration) Puja 1:30 PM, Dhup Aarti and Shej Aarti
Festivals and special-day timings
Regular darshan hours are usually extended, or set aside entirely, on these dates.
| Festival | Period | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Navratri Mahotsav | September/October (Ashwin) | Celebrated grandly over ten days with modified ritual timings, decorations and nightly processions. |
| Kirnotsav (Festival of Sun Rays) | 31 Jan-2 Feb and 9-11 Nov | A rare phenomenon when the setting sun's rays fall directly on the deity; celebrated twice a year. |
| Rathotsav (Chariot Festival) | Chaitra Shudda Purnima (April) | The annual chariot festival when the goddess performs a Nagar Pradakshina. |
History and architecture
Architecture
Built in stone showing the influence of the Chalukya, Shilahara and Yadava dynasties. The black-stone idol of the goddess is about 3 feet tall and weighs around 40 kg, with a crown bearing a five-headed serpent (Sheshnag).
History
According to written records the temple dates to the Chalukya period (around 550-660 CE), with the original shrine attributed to Karnadeva around 634 CE. An earthquake in the 8th century damaged much of the ancient structure, which was later restored and expanded under successive dynasties.
Planning your visit
How to reach
Kolhapur Domestic Airport is about 10 km away; the nearest railway station is Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur), about 5 km from the temple. Well connected by road and bus.
Where this information comes from
Confidence: Medium. Ritual and darshan timings compiled from detailed travel guides; opening hours are reported slightly differently across sources (4:00 vs 4:30 AM), so confirm locally