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Saptashrungi

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The Saptashrungi is a Hindu Temple that in Vani at a distance of about 60 km from Nashik. The temple is situated on a mountain and is one of the most visited and religious places for pilgrims. It is located in Nanduri, Kalwan taluka which is a small village in Nashik. The temple is also popularly known as one of the “three and half Shakti Peethas” of Maharashtra. The temple is also one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati’s (first wife of Lord Shiva) limbs, her right arm is reported to have fallen. Shree Saptshrungi Gad is one among the four shaktippetha temple in Maharashtra, other being Mahalakshmi temple Kolhapur,Tuljapur Bhavani Temple, Mahur Gad Devi temple in Mahur. The Devi is said to be swayambhu (self-manifested) on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) peaks (shrunga-in Sanskrit), hence the name- Sapta Shrungi Mata (mother of the seven peaks).

The image of the Devi is huge-about 10 feet tall with 18 hands, holding various weapons. The idol is always coated with Sindoor, which is considered auspicious in this region. It is holding the weapons like Strings of Beads Battle Axe, Mace Arrow, Thunderbolt Lotus, Bow Water Pot, Cudgel Lance, Sword Shield, Conch Bell, Wine Cup Trident and Noose Spinning Disc which is known as the Sudarsana Chakra. At the foot of the hill, from where one starts climbing the steps, there is the head of a buffalo, made in stone which is believed to be a demon. The temple, which sort of sticks to the cliff, is 1230 meters above sea level. Saptashrungi is a place where Goddess Bhagawati dwells. It is one of the most important of the places of Goddesses in Maharashtra. There is an old path with steps cut out of the mountain, which starts right at the foothills. However, now, a motorable road has been built, which goes up to an altitude of 1150 meters. From this place one has to climb around 500 steps to reach the shrine and that will take about forty five minutes to reach.

History and Legend of Saptashrungi

  • The mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati’s self immolation is said to be the story of origin behind the Shakti Peethas. The mythology says Shakti Peethas were formed due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi. This happened when grief-stricken and agitated Shiva was carrying Sati’s dead body round the world on his shoulders, and Vishnu had cut her body into pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra.
  • Shiva traveled around the world and these fifty one body parts of Sati fell at different locations in the subcontinent, and all these places came to be known as Shakthi Peethas (abode of goddess Shakthi or Durga). Her right arm fell on the Saptashrungi hills and the place became holy, and a Shakthi Peeth came to be established here.
  • Saptashrung mountain was a part of the forest called Dandakaranya mentioned in the Ramayana. It is mentioned that Lord Rama, along with Seeta, had come here to pray to Amba and seek her blessings. As per the story depicted in Ramayana, Hanuman carried the herbal medicine for wounded Laxmana from this hill. There are about 108 water reservoirs on the hill, known as Kundas.
  • Saptashrungi Devi is believed to be Mahishasur Mardini, the slayer of the demon Mahishasur, who took the form of a buffalo. It is believed that the Devi Mahatmya, a sacred book which extols the greatness of Devi and her exploits was composed at this place by the sage Markandeya, who performed rigorous penance on a hill opposite the one on which the Devi resides, which is now named after him.

Significance of the Saptashrungi Temple

  • The Holy Flag of Goddess Bhagawati flutters in the north of Saptashringa Garh. Hoisting of the Flag is a privilege of a particular family. The ritual of Flag hoisting on a specific day is witnessed by thousands of devotees. People believe that the Goddess fulfills their wishes. So this place is frequented by devotees throughout the year.
  • There are several other shrines close to the Saptashrungi temple. Some of these shrines include Jalagumpha, Kalikund and Suryakund, Shivtirtha, Markendeya Darshan, Tambultirtha and SatichaKada.
  • She is also known as Brahmasvarupini (“one who has form of Brahma”). The goddess is reported to have appeared from the kamandalu (water-pot) of the creator-god Brahma. The Goddess is believed to be settled here. As the Goddess took form here and resided at Saptashrungi, it is considered the original location of the Goddess.

Saptashrungi Temple Timings

The temple opens at 6 AM to 6 PM from all days of the week and public holidays. There is an aarti that is performed after that and takes 15 to 20 minutes to take the darshan of the shrine, if you are standing in a queue.

Saptashrungi Temple Food Timings

During the special festivals like Navratri and poornima the food is offered for free.Low cost but clean food is also available in the Priest’s  houses. During other days people have to pay a donation of Rs. 15 to get the prasaddam. The timings for it is 11AM to 2PM and 7PM to 9 PM. There are also many restaurants nearby where there are many options present for food.

Festivals celebrated at the Saptashrungi Temple

Gudhipadwa: Gudi Padwa is the festival that augments the new year and is usually celebrated on the first day of the Indian month of Chaitra according to the hindu lunar calendar. The Brahma Purana declares Gudi Padwa to be the time on which Lord Brahma created the world after the great deluge. It is considered as the harvest festival, which shows that the Rabi crop has ended for the season. This is the time when mangoes and fruits are reaped.

Chaitrotsav: The festival starts on Rama Navami (the ninth lunar day in the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Chaitra) and culminates on Chaitra Poornima (full moon day), the biggest day of the festival.The festival is also attended specifically by childless women making vows seeking blessings of goddess for children.

Gokul Ashtami: Gokul Ashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna. It falls on the 8th day of the dark half of the month of ‘Bhadrapada’ (August-September) and is one of the greatest of all Hindu festivals. Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Celebrations are held over two days. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmashtami. He is considered to be one of Lord Vishnu’s most glorious incarnations.

Navratri: Navratri is interpreted as ‘nine nights’ is the most celebrated Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizing purity and power or ‘shakti’. Navratri festival combines ritualistic puja and fasting and is accompanied by resplendent celebrations for nine consecutive days and nights. Chanting of mantras and renditions of bhajans and folk songs usually accompany the puja rituals for nine consecutive days of Navratri.

Kojagiri Purnima: Kojagari Lakshmi puja is a worship and praise of Mahalakshmi. We show respect towards Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. During the tradition of kojagari laxmi puja, special offerings are paid to Goddess Lakshmi, the Nine Planets to seek blessings and good fortune for all family members.  Another belief is that Goddess Lakshmi was born on Sharad Purnima. Anyone observing this fast avoids solid foods.

Laxmi Pujan: During Diwali, Laxmi Pujan is an  important ritual. Goddess  Laxmi is invited to the house, and the tradition of cleaning every part of the  house is a part of the common ritual. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm among the people in this temple.

Mahashivratri: Mahashivaratri is the day when the Shiva Tattva touches the earth. Shivaratri is like a new year for a saadhak (seeker). It is considered as an auspicious day for spiritual growth and material attainment. People usually eat very light, some fruits or something and fast. There are many poojas and functions organized during this day.

Saptashrungi Temple Pooja and Rituals

Abhisheka: The deity is given bath with warm water before she is dressed for worship. The deity is also decorated with the ornaments on special occasions or festival days. The deity is bathed with panchamruta that consists of the mixture of honey, sugar, milk, yogurt and ghee.

During festivals grain, flowers, coconut, money and ornaments are offered to the deity. Cakes that are made of butter and flour known as turis are also offered.

Gondhal: It is a folk dance drama that is performed by the devotees to the deity the particular communities. The performances are usually held during night with different string instruments. Lots of people gather together to witness the Gondhal.

The Kathar or the Kutadi community after the delivery of child in their family offer the sacrifice of goat followed by the naming ceremony of the child and offer their worship to deity Saptashrungi.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Nasik airport is well connected to all the major cities of India and numbers of flights connects it to the nearest airport i.e. Mumbai airport. The major airlines of India that are linked with the airport are Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines, etc. For the development of the airport, the authority is planning to invest some more money for international flight setup.

By Train:  There is a very good connectivity between Mumbai to Nashik Road railway station. There are trains which can be boarded from different railway stations in Mumbai as per our convenience like CST, Dadar, Thane and all trains stop at Kalyan. One of the benefits in opting for rail journey is one can save some time on journey, it takes only 4 hours to reach Nashik Road. From Nashik Road one has to go to Nashik central Bus stand (CBS) to catch a direct bus to mataji temple.

