Kolhapur, Every year, thousands of devotees flock to Kolhapur, an ancient city in southern Maharashtra, situated along the banks of the Panchganga River. With a rich history tracing back to the 1st century BC, Kolhapur continues to captivate visitors with its magnificent temples and intricate sculptures. The city’s deep spiritual roots and the antiquity of its revered shrine, Mahalaxmi—also known as Ambabai—have bestowed upon it the title of “Dakshin Kashi,” meaning the Kashi of the South.
The origins of the Mahalakshmi temple in Kolhapur are tied to a fascinating folktale involving the sage Bhrigu. According to the legend, Bhrigu once embarked on a journey across the cosmos. Upon reaching Vaikuntha, the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, he found them resting on the divine serpent, Sheshanaga. When Vishnu failed to acknowledge Bhrigu’s presence and did not extend a greeting, the sage became upset. In his distress, Bhrigu kicked Vishnu on the chest. Instead of reacting with anger, Vishnu humbly sought to pacify the sage by gently massaging his legs as a gesture of respect. However, this act of humility displeased Goddess Lakshmi.
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Since Lakshmi resided in Vishnu’s heart, striking his chest was akin to striking her. Angered by this insult, Lakshmi left Vaikuntha and descended to Kolhapur. Vishnu, in search of her, arrived on earth but instead married Padmavati, a local princess, and settled in Tirumala as his abode.
Exploring the Dual Identity of Kolhapur ‘s Ambabai: Lakshmi or Shakti?
This tale beautifully connects the Mahalakshmi temple in the west with the Vishnu temple in the south, blending Shakta and Vaishnava traditions. Interestingly, despite its current popularity, this story is not mentioned in any ancient religious scriptures.
The idol of Mahalakshmi stands in an upright posture, adorned with four hands. In her hands, she holds a mace (गदा), a shield (ढाल/खेटक), a citrus fruit (महाळुंग), and a small pot (पानपात्र). At her feet sits a lion, symbolizing her vahana. The crowned goddess’ idol, crafted from a precious gemstone, stands three feet tall. The temple’s walls are intricately carved with the sacred Shri Yantra, and a stone lion is positioned behind the statue, further emphasizing the goddess’ association with strength and power.
The debate about whether Kolhapur’s Ambabai is a manifestation of Lakshmi or Shakti has gained attention in recent times. However, for us, this distinction is not a matter of concern. Every deity holds equal sanctity in our beliefs. That said, I would like to highlight a few key points on this subject.
A Sacred Shakti Peetha and Its Connection to Sati’s Legend
- The Kolhapur temple is regarded as one of the revered Shakti Peethas—sacred sites of great significance in the Shaktism tradition, dedicated to various forms of Adi Shakti.
The origin of the Shakti Peethas is described in several Puranas. According to the legend, Sati attended a yajna (sacrificial ritual) conducted by her father, Daksha, despite not being invited. During the event, both she and her husband, Lord Shiva, were deeply insulted. Overcome with sorrow and humiliation, Sati sacrificed herself by entering the sacrificial fire.
In his grief and rage, Shiva assumed the fierce form of Virabhadra, destroying Daksha’s yajna and severing his head. Still consumed by sorrow, Shiva carried Sati’s lifeless body and wandered across creation, performing the cosmic dance of destruction, known as Tandava. Fearing the devastating consequences, the gods sought Vishnu’s help. To pacify Shiva and prevent further destruction, Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s body. As her body parts fell across various locations, they transformed into sacred Shakti Peethas.
It is believed that Sati’s eye fell at Kolhapur, inherently associating the site with Sati, a powerful form of Shakti.
Symbolism of the Lion
- In Hindu tradition, each goddess is associated with a sacred animal, which is typically placed in front of the sanctum sanctorum. If the associated animal is an elephant, the deity is identified as Lakshmi; if it is a lion, the deity is recognized as Durga.
At the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple, a lion can be seen in the Vahanmandapa, located just outside the Garbhagriha (sanctum). Additionally, a lion is sculpted alongside the idol of Ambabai within the temple. The presence of the lion strongly signifies her identity as the goddess of power, war, and royalty, characteristics typically associated with Durga.
