కొల్హాపూర్ మహాలక్ష్మీ ఆలయం: కూర్పుల మధ్య తేడాలు

<!-- Commented out: [[File:Mahalakshmi-temple.jpg|thumb| Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur {{deletable image-caption|Friday, October 22, 2010|date=October 2010}}]] -->

 

It is said that both Shri Lakshmi 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 avimuktakshetra. 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 Vaikiuntha or the Kshirsagar since it is the home of his consort Lakshmi. According to popular legends, Mahalakshmi left Vaikuntha and arrived at Kolhapur on hearing that Lord Venkatesh (Vishnu) her beloved husband failed to take action against sage Bhrigu for his horrific behaviour towards him. An angry Mahalakshmi is said to have observed strict penance in Kolhapur for several years until upon hearing the news of her husband being married to Tirumala Padmavati, another avatar of Mahalaskhmi. 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. It is believed that Prabhu Shri Dattatreya still comes here every noon to seek alms.

 

[[File:Mahalakshmi temple, Kolahpur.JPG|thumb|left|220px|Mahalakshmi Temple, [[Kolhapur]].]]

 

 

Kirnotsav in Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur (festival of Sun rays) is celebrated when the sun rays fall directly on the deity's Mahalakshmi idol at the time of sunset on the following days :

# 2 February & 11 November : Sun rays fall directly on the entire body of the deity.

 

{{main|Daksha Yaga|Shakti Peethas}}

[[File:Dakshayani.jpg|thumb|Shiva carrying the corpse of [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]] Devi]]

The Kolhapureshwari temple is reverred as a [[Shakti Peetha]], well known as Shri Peetham. Shakti Peethas are highly revered shrines of [[Shakti]] by the Saktha sect ([[Shaktism]]) of Hinduism. ''The mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati's self immolation'' is the story of origin for the Shati Peetha temples. They are believed to have formed when the body parts of Sati Devi fell while [[Shiva]] was carrying her corpse after her death. [[Sati (goddess)|Sati Devi]]'s Eyes are believed to have fallen here. Like each Shakti Peetha an associated Kalabhairava Shrine is present in the temple.<ref>http://www.mahalaxmikolhapur.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=55</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= (Translator)|first= [[Max Müller|F. Max Muller]] |authorlink= |title= The Upanishads, Vol I |url= |accessdate= |date= June 1, 2004|publisher= Kessinger Publishing, LLC | location = | ISBN= 1419186418|page=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last= (Translator)|first= [[Max Müller|F. Max Muller]] |authorlink= |title= The Upanishads Part II: The Sacred Books of the East Part Fifteen |url= |accessdate= |date= July 26, 2004|publisher= Kessinger Publishing, LLC | location = | ISBN= 1417930160|page=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kottiyoor Devaswam Temple Administration Portal|url=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/|work=http://kottiyoordevaswom.com/|publisher=Kottiyoor Devaswam|accessdate=20 July 2013}}</ref>

 

It is not surprising that even the rays of a setting sun pay homage to Goddess Mahalakshmi as the life of human being revolves around illumination and prosperity. But it is the wonder of wise architects who built the temple of Mahalakshmi at kolhapur that the rays of the setting Sun, bow at the feet of the Goddess through a window, for a while before vanishing. This special event is celebrated by thousands of people as ‘KiranUtsav’. Every year this festival is celebrated on the following days at evening:

31 January 1 February 2 February 9 November 10 November 11 November

Later during the time of Peshwas, the temple was repaired. Though many invasions over this part of India have caused some damages of the beautiful idols which are all around the temple.

 

 

The city is referred in many Puranas. Research guesses that it was in existence in the times of Parashuram. The time is considered parallel to that of Mata peeth (Mahurgad), Sapta Shringi (Nasik) and Bhavani Peetha, in the Ramayana times. Karveer washes off great sins. There are many ancient, rich temples, holy places and gardens.

During 1712–1792 (Sambhaje Reign) Narhar Bhat Shastree had a dream which he told to Sambhajee. In the Mogal reign, the worshippers had hidden the idol for protection. Believing Sangavakar's dream, Sambhajee started a search. This idol was found in a house in Kapil Teerth Market. According to Sambhaji's letter dated 8 November 1723, Sindhoji Hindurao Ghorpade of Panhala installed the idol again on 26 September 1712 (Monday, Ashwin Vijiya Dashami). The number of devotees grew, and in due course of time, the Devi became the Deity of Maharashtra. The idol began to denude due to Abhishekas. So Sankeshwar Shankaracharya got it repaired. After Vajralep & sacrifices, it was again installed at the hands of Kolhapur Shahajee Raje in 1954.In 1964, there was transformation under the supervision of Mr. Lohiya. As a result, the premises seemed extensive. There are 5 main temples and 7 Deepamalas now. Around are 35 temples of various sizes and 20 shops. There are 5 Hemad-style tops. Adjoining is Garud Mandap, built by Mr. Harshe.

 

{{Reflist}}www.mahalaxmitoday.com

 

 

[[Category:7th-century Hindu temples]]