By Road: Reach Nashik and take Taxi or Bus from Nashik City to Vani. You can go by your private vehicle at the top of nanduri gad nashik. The route from Nashik and Vani via Dindori is 39 kilometres and via Pimpalgaon Baswant is 51 kilometres .The route via Nadurgaon village is the easiest and is 14 kilometres from Vani. The State Highway 17 (Maharashtra) (SH-17) connected with the National Highway 3 (NH 3) links Nashik with the temple site near the villages of Vani and Nanduri. Bus facilities by state transportation are available to reach the temple.

Hotels in Vani: Where to stay

There are different hotels in Nashik as well as dharmashala available to stay with good facilities.

  • Dharmashala:For a night’s halt, Dharmashala having 200 rooms is available which is open from 6:00 in the morning to 11:00 in the night. The rooms are made available for one day only. Blankets and mattresses are made available for the pilgrims.
  • Aakar Lords Inn: Nasik Road | Dist. Dang, Saputara 394720, India
  • Vaity Ropeway Resort: Dist. Dang, Saputara 394 720, India
  • Chitrakoot Hill Resort: Saputara 394720, India
  • Uttam Hira Hotel: Panchavati Chambers, Old Market Yard Road | Peth Road, Dindori Naka, Panchavati, Nashik 422003, India
  • Hotel Midtown Inn: Plot no 34, Krushna Nagar, Trimbakeshwar, Nashik 422212, India
  • Hotel Panchvati: 430, Chandak Vadi | Near M.G. Road, Nashik 422001, India
  • Hotel Sai Palace: 904 Agra Road, Nashik 422 009, India
  • Hotel Emerald Park: Sharanpur Link Road, Nashik 422002, India
  • Ginger Nashik: Plot No P 20 (Part), Trimbakeshwar Road | Near Satpur MIDC Police Station,Nashik, India.

Nearby Temples

Kalaram Temple: This temple is situated in the Panchavati area of the city. It is the biggest as well as the simplest amongst all the temples situated here and dates back to the year 1790, when it was constructed by Sardar Odhekar of Peshwa. Besides the idol of Lord Rama, are those of Sita Mata and Lord Lakshmana, both of them sandy black and adorned with ornaments. The temple has been constructed completely out of black stones and four entrance doors.  It is probably the most important Hindu shrine in the city.

Sita Ghufa: Sita Gufa (cave) is the place where Sita is believed to be kidnapped by Ravan. It is said that she was resting here before the demon Ravan came and tricked her and eventually abducted her. There is a staircase which leads to Shiv Linga, which is the exact place people believe Ravan abducted Sita from.

Trimbakeshwar: Trimbakeshwar temple is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, i.e; the holy shrines of Lord Shiva spread all accross India. It is a part of the famous Pancha Jyotirlinga Tour from Mumbai. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. There is a mountain named the Brahmagiri Mountain 18 km. from the city of Nasik in the Nasik district. This is one of the parts of the Sahyadri Vally. The city of Trimbakeshwar is located in the bottom of this mountain.

Someshwar: Someshwar Temple is one among the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Mahadeva, the Someshwar temple is situated on the banks of the sacred river Godavari. The area is covered with greenery, with a pleasant climate. The riverbeds here are very suitable for swimming and boating.

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the most prestigious and revered temple institutions in India. It is dedicated to the life and teachings of Shri Sai Baba, a saint or a fakir, who is respected by all of India’s religious communities. The temple is located in Shirdi, a small town in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Planning to visit the Shridi Sai Baba Temple? Have a look at our Shirdi Tour Package.

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple – Facts

DeityShri Sai Baba
LocationShirdi, Maharashtra
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free; VIP Darshan: Rs. 200 per person
Best Time to VisitJune to December
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
PoojasSatyanarayana Pooja
FestivalsRam Navami, Vijayadashami, Guru Purnima
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Video

What are the timings of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

Shirdi Sai Baba Temple opens at 4 AM in the morning and closes at 11 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

The timings of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Temple Opens4:00 AM
Bhupali4:15 AM
Kakad Aarti4:30 AM
Bhajan5:00 AM
Mangal Snaan5:05 AM
Aarti5:35 AM
Darshan5:40 AM
Dhuni Pooja11:30 AM
Midday Aarti12:00 PM
Pothi4:00 PM
Dhoop AartiAt Sunset
Devotional Songs8:30 PM
Shej Aarti10:30 PM
Temple Closes11:00 PM

What are the sevas and poojas at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

Shirdi Sai Baba Samadhi
  • Sai Satya Vrata Pooja: The special Pooja is performed free of cost once in three months in the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex on the Purnima day (full moon day). 108 couples can take part in the Pooja at one time. According to an incident in Sri Sai Satcharita, a Tuberculosis patient by the name of Bhimaji Patil was cured by Sri Sai Baba. After being cured, he started a tradition of worshipping Sai Baba as Satyanarayan. The Pooja has been renamed to Sai Satya Vrata Pooja.
  • Sai Satcharitra Parayan: The reading of the book Sai Satcharitra takes place once every month in the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex. The reading of the book starts at 8 AM in the morning and usually concludes before either the Dhoop or the Shej Aarti.
  • Bhupali: The Bhupali Aarti is performed at 4:15 AM every day. It is the first in a series of Aartis and Bhajans that are sung in praise of Sai Baba. The Aarti is composed of four songs and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
  • Kakad Aarti: The Morning Aarti is called the Kakad Aarti and is performed between 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM. In Kakad Aarti, a piece of cloth is dipped in ghee and then lit on fire to perform the Aarti. The Aarti is performed to wake up Sai Baba and get his blessings.
  • Mangal Snaan: Shri Sai Baba is bathed in holy water at 5:05 AM in the Samadhi mandir.
  • Satyanarayana Pooja: The Pooja is performed between 7 AM to 12 PM. The Pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees can perform the Pooja by paying a nominal amount at the Pooja counter.
  • Madhyan Aarti: The afternoon Aarti takes place from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM. Several songs are sung in praise of Sai Baba and his disciples.
  • Dhoop Aarti: The evening Aarti is performed at Sunset for 20 minutes every day. The Aarti is divided into eight different song sequences, each praising Sai Baba and his virtues.
  • Shej Aarti: The night Aarti is performed for 20 minutes at 10:30 PM to 10:50 PM. After the Aarti, a shawl is wrapped around the idol of Sai Baba and a Rudraksha mala is hung around his neck. The mosquito net is lowered and a glass of water is kept near the idol.
  • On Thursdays, a ‘Palki’ procession takes place at around 9.15 PM, from Samadhi Mandir to Dwarkamai and then to Chawri.

Darshan is stopped when the aarti is being conducted.

Special abhishekams are conducted every day in two batches. A third batch may be arranged depending on the crowd. The abhishek batch timings are as mentioned below:

Abhishek BatchesFromTo
Batch One7:00 AM8:00 PM
Batch Two9:00 PM10:00 PM
Batch Three11:00 AM12:00 PM

The Satyanarayana Pooja is performed in three batches daily. Two more batches can be arranged depending on the crowd. The timings for the pooja are as mentioned below:

Pooja BatchesFromTo
Batch One7:00 AM8:00 PM
Batch Two9:00 PM10:00 PM
Batch Three11:00 AM12:00 PM

Devotees who want to feed the poor can arrange for the process by making a cash payment at the Prasadalaya or at the Account office.

Shirdi Sai Baba Chalisa in Telugu

What is the significance of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir

The significance of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is that both Hindus and Muslims can worship the samadhi. Shri Sai Baba opposed the division of religion. He opposed discrimination based on religion. His teachings imbibe the good practices of major religions like Hinduism and Islam. He admired Bhagawad Gita and asked his disciplines to follow the teachings of the book. His philosophy of “Sabka Malik Ek” meaning “God is one” and preached the same.

The eleven assurances of Sai Baba states that he is omnipresent. He will help all the needy and guide them to a happy and healthy life. Anyone who steps into Shirdi will be relieved of all their sufferings.