Animal Sacrifice in Shakti Worship
- As part of the annual Navaratri and Dassera celebrations, the local Maratha clans historically performed a goat sacrifice to appease the goddess, as she is considered to embody a fierce and powerful energy. Although this tradition may no longer be actively practiced, numerous historical records confirm its existence in the past.
The practice of animal sacrifice has been a significant aspect of Shakti worship, especially in tribal regions. It is noteworthy that such rituals are found primarily in temples dedicated to Shiva or Shakti in her various forms, whereas temples dedicated to Vishnu or Lakshmi typically do not include animal sacrifice as part of their worship traditions.
Analyzing the Iconography of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Idol
- The objects held in the hands of the goddess at the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple include a massive mace, a shield, a vessel, and a citrus fruit. These symbols are not typically associated with Lakshmi, who is primarily revered as the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, beauty, fertility, and prosperity. Traditionally, Lakshmi is depicted holding items such as a lotus flower, a water pitcher, or a pot filled with gold coins—symbols of abundance and well-being.
However, certain scriptures, such as the Lakshmi Sahasranama from the Skanda Purana, do mention Lakshmi holding weapons. Despite this textual reference, iconographic representations of Lakshmi wielding weapons are relatively uncommon, which further differentiates the Kolhapur idol from the conventional depictions of the goddess.
Shakti Connections in the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple
- Another notable aspect of the temple is the presence of a Shiva shrine within its central dome. Although access to this shrine is restricted for pilgrims, the official website of the temple management committee acknowledges its existence. This shrine is located directly above the sanctum sanctorum of Ambabai, along with a shrine dedicated to Ganesha.
The placement of Shiva and Ganesha shrines above the sanctum suggests that the temple aligns more closely with Shakti traditions. In many Shakti temples, it is common to find shrines dedicated to Shiva. Reinforcing the belief that the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple is. In fact, a Shakti Peetha rather than a temple dedicated solely to Lakshmi.
Amba and Ambika
- The name “Amba” is believed to be a derivative of “Ambika,” a well-known name associated with the goddess Shakti. The Mahabharata also references three sisters named Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. Further highlighting the connection of the name to Shakti traditions.
Ambika is regarded as a primordial form of the goddess, and texts such as the Devi Mahatmya, which is a part of the Markandeya Purana, as well as the Devi Bhagavata Purana, describe Ambika as the original source and progenitor of all other goddesses. She is venerated in numerous forms and under various names, including Bhadrakali, Chandi, Mahakali, Navadurgas, Matrikas, Meenakshi, and Kamakshi, emphasizing her widespread influence and worship in the Shakta tradition.
Shifting Allegiances and the Rise of Kolhapur’s Mahalakshmi
A significant event in Maharashtra’s history occurred when the families of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s two sons split. Forming two distinct branches of the Maratha clan. Prior to this separation, the family deity of the Bhosales was Tuljabhavani, located in Tuljapur. Which is also one of the Shakti Peethas.
However, when Chhatrapati Sambhaji’s son, Shahu, ascended the throne of Satara, Tuljapur became part of the Satara kingdom. This led to the Tarabai family, widow of Chhatrapati Rajaram and ruler of Kolhapur, seeking a new family deity. They chose to adopt the Gram-Devta of Kolhapur, marking a significant shift in their spiritual allegiance.
During the time of attacks from the Adil Shahi of Bijapur and the Mughals. The idol of Ambabai was carefully safeguarded. It was eventually discovered in a house in the Kapila Teertha Market in Kolhapur. According to a letter from Chhatrapati Sambhaji dated 8 November 1723. Sindhoji Hindurao Ghorpade of Panhala reinstated the idol on 26 September 1712 (Ashwin Vijaya Dashami). The idol was brought from its safe location and installed in the temple as Mahalakshmi. Thus giving rise to its name.
The decision to establish a Shakti idol under the name Mahalakshmi was symbolic. The Marathas had been engaged in prolonged battles, and under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji. They had built a kingdom from the ground up, reclaiming vast territories from Muslim invaders. The association of Mahalakshmi with the idol reflects the strength and resilience of the Marathas during this period.
