Śrī Mahālakṣmī (Ambābāī)
Śakti Pīṭha where sunlight touches the Devī
From the official temple website
Managed by Shree Mahalaxmi Devasthan, Kolhapur
Please note
- The devasthan publishes a dress-code notice for the sanctum.
⭐ Why it is famous
A Śakti Pīṭha whose black-stone Devī is struck by the setting sun through the west door on Kiraṇotsava days each January and November.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Founded by the Chalukyas around the 7th century and expanded under the Śilāhāras and Yādavas; Karavir is praised as Dakṣiṇa Kāśī in the purāṇas.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Kākad Ārati 04:30
- Darśan 05:00 – 22:30
- Śej Ārati 22:30
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan; ₹100 mukha-darśan line on busy days
- Śrī Pūjā and abhiṣeka bookable at the temple office
- Kiraṇotsava (31 Jan–2 Feb, 9–11 Nov) is spectacular
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Śrī Mahālakṣmī (Ambābāī), Kolhapur, KolhapurKolhapur (CSMT) (KOP) — 3 km
Kolhapur bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Kolhapur (KLH) — 10 km
On NH-48; buses from Pune (4.5 hrs), Belgaum (2 hrs).
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Devasthan bhaktaniwas
- Hotels around Mahadwar Road
- Resorts near Panhala
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,200 | ₹4,500 | ₹10,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Panhala fort
- New Palace museum
- Rankala lake
- Kolhapuri chappal bazaar
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
October–February; Navarātri and Kiraṇotsava