People of almost all religions in the world including Hinduism, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity, worship Shri Sai Baba.

His devotees believe that he performed miracles to help people. It is believed that he lit the lamps of the Masjid without oil. At the request of villagers, he raised the level of water in the well during the dry season to drink. He saved a 3-year-old girl from drowning after she fell into the well. The villagers saw her suspended in mid-air and pulled her out.

In the mosque, Sai Baba maintained a sacred fire which is referred to as a dhuni, from which he gave sacred ashes (‘Udhi’) to his guests before they left. The ash was believed to have healing powers. He performed the function of a local hakim and treated the sick by the application of ashes. One can visit the mosque and experience the spirituality themselves.

Sai Baba Muslim

What is the history of Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

Where did Sai Baba come from

According to history, the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple was established in the year 1922 to continue the teachings and services of Sri Sai Baba. The real name and the birthplace of Sai Baba are unknown.

He arrived at Shirdi at the age of sixteen. The name “Sai” was given to him upon his arrival at Shirdi, by a local priest named Mahalsapati. He recognized Sai Baba as a Muslim saint and greeted him with the words ‘Ya Sai!’, meaning ‘Welcome Sai!’. Sai or Sayi is a Persian title given to Sufi saints. The word “Baba” means “father; grandfather; old man; sir” in most Indian and Middle Eastern languages. Thus, Sai Baba denotes “holy father”, “saintly father” or “poor old man”.

The followers of Sai Baba believe that Sai is an acronym of the Sanskrit term “Sakshat Eshwar“, a reference to God. Sakshat means “incarnate” and Eshwar means “God”.

He initially stayed under a neem tree at the Khandoba Temple. He remained silent and meditated for long periods of time. He received several visitors like Mahalsapati and Appa Jogie. He stayed for three years in Shirdi and then disappeared. It is believed that he was with the army of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi during the Mutiny of 1857.

It is believed that Sai Baba returned to Shirdi in 1858. His manner was withdrawn and he often meditated for long hours. He was later convinced to take up residence in an old mosque, where he lived a solitary life. He received visitors in the mosque, later named as the Dwarkamai and gave them sacred ash having healing properties when they left. He performed the services of Hakim for the village.

Sai Baba believed that charity is the ultimate way to win God’s grace. He led a simple life and encouraged the concept of sharing with people. He emphasized that people should be treated with respect and should be welcomed in their homes. He asked devotees to give food, water, clothes, money, and a place to stay generously to the poor.

The life history and philosophy of Sri Sai Baba are recorded in the Sai Satcharitra. The manuscript is the work of Shri Hemadpant, an ardent devotee of Baba. It is said that Sai Baba himself blessed the book and wanted his teachings to be spread around by the medium of books.

The Shri Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi is the governing and administrative body of Shri Saibaba’s Samadhi Temple and all the temples that are in this premise. The Saibaba Sansthan Trust also works towards the general development of the Shirdi village.

The official website of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is:
https://www.sai.org.in/en

What are the festivals celebrated at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

The festivals celebrated at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple are:

  • Ram Navami: The festival is celebrated at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in March or April. The festival is celebrated with a lot of zest and excitement. According to a story, Gopalrao Gund in 1897 proposed to hold Urus (a Muslim festival to honour a saint) dedicated to Sai Baba to thank him for granting him the wish of a child after many years. Sai Baba agreed but asked him to celebrate it on Ram Navami. As a result, on this day, both Hindus and Muslims celebrate the function enthusiastically resulting in communal harmony. The flags of Dwarkamai are replaced on this day along with the sack of wheat kept there.
  • Guru Purnima: On the Full moon day of the month of July, the Guru Purnima is celebrated in Shirdi with much reverence and dedication. The day is dedicated to Guru and special poojas are performed to honour him and seek his blessings. Vyasa Pooja is held in honour of Ved Vyasa, the writer of the epic Mahabharata.
  • Vijayadashami: The day of Vijayadashami is also said to be the day that Shri Sai Baba left the mortal life for his heavenly abode. This day is also called Shri Sai Punyathithi. During this festival ‘Brahman Bhojan’ is arranged with Guru Dakshina (Donation to Guru). Pilgrims from all over India flock to Shirdi to pay their respects to Shri Sai Baba.
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Timings

How to reach Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

  • By Air: Aurangabad is the nearest airport to Shirdi. It is located at a distance of 144 km. Bus services are available from Aurangabad to Shirdi.
  • By Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all major cities in India. The station name at Shirdi is “Sainagar Shirdi” which has started operations since March 2009. Regular trains are available to the city from Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakapatnam, Secunderabad, and Mysore. The other main railway stations located nearby are Kopergaon (15 km), Nashik (119 km), Manmad (87 km), and Ahmednagar (83 km). Regular buses are available from these cities to Shirdi.
  • By Road: State transport buses are available from major cities in Maharashtra as well as from the surrounding states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu.

Where to stay in Shirdi?

Accommodation at nominal rates is available. The Shirdi Sansthan Trust Reception Centre near the State Transport Bus Stand, where they provide proper guidance to the arriving devotees and also allocate rooms. Locker facilities are also available for luggage storage.

There are three major accommodation options available run by the Shirdi trust: Sai Ashram, Dwarawati, and the New Bhakta Niwas. Air-conditioned rooms, large normal rooms, as well as, dormitories are available. Online accommodation can be booked by visiting the temple’s official website.

Several privately operated hotels and lodges are also available as an option for staying purposes.

Where to eat in Shirdi?

A tea canteen and a “Prasadalaya” are run by the Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan Trust. Devotees can have tea and meals at the premises at subsidized rates between 10 AM to 10 PM.

A large number of small restaurants serving vegetarian food can be visited near the Temple premises. Alcohol and smoking are banned.

What is the dress code at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

There is no strict dress code applicable inside the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex. However, it is advised to wear decent clothes inside the Temple and Masjid premises.

Which are some temples in Shirdi?

Some temples near the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Complex are:

  • Khandoba Temple: This temple is the spot where Sai Baba was given the name “Sai” upon entering the village of Shirdi. At the entrance to the temple is a large banyan tree which is mentioned in the ‘Shri Sai Satcharitra’ as the place where the bullock cart halted. It is now commemorated with a small shrine and ‘padukas’ at its base.
  • Gurusthan: The place is located under a neem tree where Sai Baba spent most of his time in his early stay in Shirdi. According to Sai Baba, his own “Guru” is buried beneath the tree and should not be disturbed. Beside the tree, one can see a pair of marble padukas on a pedestal, a Shivalinga, and a statue of Baba at the place.
  • Samadhi Mandir: The temple was initially constructed in the dedication of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Sai Baba advised Gopalrao Booty to construct a temple so that he can satisfy the needs of the people. With Sai Baba’s approval, they started the construction work on the temple in 1915. When Baba fell ill, he asked devotees to move him into the temple. He breathed his last on October 15, 1918. He was buried in the temple and an idol of his has been installed over it.
  • Dwarkamai: The small mosque where Sai Baba stayed has become the centre of attraction in Shirdi as it provides a glimpse of the spiritual life that he leads. One can visit the “Dhuni” or the “Perpetual Fire”, see the Kolamba. Sai teerth, the sack of wheat, cooking pot, the Nimbhar and several other artifacts that have a personal significance and legends associated with them
  • Chavadi: Chavadi is the place where Sai Baba would sleep on alternate days during the last decade of his life It played a major role at the beginning of the formal worship of Baba. Once Baba started sleeping at Chavadi, the custom arose of offering regular aarti to him on his arrival from the mosque. This was Shej (night) aarti. Later, Kakad (morning) aarti was offered when he woke up there.
  • The Lendi Gardens: This is the garden complex which was often visited by Sai Baba to meditate and contemplate on the worldly matters. One can visit the Nanda Deep – the perpetually burning Deep kept between two trees here.
  • Shani Shinganapur Temple: The village of Shinganapur in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is home to the Shani Shinganapur Temple dedicated to Lord Shani (Personification of Saturn). An idol of Lord Shani made of black stone is placed in the temple to which devotees from all over the world pay their respects. The unique thing about the village is that none of the houses in the area have any doors. The strong belief is that Lord Shani will guard all homes against any mischief. The Temple stays open from 5 AM to 10 PM. The poojas and abhishekams can be performed by the devotees themselves.
  • Maruti Mandir: This temple is located 1 km away from the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. A life-size black idol of Shri Hanuman is the presiding deity here. It is located inside the Shirdi temple complex. It is believed that Sai Baba performed satsangs
  • Jain Temples: There are two main Jain Temples present near the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. The first Temple is dedicated to Shri Adeshwar Bhagawan and was built by Sri Jain Shwethambar Theertha trust. The unique feature of the temple is that iron has not been used for constructing the temple.  The second temple is called Sheesh Mahal. It was built by the Shri Shanti Niwas Digambar Temple Committee. The temple is dedicated to Sri Shanti Niwas Maharaj l6th Teerthanka.
  • Mahalaxmi Temple: The temple is located on the Pimpalwadi road. The temple has a life-size idol of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth along with Navagraha idols and a Shivling.

