The Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur, also known as Shri Ambabai Temple, is one of India’s most revered Shakti Peethas. Dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, this ancient temple holds immense spiritual significance and attracts millions of devotees every year.
Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple Timings 2025
The temple follows a strict daily schedule for darshan, poojas, and special rituals. Below are the standard timings for 2025:
Regular Darshan Timings
| Day | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday-Saturday | 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunday & Festivals | 4:30 AM – 10:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Special Pooja Timings
| Pooja | Timing | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Kakad Aarti (Morning Aarti) | 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM | First ritual of the day |
| Mahapuja | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Main worship with Vedic chants |
| Alankara Pooja | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Goddess is adorned with flowers & jewelry |
| Maha Naivedya (Lunch Offering) | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM | Sacred food offering |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Grand lamp ceremony with devotional songs |
| Shej Aarti (Night Aarti) | 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Final ritual before temple closure |
Important Notes for 2025
- Full Moon (Pournami) & New Moon (Amavasya) Days: Extended darshan hours.
- Fridays: Special Lalita Pooja for Goddess Mahalaxmi.
- Festivals (Navaratri, Diwali, Kirnotsav): Special schedules apply.
History & Significance of Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
Legend of the Temple
- The temple is believed to be one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, where the goddess’s left hand fell as per Hindu mythology.
- The idol of Mahalaxmi is 3 feet tall, carved in black stone, and depicts the goddess holding symbolic objects (mace, shield, bowl, and lotus).
- According to legends, Lord Vishnu himself worshipped here during his incarnations.
Why is the Temple Famous?
✔ Wealth & Prosperity: Devotees believe praying here brings financial stability.
✔ Marriage Blessings: Unmarried devotees seek the goddess’s grace for a good spouse.
✔ Kirnotsav (Sunlight Festival): A rare phenomenon where sunlight directly touches the deity’s feet twice a year (Jan 31 & Nov 9).
Poojas & Rituals at Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple
1. Regular Poojas (Daily)
- Abhishekam (Sacred Bath) – 5:00 AM
- Shodashopachara Pooja (16-step worship) – 8:00 AM
- Panchamrit Abhishek (Milk, Honey, Ghee Bath) – 10:00 AM
2. Special Poojas (By Devotee Request)
- Sahasranam Archana (1008 names of Goddess) – ₹500
- Satyanarayana Pooja (For prosperity) – ₹1000
- Tulabhara Seva (Weighing in offerings) – Price varies
3. Aarti Schedule
- Kakad Aarti (Morning) – 4:30 AM
- Mahapuja Aarti – 8:00 AM
- Evening Aarti – 7:00 PM
- Shej Aarti (Night) – 10:00 PM
Major Festivals in 2025
| Festival | Date (2025) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Navaratri | Sep 30 – Oct 8 | 9-day grand celebrations with cultural events |
| Diwali | Oct 29 | Lakshmi Pooja & grand illumination |
| Kirnotsav | Jan 31 & Nov 9 | Sunlight falls on deity’s feet |
| Rathotsava (Chariot Festival) | March 15 | Grand procession of the goddess |
| Lalita Panchami | Oct 3 | Special women-centric rituals |
How to Reach Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple?
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, Kolhapur (12 km)
- Other Option: Pune Airport (230 km)
By Train
- Kolhapur Railway Station (5 km from temple)
- Trains from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore & Hyderabad
By Road
- From Mumbai: 375 km (6-7 hrs via NH48)
- From Pune: 230 km (4-5 hrs)
- From Bangalore: 750 km (12-13 hrs)
Local Transport
- Auto-rickshaws & Taxis available from all major points.
- Temple is in the city center, easily walkable from nearby hotels.
Tips for Visiting in 2025
✔ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (4:30 AM) for Kakad Aarti.
✔ Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred (no shorts/sleeveless).
✔ Security: Bags & phones not allowed inside sanctum.
✔ Accommodation: Many budget & luxury hotels nearby.
✔ Prasad: Don’t miss the Naivedyam (sacred food offering).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What are the Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple timings in 2025?
A: The temple opens at 4:30 AM and closes at 11:30 PM (Morning Darshan: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Evening Darshan: 12 PM – 8 PM).
Q2: Is there an entry fee for darshan?
A: No, but special poojas require donations.
Q3: When is Kirnotsav in 2025?
A: January 31 & November 9, 2025 (Sunlight touches deity’s feet).
Q4: Can we take photos inside the temple?
A: No, photography is prohibited in the sanctum.
Q5: What is the best time to avoid crowds?
A: Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) are less crowded than weekends.
Q6: Are there accommodation options near the temple?
A: Yes, many dharamshalas, lodges, and hotels are available within walking distance.
Q7: What is the significance of the Mahalaxmi idol?
A: The 3-foot black stone idol is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and represents wealth, power, and divine grace.
Conclusion
The Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple is not just a pilgrimage site but a divine experience that fills devotees with peace and prosperity. By following the 2025 temple timings, rituals, and travel tips in this guide, your visit will be spiritually enriching and hassle-free.
“May Goddess Mahalaxmi bless you with abundance, happiness, and success in 2025!” 🙏