Maharashtra is also home to five Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Have a look at the 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. There are a total of 12 Jyotirlingas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Is the Sai Baba Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Sai Baba Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Sai Baba Temple is free of cost. However, if you want to avoid the long queues, you can access VIP Darshan by paying Rs. 200/- per person.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website https://www.sai.org.in/en for Online Darshan.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are strictly allowed (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). However, photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Shirdi start from February and continues until May. The summers here can be hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 30 º C.

What are winters like in Shirdi?

In Shirdi, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 18 º C to 25 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Elephanta Caves

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Elephanta Caves

Elephanta caves is one of the most significant monumental designs of Maharashtra. It not only adds to the beauty and heritage of the state but also contributes to tourism as one of the most famous tourist spots of India.  The famous Elephanta Caves also termed as Gharapurichi Leni or Gharapuri are a set of carved caves situated on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri. The island is positioned on the arm of the Arabian Sea and it consists of two group of caves- the first is a hefty group of five Hindu caves and the second is a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves encloses rock cut stone sculptures demonstrating the Shaiva Hindu sect which is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated back to the period in between the 5th and 8th centuries and the identity of the respective original draughtsmen is still in a state of ambiguity. The caves are carved out of solid basalt rock and all these caves were painted beautifully on the past but as of now only the outlines linger.  The main cave was basically a Hindu place of worship untilbastal rock

the Portuguese rule began in 1534. This war led to relentless damage of the caves but were later refurbished in the 1970s and was also designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the beauty and glory of the caves and at present they are maintained by the Archaeological Survey Of India.

Elephanta Caves

History and Legend of Elephanta Caves

It is believed that no inscriptions on any of the island have been discovered and the ancient history of the island is speculative. As per the legend about the caves, the Pandavas, heroes of the Hindu epic  Mahabharata and Banasura, the demon disciple of Lord Shiva were both ascribed with constructing temples or cut caves to live. It is also a popular belief that according to the local tradition, the caves are not believed to be man made.

The Elephanta Caves do not have a precise date and acknowledgment of their origin. According to Archaeological excavations  few of the Kshatrapa coins date back to the 4th century A.D. According to the historical origin of the caves, the origin of the caves can only be mapped out to the conquer of the Mauryan rulers of Konkan by the Badami Chalukyas emperor Pulakesi II in a sailing battle in 635 A.D.  Following the battle, the Elephanta was then termed as Puri or Purika and was also doled out as the capital of the  Konkan Mauryas.  Some of the historians feature the caves to the Konkan Mauryas and also marked that the caves dated back to the mid-6th century.

The Chalukyas who conquered the Kalachuris as well as the Konkan Mauryas are believed to be the initiator of the main cave by some people in the mid-7th century. The Rashtrakutas are the last pretenders of the main cave which is estimated to the early 7th to late 8th century. It is also believed that the Elephanta Shiva cave to a certain extent bears a resemblance to the 8th century Rashtrakuta rock-temple Kailash at Ellora.

Significance of the Elephanta Caves

  • One of the most significant feature of the Elephanta caves is that the Trimurti of Elephanta portraying the three faces of Shiva is similar to the Trimurti of Brahma, Mahesh and Vishnu which was the the royal emblem of the Rashtrakutas.
  • The nataraja and Ardhanarishvara monuments are also featured to the Rashtrakutas.
  • At the entrance, there are four doors with three open doorways and a passageway at the back.
  • An astonishing fact about the Elephanta caves is that each wall consists of large carvings of Shiva which is more than 5 meters in height. The central Shiva relief Trimurti is positioned on the south wall and is edged by Ardhanarisvara on its left and Gangadhara to its right.
  • The rest of the sculptures interrelated to the legend of Lord Shiva are also seen in the main hall at premeditated locations in the restricted cubicles which include Kalyanasundaramurti portraying Lord Shiva’s marriage to the Goddess Parvati, Andhakasuravadamurti or Andhakasuramardana, the slaying of the demon Andhaka by Lord Shiva and Shiva-Parvathi on Mount Kailash which is the abode of Lord Shiva.

Apart from these, the following are the imperative features of the Elephanta Caves:

Main Hall

  • Ravana lifting Kailash
  • Shiva-Parvati on Kailash
  • Ardhanarishvara
  • Trimurti
  • Gangadhara
  • Wedding of Shiva
  • Shiva slaying Andhaka
  • Nataraja
  • Yogishvara
  • Linga

East Wing Shrine

  • Kartikeya
  • Matrikas
  • Ganesha
  • Dvarapala

West Wing Shrine

  • Yogishvara
  • Nataraja

Festivals celebrated at Elephanta Caves

The major festival celebrated at Elephanta Caves is the festival of Music and Dance which is being organised every year by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) ever since 1989. This festival is one of the major attractions of the Elephanta caves which have the propensity to grab the attention of audience worldwide.  The main emphasize of the festival is the elucidated Maheshmurti which is basically the Shiva idol in the main cave of the island.  The festival also includes group of people performing the Folk dance. These folk dances are executed by the local fisher folk and the ethnic local food assortments add an extra tinge to the vibes of the festive fun. Over the years, the festival has successfully become a major tourist magnetism for the people of the country in particular and the world in general for the incoming domestic and foreign tourists.

Elephanta Caves Timings

  • The Elephanta Caves is open on all days of the week except for Monday
  • The opening hours are from 7:00AM in the morning to 7:00PM in the evening
  • The visiting hours vary from 4 to 5 hours
  • The entry fee per person for Indians is Rupees 10
  • The entry fee per person for Foreigners is Rupees 250

How to Reach :  Road , Rail, Air

By Road:  Multiple transportation facilities are available for Elephanta Caves from Mumbai and nearby areas. Boat and Ferry ride facilities are also available from Gateway of India.

By  Rail : Mumbai is one of the major railway junctions and all parts of India are connected with Mumbai. Therefore, trains are always available on everyday basis from Mumbai ,     Bandra or Lokmanya Nagar junctions. Local trains from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal or Churchgate are also available.

By  Air : The nearest airport to reach Elephanta Caves is the Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

Where to Stay

There are numerous hotels and lodging facilities in and around the Elephanta Caves. Some of them are:

  • Hotel Milan International
  • Hotel Parle International
  • Hotel Airlines International
  • Ibis Mumbai Airport
  • Taj  Santacruz
  • Bawa International
  • Hotel Transit

Where to Eat

There are numerous reasonable restaurants in and around Elephanta caves with multiple cuisines. Some of them are : Elephanta Port Restaurant and Bar, Britannia and Company Restaurant, China Bistro, Bistro Grill, Le Cafe, VIG Refreshment, Ladoo Smart, West 1, Fruits and Foods Island, Sindh Pani Puri House, The Korner House, Aroma Garden, Bar-B-Que Corner, Cafe Amar, Veggie’s Delite, Rajkot Farsan Mart, Spice Kitchen, Arkshita, Croissants, Blue Park Restaurant, Hotel Sadanand Restaurant, Spring Onion, Sweet Passions, Hotel Vishnu Restaurant, Toran, Olde Baileys, Ming China, Salt ‘N’ Pepper, Vasant Refreshments, Oceanic, Ribbons and Balloons, Kunjvihar, Hotel Shree Devi Restaurant, Koolers, National Hindu Restaurant, Kaboom.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple, also known as the Amba Bai Temple, is located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. The temple is extremely sacred, especially to the followers of the Shakta sect who worship Adi Parashakti as their main deity. The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is believed to be one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas as described in the Ashta Dasa Shakti Peetha Stotram written by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple – Facts

Deity Goddess Mahalakshmi
Location Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Best Time to VisitJune to August
Darshan Timings4:30 AM to 11:00 PM
PoojasAlankar Pooja
Entry FeeFree
FestivalsNavratri, Kirnotsav, Lalitha Panchami
Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Video

The official website of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is:
https://mahalaxmikolhapur.com/

As per the beliefs of the Shaktism sect, in the Srimad Devi Bhagwat Purana, Adi Parashakti addresses herself as the “owner of the universe, absolute reality, dynamic in feminine form and static in the masculine form”. Goddess Adi Parashakti is considered as the “Supreme Being”.  She is the original creator, observer and the destroyer of the Universe. She created the trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva along with Goddess Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. She is believed to be the Goddess of Nature itself.

The greatness of Goddess Adi Parashakthi is described in several other sacred ancient manuscripts such as Devi Mahatmyam, Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Shakta Purana. At the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple, the Goddess Adi Parashakti is present in the form of Goddess Mahalakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu.

What are the timings of Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

The temple opens at 4:00 AM in the morning and closes at 11:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan4:30 AM
Kakad Aarti4:30 AM
Mahapooja (morning)8:00 AM
Naivadyam9:30 AM
Mahapooja (afternoon)11:30 AM
Bhog Aarti7:30 PM
Shej Aarti10:00 PM

Please note: The timings of the temple might differ in the month of Karthik (November) and on Tripuri Poornima.

What are the poojas and sevas at the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

The daily schedule of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is as below:

  • Ghantanaad: The ringing of the temple bells starts at 4:00 AM daily, signaling the beginning of the day and time to wake up.
  • Kakad Aarti: The Kakad Aarti is a form of morning Mangal Aarti which is performed to wake up the deity. Several chants and stotrams are recited to create a holy environment conducive to the waking up of the Goddess. The Kakad Aarti can be witnessed at 4:30 AM in the morning. The Aarti is then performed for The Matulinga, Lord Ganapati, Goddess Mahakali, Goddess Maha Saraswati and to the Shree Yantra.
  • Morning Mahapooja: The bells ring again at 8:00 AM signaling the beginning of the morning Mahapuja. The Goddess is first bathed with holy water and then decorated with Chandan and flowers. The Golden crown and the Golden footwear are placed on the Goddess amidst the chants of the devotees.
  • Naivaidyam: The process of feeding the Goddess with holy food prepared in the temple kitchen starts at 9:30 AM. Preparations of Rice, pulses, fruits, and vegetables are decorated around the deity’s feet and worshiped reverently.
  • Afternoon Mahapuja: The ringing of the bells at 11:30 AM indicates the start of the afternoon Mahapuja. Naivedyam is offered to the Goddess mainly consisting of Puranpoli, Rice, Dal, Vegetable, and Koshimbir. Special Poojas are performed in the afternoon with flowers and Kumkum. Panchamrit Abhishekam is performed for the Goddess.
  • Alankar Pooja: The idol of the deity is decorated with Gold Jewellery, Chandan, Kumkum, and Flowers. A traditional Saree is wrapped around the deity and then ornaments like Kundal, Mangalsutra, Kirit, Chains, Kolhapuri Saaj, and Tikhar are placed on the deity.
  • Dhup Aarti or the Bhog Aarti: At 7:30 PM, the bell rings again indicating the beginning of the Dhup Aarti. The Goddess is offered holy Naivedyam and evening Aarti is performed. On Friday evenings, Mahanaivedyam is offered to the Goddess.
  • Shej Aarti: The Night Aarti or the Shej Aarti is performed at 10:00 PM. The ornaments are removed from the deity and milk and sugar are offered. The Goddess is allowed to sleep amidst the chants of the priests.

What is the significance of Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

Kolhapur-Amba-Bai-Temple

The significance of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is that it is considered to be one of the sacred eighteen Maha Shakti Peethams that are situated in the Indian peninsula. The Temple is an important pilgrimage site especially for believers of the Shaktism sect. These Temples or the Peethams are mentioned and praised in the Ashta Dasa Peetha Stotram by Adi Shankaracharya. It is believed that worshiping at the Peethams will provide protection to the devotee forever against all evils along with abundant good health and fortune.

It is believed that Lord Dattatreya comes and visits Goddess Mahalakshmi every noon to seek her blessings. It is a belief that the darshan of Sri Balaji at the Tirumala Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh is incomplete without visiting Goddess Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur.

The idol of the deity Goddess Mahalakshmi is believed to be made of precious gemstones and dates back by 5000 years. The idol is carved out of a single stone and weighs about 40 kilos.

The idol of the deity faces west, unlike most temples where the main deity faces either the east or the north. A window is present on the west wall of the sanctum, through which the rays of the setting sun illuminate the deity’s face, body and feet twice every year. The occasion is considered to be extremely auspicious and lasts for three days each time.

The region of Karveer, the ancient name of Kolhapur is mentioned in the Puranas as Avimuktakshetra. It means that the region is eternally blessed by Lord Vishnu and Goddess Mahalakshmi who will reside here even during the Mahaprayakala or the Pralayam.

The Sheshashahi shrine located inside the temple complex has figures of the 60 Jain Tirthankaras on the dome. The shrine is believed to be dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Neminath. However, currently, an idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the Shesha Nag is worshiped here. It is believed that this Temple s also sacred to the followers of Jainism.

What is the history of Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

According to the written records, the history of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple dates back to the Chalukya period 550 AD to 660 AD. It is commonly agreed that the original Temple was built during this particular period by the Chalukyas as also evident from the distinctive architectural style. However, an earthquake in the 8th century destroyed most of the ancient structures. Some portions survived and can be seen to date.

The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple was unknown to the world for a long time as it was covered by tall forests. Eventually, the Konkan King Karnadeo discovered the temple’s existence in 109 AD.

King Gandaraditya of the Shilahara dynasty (11th century) built the path on which the devotees circumambulate the main sanctum. He also built the two shrines dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and Maha Saraswati. It is believed that the Matulinga installed on the second level of the main sanctum was installed during the Yadava reign.

The Eastern entrance of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Complex has an inscription dating back to the Maratha reign in the 18th century. It states that renovation work was carried out by the Dhabades and the Gaikwads who were ruling the area at that time.

In 1941, Shrimant Jahagirdar Babasaheb Ghatge installed the idols of the nine planets in the Navagraha Temple. The five domes or spires were constructed comparatively recently by Sri Shankaracharya of Sankeshwar in the 19th century. The Garud Mandap was built under Daji Pandit between 1838 – 1843. The Kurma Mandap and the Ganapati Chowk is believed to have been built by the Yadava dynasty.

There are several legends associated with the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple. One of the legends mentioned in the Karavira Mahatmya mentions that a demon by the name of Kolha resided at the place which was previously called as Padmavathi Pura. When he went for penance to Lord Brahma, another demon by the name of Sukesi occupied his kingdom. He killed Sukesi and made his son Karaveera as the king.

However, Karaveera was killed by Lord Shiva in a battle. In the thirst for revenge, he practiced penance to Goddess Mahalakshmi (another form of Parvati or the Adi Parashakti) and asked her not to enter the city for 100 years. She obliged and left. Kolha terrorized people and other Devas and took up residence in Swarga. The Gods requested Mahalakshmi to return to the city and annihilate the demon.

After 100 years, Goddess Mahalakshmi returned and with the help of all the other Gods and Goddesses, killed the demon Kolha. Before his death, Kolha apologized and requested for three boons which the Goddess granted. He wanted to name the city as Kolhapur, the Goddess should stay here and protect the city and lastly the place should become a Siddha Kshetra.

Another popular legend associated with the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is that of Goddess Mahalakshmi associated with Lord Vishnu. At the onset of the Kaliyuga, Lord Vishnu decided to leave Venkatdri for Vaikuntam. Lord Brahma was saddened and asked Narada to convince Vishnu to return. Narada went to the banks of Ganga where he saw Rishi Bhrigu performing a Yagna.

Rishi Bhrigu was unable to decide the benefactor of the Yagna. He went to Satyalokam and found that Lord Brahma was busy chanting Vedas, uttering the names of Narayana and looking at Saraswati. He went to Kailasam and found that Lord Shiva was busy sporting with Goddess Parvathi. He went to Vaikuntam and found that Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi were reclining unmindful of his visit.

He grew angry and kicked Vishnu on his chest. Lord Vishnu immediately got up and massaged Rishi’s foot all the while enquiring whether he was hurt. Rishi was impressed by his composure and decided to dedicate the Yagna to Lord Vishnu. However, Goddess Lakshmi was very angry over what occurred and left Vaikuntam to Karavirapura (Kolhapur).

Where-is-Kolhapur-Mahalakshmi-Temple-1
The history of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple dates back to the Chalukya period.

What is the architecture of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple like?

The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple architecture follows the “Hemadpanthi” style. The temple complex consists of five huge towers and the main hall. The biggest spire is above the sanctum housing Goddess Mahalakshmi. The North and the South domes house Goddess Mahakali and MahaSaraswati respectively. The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple also houses a Shree Yantra which geometrically represents the three Goddesses.

The temple has four entrances but the main entrance called the Mahadwaar lies towards the West. It is believed that the Mahadwaar was built by Sri Adi Shankaracharya himself. The Sheshashahi Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Navagraha Temple, Vithal Temple, and Rakhumai Temple are all present in the complex.  Towards the southern side, several shrines dedicated to Kalbhairav, Siddhivinayak, Radhakrishna, Annapurna, Indrasabha and Rameshwar are present.

Above the main sanctum, on the second level, a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganapathi is present. A Shiva Linga called the Matulinga can also be seen along with a stone Nandi.

The form of the Goddess worshiped in the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is unique and a sight to behold. Unlike the usual calm representation of Goddess Lakshmi sitting on a Lotus, the idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi is 3 feet tall and weighs 40 kilos. The idol is in a standing posture with four arms. In the lower right hand, she holds a Mhalunga (a kind of Citrus fruit). In the upper right hand, she holds a large mace and in the lower left hand, she holds a bowl. In the upper left hand, she holds a shield, locally called a Khetaka.

A stone lion, the Vahana for the Goddess stands behind her. The crown of the Goddess contains the image of a Sheshnag, representing Lord Vishnu. A Shiva Linga is also carved on the crown but is not visible to the devotees as it lies buried under the Goddess’s ornaments.

What is the dress code at Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

The Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple does not impose any strict dress code but it is advised to wear decent dresses for the visit. It is recommended that shorts, bermuda shorts, and miniskirts are to be avoided.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Timings
The festival of Navratri is celebrated in a very grand manner at the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple.

Some festivals celebrated at the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple are:

  • Navratri Mahotsav: The festival of Navratri is celebrated in a grand manner for a period of ten days in the Hindu month of Ashwini which usually falls in October. A special Abhishekam along with Mahanaivedyam and Aarti is performed every day at 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM. At 9:30 PM every night during the festival, a procession is taken out in a Ratha decorated with lights and flowers. The whole Temple is lit and decorated with thousands of lamps. Military bands perform music at the start of the procession. The idol of the deity returns to the Garuda Mandap where a one canon salute is performed signaling the end of the day. Several cultural programs are organized by the Temple administration during these days.
  • Lalitha Panchami: The fifth day of Navratri is celebrated as the Lalitha Panchami in dedication to Goddess Lalitha. She is worshiped as a form of Goddess Shakti. The Goddess is believed to be a form representing the five elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Space. On this special day, after special Abhishekam at 7 AM and 10 AM, the Goddess is given one canon salute. The procession begins at the Temple and moves to the Goddess Tryambuli’s Temple situated at a short distance. The Chhatrapati, royalty of Kolhapur performs the ceremony of Kushmandabali. It involves breaking a Pumpkin into two with a sword symbolizing the destruction of the enemy. The procession returns to the Temple at around 2 PM.
  • Kirnotsav: The unique festive tradition of the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple takes place twice in a year, once on January 31 and next on November 9. Each time, the celebrations last for three days. These days signify the Sun God paying respect to Goddess Mahalakshmi by bowing to her feet. On January 31, February 1 and February 2, the rays of the setting sun fall on the feet, chest and the entire body respectively. The occurrence repeats on 9, 10, and 11 November. Thousands of devotees visit the temple in the evening to view this phenomenon and get the blessings of the Goddess.
  • Rathotsav: The grand celebration occurs in April every year. The silver figure of the Goddess is taken around in a procession around the Temple between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM. After giving a one canon salute to the Goddess, the procession moves out of the Temple at 9:30 PM. This is the time for devotees to present their offerings to the Goddess. A Police and a Military band play the music and escort the Ratha which is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Rangolis are drawn around the temple complex.
  • Deepavali: The grand festival of lights is celebrated in the temple with great religious pomp. The temple is decorated with hundreds of lamps and several cultural programs are performed for the devotees in the complex.

Maharashtra is home to 5 out of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Have a look at the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.

How to reach Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

  • By Air: The nearest airport is the Kolhapur Domestic Airport located 10 km away from the Mahalakshmi Temple Complex. The flights to the airport are limited to Belgaum and Pune. However, the Belgaum airport and the Dabolim airport (Panaji, Goa) are located approximately 100 and 140 km away respectively. Buses and Trains are available from these places that connect Kolhapur.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus, located about 5 km away from the temple. The city is well connected to all the major cities in India. Several trains halt at the junction and connect cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Bengaluru, Tirupati, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Dhanbad, and Solapur.
  • By Road: The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSTC) operates regular buses from all major Maharashtrian cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Sholapur to Kolhapur. Buses are also available from Goa and Bengaluru. Several private bus operators also ply buses to Kolhapur from major cities like Bengaluru and Pune.

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Accommodation

Several guest houses are available for a stay near the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple complex as well as in other parts of the city. The prices are reasonable. One can book rooms from a wide range of options. Most of the hotels provide decent and hygienic accommodation along with the restaurant facilities. Some of the popular hotels are the Padma Guest House near the temple, Hotel Jyotiba, Hotel Pearl and the Heritage resort.

Where to eat near the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

A large number of private restaurants are present around the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple Complex that serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. The Kolhapuri cuisine is quite spicy and popular here and a must for every visitor to try.

One must taste the Kolhapuri Misal dish that is a delightful, authentic and indigenous vegetarian dish eaten with bread. The Tambada Rassa, Roasted Mutton and the Pandra Rassa are must have nonvegetarian dishes in Kolhapur. Besides these delicacies, sweets, especially the Pethas, are very popular in Kolhapur.

What are some temples near Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

  • Jyotiba: The temple is located 17 km from Kolhapur city near Wadi Ratnagiri. It is believed that after defeating Kolhasura, Goddess Mahalakshmi decided to settle in Kolhapur. For the protection of the city, she appointed four guards in the four cardinal directions to protect the region of Kolhapur. The Jyotiba temple is located on the Northern side. The deity is believed to be the incarnation of the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva as well as Jamadagni. It is believed that Jyotiba helped Mahalakshmi in her fight against Kolhasura and the demons.
  • Bhavani Mandap: The small shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhavani is located just a few meters away from the Mahalakshmi Temple. It is a belief that Goddess Bhavani is the sister of Goddess Mahalakshmi and is a guest of Kolhapur. Several Poojas and rituals are performed for the Goddess and it is believed that a visit to the Mahalakshmi Temple is incomplete without visiting Goddess Bhavani.
  • Narsinhwadi or the Narsobachi Wadi: This shrine is located at a distance of 55 km from Kolhapur. Lord Dattatreya, believed to be an incarnation of the holy trinity of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are worshiped here in the form of Shri Narsinh Saraswati. This is also the site of the confluence of two rivers, Panchganga, and Krishna.
  • Bahubali Hill Temple: The shrine dedicated to the Jain Digambara Bahubali is situated 27 km from Kolhapur. The hills are popularly called as Kumbhojgiri. The statue of Bahubali is 28 feet tall and surrounded by shrines dedicated to the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. A flight of 400 steps needs to be climbed to reach the main shrine.
  • Kopeshwar Temple: The artistic and sacred temple is located at a distance of 60 km from Kolhapur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. A shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu can also be visited inside the temple complex. Both the deities face north. On the outer circumference of the temple, the complete “Shiva Leelamrit” is carved in stone. The temple statues are exquisitely carved. The vestibule of the temple is called Swarga Graham and is open at the top.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple

Is the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the day-time often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

If you have any questions about the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Pandharpur Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Pandharpur Temple or the Vitthal Temple located in Pandharpur in the Solapur district of Maharashtra is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Statistically, it receives the largest amount of devotees in Maharashtra. The holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Vitthal or Vithoba along with his consort Rakhumai or Rukmini, as popularly known, who is worshipped as a form of Lord Krishna.

Pandharpur Temple is one of the most important and oldest pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. The Temple is located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, another name of the River Bhima.

The legend of Lord Vitthal or Vithoba is disputed but historic and legendary. Lord Vitthal is the focal point of devotion especially among the followers of the Varkari philosophy or Sampradaya of Hinduism as well as the Haridasa sect of Karnataka. He is more popularly worshipped in regions of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

As per the Varkari tradition, “Vitthal” is composed of two words in Sanskrit – Vit meaning Brick and Thal that originated from the Sanskrit word “Sthala” meaning standing. That gives the meaning of “Standing on the brick” to the word “Vitthal”. Hence, God is depicted as a figure of a young boy standing on a brick. There are, however, other interpretations of the meaning as well.

The Varkari Saint Tukaram proposed that Vittha means ignorance and La means one who accepts, creating the word “Vitthala” meaning “God who accepts ignorant people”. Another possible meaning was put forward by historian Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar stating that Vitthu is a Kannada version of Vishnu in Marathi. The suffixes La and Ba are added as a mark of respect creating the names as Vitthala or Vithoba.

The Pandharpur Temple is huge with six entrances. The eastern entrance is called the Namdev gate or the Mahadwaara. The Samadhi of Saint Namdev and Saint Chokoba is situated here. The famed “Namdev Chi Payari” step is the first step out of 12 steps that one must climb to reach the Samadhi. The Pandharpur Temple has a Mandap at the beginning consisting of a Nagarkhana where various musical instruments are placed.

Two Deepmalas can be seen in the west that is lit during festive occasions. The Chowk is lined on both sides with rooms for resident devotees. The Mandap also has shrines dedicated to Garuda and Hanuman. The chowk leads to the Solakhambi Mandap meaning a Mandap with sixteen pillars. The beautiful chamber is engraved with Krishna Lilas and the Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The entrance to the shrine is through a silver door named as the Rupyacha Darwaja.

The idol of the deity Vitthala or Vithoba is made of black stone three and a half feet tall. The idol has a Shivalinga on his head and the Kaustubha Mani around the neck. The idol is placed in front of a Prabhaval, a silver plate in the sanctum.

Several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, Garuda, Lord Krishna’s consorts Rukmini, Sathyabama and Radha, Kashi Vishwanath, Lord Rama and Lakshman, Kalabhairav, Dattatreya, and Narsoba are present inside the Pandharpur Temple Complex.

Pandharpur Temple Timings

  • Pandharpur Temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 PM.
  • The Mukha Darshan (Darshan of the face) can be had at any time without waiting in the queue.
  • The Sparsh Darshan (Touching of the feet) can be had only by standing in a separate queue.

Dress code in Pandharpur Temple

Pandharpur Temple dress code is traditional wear. Men should wear dhoti, pyjama or formal pants and shirt. Women should wear a sari, churidar or a half saree. Children should wear any fully covered dress. There should be an upper cloth present for both men and women.

Pandharpur Temple History

  • The exact date or year of construction of the Pandharpur Temple is debatable but the earliest inscriptions on the oldest structures of the Temple belong to the era of the Yadava dynasty in the 12th and 13th century. However, the name Pandaranga which is another name for Vitthala can be found on a Rashtrakuta Copper plate inscription dated 516 AD postulating that worship of Vitthal started as early as the 6th century.
  • Several inscriptions can be found in the Pandharpur Temple as well as surrounding areas that imply the fact that the Temple existed in the 12th and the 13th century. An inscription in Alandi referring to Vitthal and Rakhumai can be found dating back to 1209. A stone slab dated 1237 AD states that the Hoysala king Someshwara donated a village for expenses incurred during Annadanam in the Temple premises. Besides these, several inscriptions related to Lord Krishna and the Yadava kingdom can be found in and around Temples that date back to 1249 AD and 1277 AD.
  • Krishnadevaraya, king of the Vijayanagara Empire safely took away the idol of Vitthal during the invasion of Muslim rulers. The Pandharpur Temple remained closed for worship for a few years. The idol was then restored by Bhanudas Maharaj in the 14th century and worship restarted.
  • Before independence, the untouchables, and other backward classes were not allowed to enter the Pandharpur Temple premises. Freedom fighter Sane Guruji went on Fast-unto-death to change this custom. He was supported by other Gandhians. Eventually as a result, of this movement, the gates of the Temple were opened for the untouchables and other castes.
  • The legends associated with Lord Vitthala in Pandharpur Temple have been mentioned in the Skanda Puranam, Sthala Puranam, Padma Puranam and the Panduranga Mahatmya. All these legends are centred on one individual named as Pundalik. There are several versions of legends associated with Pundalik and Lord Vitthala.
  • According to the first legend, Pundalik was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. He dedicated his life to the service of his parents. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Gopala Krishna visits him from Govardhan in his Digambar form. Pundalik requests Lord Krishna to remain beside the banks of the River Bhima making it a Tirtha Kshetra. The region described resembles the modern city of Pandharpur.
  • The second legend states that Pundalik was a greedy man who did not take care of his old and ailing parents. When he drove them out, they set out on a pilgrimage to Varanasi on foot with other groups of devotees. Pundalik also eventually decided to go to Varanasi and on his way, stopped for rest on the banks of River Bhima. He observed that three ugly women: Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari went to the house of a poor cobbler after taking the bath. On asking their credentials, they informed that they have to bear the sins of people and got cleansed when they visit the cobbler’s house who treated everyone especially his parents with love. Realization dawned on Pundalik and he immediately asked for forgiveness from his parents and started treating them well.
  • Meanwhile, Radha who loved Lord Krishna visited Dwarka, his kingdom and sat on his lap. Radha ignored Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s queen. Angered by the occurrence, Rukmini left Krishna and left to Dindivana near Pandharpur. Lord Krishna searched for her and eventually landed in Pandharpur where he came across Pundalik’s home. Lord Krishna was impressed with his devotion to the parents and called on Pundalik. But Pundalik asked him to wait as he was busy with his parents and threw a brick outside for the Lord to sit and wait. After finishing his work, Pundalik came out and on seeing Lord Krishna, asked for forgiveness. He asked him to settle here with Rukmini and bless them forever.
  • A small but an interesting legend associated with the Pandharpur temple is related to the naming of the first step of the temple as “Namdev Chi Payari”. Once a child named Namdev was asked by his mother to offer the Naivedyam to Lord Vitthal. Namdev went to the Temple and performed Naivedyam but waited to see God eat the offering. He keeps waiting and becomes disheartened when God does not appear. In his disappointment, he started banging his head on the feet of the Lord. Seeing his innocence and devotion, Lord Vitthal appears before him, eats the offering and blesses him. Namdev requests Lord Vitthal to name the first step of the Temple after him so that all the devotees will touch and pass through him to have the Lord’s darshan. Since then, the temple’s first step is named as “Namdev Chi Payari”. The child became a highly revered Saint in the future.
  • The Rukmini or the Rakhumai Temple has been built separately from Lord Vitthal’s shrine. There is a legend behind the separate shrines for both of them instead of one. Vitthal’s wife was fondly called Padubai and was mostly busy doing the household chores. One day, she was too tired and refused to serve a guest of her husband Vitthal named Maliraya. Vitthal became angry and cursed Padubai that she will become mad and be separated from him. Padubai eventually became mad and left him to the jungle where she died under a Tamarind tree. Her parents Janakoji and Kamalaja came to visit her after the death but were blocked by Vitthal who turned into a snake. He did not allow anyone near the corpse. He created a shower which washed Padubai’s remains into the sea. Maliraya felt guilty as he believed that he had caused this instance and took up penance. The Sea-god granted his wish and returned the bones which he immersed in a proper ritual at the Padmatirtha Lake. Meanwhile, Vitthal was unable to bear the separation from Padubai and wandered in search of her. Eventually, he reached Padmatirtha and found a beautiful Lotus on the bank. As soon as he plucked the flower, it turned into Padubai. However, Vitthal who by the time was free of all materialistic desires decided that both of them will take abode in Pandharpur but in separate shrines to bless their devotees.

Significance of Pandharpur Temple

  • The Pandharpur Temple receives the highest number of pilgrims in Maharashtra every year.
  • The Pandharpur Temple is considered extremely ancient and sacred. It is praised in several Puranas and the famed Saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya even wrote the Pandurangashtakam Stotram praising God Vitthal whose other name is Panduranga in the 8th century.
  • The deity Vitthala has been associated with several Gods in the past. He is worshiped as an avatar of Lord Shiva by strict Shaivites, as the supreme Lord Vishnu by Vaishnavites, as the supreme avatar of Lord Krishna by his sect, as the avatar of Buddha by Buddhists and as a Jain god by the followers of Jainism.
  • It is believed that Lord Vitthala and Rakhumai signify non-attachment to materialistic desires. They symbolize a life of duty, forgiveness and devotion.
  • The Dindi Yatra is a unique feature of the Temple. Thousands of Varkaris, people who worship Lord Vitthal religiously march from their homes in areas like Karnataka and Maharashtra to reach the Temple on foot. This Yatra is called the Dindi Yatra and takes place in June – July.
  • It is widely believed that a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River washes away all your sins and blesses the devotees with prosperity.
  • In May 2014, the Pandharpur Temple became the first Temple in India to invite women and people from backward classes to assume the responsibilities of Priests.
  • The Kaustubha Mani that is hung around the neck of the deity’s idol is supposed to be one of the precious gems obtained during the mythical tale of the churning of the ocean episode in mythology.

Festivals celebrated at Pandharpur Temple

  • Ashadi Ekadasi or the Shayani Ekadasi – The grand religious procession is celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June – July). The festivities begin on the eleventh day of the month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep on the day in the Ksheersagar while lying on the back of the Shesha Naga on this day. The Ksheersagar is the Ocean of Milk that denotes the Milky way that surrounds the directional space. It is also the place where Lord Vishnu reclines over the Shesha Naga and plans to churn the ocean to reveal its Amrit and other miracles. Hundreds of devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh walk from their homes to the Pandharpur Temple carrying a Palkhi with the “Padukas” or the “Feet” of the Lord. They do so amidst singing bhajans and songs in the praise of Lord. This journey is called the Dindi Yatra. During the Yatra, the devotees perform charity work for the poor and the needy like Annadanam, repair work, medical help, and building work.
  • Prabodhini Ekadasi – The Varkaris offer Poojas at the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple on the 11th day of the Kartik month (November – December), exactly four months after the Shayani Ekadasi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu wakes up from his slumber on this day in the Ksheersagar during the Samudra Manthan episode in mythology.
  • The Magha Ekadasi and the Chaithra Ekadasi are also celebrated by the Varkaris especially. They arrive at the Pandharpur Temple in large numbers during these days and receive the blessings of their beloved Lord.
  • Besides the Ekadasis, Holi, Deepavali, and Dussehra are also celebrated with great pomp and fare. The Pandharpur Temple is decorated and special Poojas are performed for the Lord on these days.

Pandharpur Temple Sevas

  • Kakad Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord at 4:30 AM every day in the Pandharpur Temple. The Kakad Aarti is a form of morning Mangal Aarti which is performed to wake up the deity. Several chants and stotrams are recited to create a holy environment conducive to the waking up of the Lord.
  • Nitya Pooja – The regular Pooja begins with a ritualistic bathing of the Lord with Panchamrit which are Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar, and Ghee. Then the Lord is decorated and dressed up in the regional attire for the morning darshan. This Pooja is performed between 5 AM to 6 AM.
  • Mahapuja – This Pooja can be performed by the devotees by paying the requisite amount. Several Poojas and shlokas are recited on behalf of the devotee. These rituals are performed between 7 AM to 8 AM.
  • Mahanaivedyam – The Lord is offered food of different varieties mainly consisting of rice, daal, and sweets. This takes place between 11 AM to 11:15 AM.
  • The Poshakh Pooja – The ornaments and the attire of the Lord are changed again for the evening darshan.
  • Dhoop Aarti – The evening Aarti takes place between 7 PM to 7:30 PM. The Lord is offered with Naivedyam afterward as dinner.
  • Shej Aarti – The Night Aarti or the Shej Aarti is performed at 10 PM in the Pandharpur Temple. The ornaments are removed from the deity and milk and sugar is offered. The Lord is allowed to sleep amidst the chants of the priests.

How to reach Pandharpur Temple

  • By Air – The nearest airport to Pandharpur Temple is the Lohegaon airport in Pune which is situated at a distance of 205 km from the city. One can board a bus or hire a taxi from Pune to reach Pandharpur.
  • By Train – The Pandharpur railway station connects various cities and towns in Maharashtra like Pune, Nagpur, Solapur, Latur, and Kopergaon. The Kurduvadi station located about 50 km from Pandharpur caters to devotees from several major cities in India like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Mysore, Pune, and Jaipur.
  • By Road – The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation operates regular buses from cities like Mumbai, Bijapur, Belgaum, Pune, Solapur and Khandala. Private buses also operate on the route.

Pandharpur Temple Accommodation

Pandharpur offers a wide range of hotels and ashrams for a stay to the devotees. The prices are reasonable. The MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) has constructed a few lodges that can be booked for a stay.

Where to eat

A large number of private restaurants are available that serve delicious local cuisine as well as North Indian and South Indian cuisine.

Nearby Temples

  • Takpitya Vithoba – The small shrine dedicated to Takpitya Vithoba. As per a legend, a woman who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vitthal used to offer buttermilk (tak) and ground lahi (parched Jowar, wheat or rice) daily at the Temple. If unable to reach the Temple, she offered it to Lord Vitthala at home. The Lord was impressed with her devotion and would sometimes come to her home to relish the offerings. The shrine dedicated to the Lord and the woman was built by a widow named Radhabai in 1540 CE. The stone bowl can still be visited that was used to offer food to the Lord himself.
  • Pundalik Temple – The small Temple is situated beside the Chandrabhaga river, just a few kilometers away from the Vitthal Rukmini Temple. This Temple marks the resting place of Pundalik who is credited with the arrival of Lord Vitthal to Pandharpur.
  • Kaikadi Maharaj Math – The Math is situated just 2 km away from the Temple. The complex depicts several mythological occurrences in Hinduism and their significance. The concept of the place is that all the Gods in Hinduism are placed under one roof and their significance explained to the devotees.
  • Vishnupad Temple – The Temple is situated 5 km away from the city. It is believed that one can visit Lord Krishna’s footprints and hoof prints of a cow on a stone slab near the banks of the river. As per the local beliefs, Lord Krishna comes for lunch here every day.
  • Mangalwedha – The land of Mangalwedha is called the “Land of Saints”. The city is the birthplace of several saints like Saint Damaji, Saint Kanhopatra, Saint Basaveshwara, and Saint Chokhamela.

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