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Shani Shingnapur Temple – Timings, Rules, Poojas, and History

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Shani Shingnapur Temple is a popular temple of Lord Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn. It is located in the Ahamadnagar district in the state of Maharashtra. The presiding deity here is ‘Swayambhu’. This means a ‘self-evolved’ deity.

Planning to visit the Shani Shingnapur Temple? Have a look our Shirdi-Shingnapur Tour Package.

Shani Shingnapur Temple – Facts

DeityLord Shani
LocationShingnapur, Maharashtra
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free
Best Time to VisitJune to December
PoojasShani Pooja and Abhishekam
FestivalsShani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti
Shani Shingnapur Temple, Video

Shingnapur is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, the villagers did not report the occurrence of theft until 2010. Also, devotees believe that the Shani Shingnapur temple is a “jagrut devasthan” that translates into “alive temple”, meaning that the deity still resides in the temple icon. Further, villagers believe that Lord Shani punishes anyone attempting theft.

What are the timings of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

The Shani Shingnapur Temple is open all 24 hours in a day.

Here are the timings of Shani Shingnapur Temple:

RitualFromTo
 Darshan12 AM12 AM

What are the poojas and sevas at Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shani-Shingnapur-Pooja

There are poojas and abhishekams which are conducted on a daily basis for the devotees to be a part of. The black stone signifying Lord Shani is bathed by the devotees with sesame oil.

What are the rules of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Are-women-allowed-in-Shani-Shingnapur-Temple

There are certain rules one needs to follow if they want to get on the platform to worship Lord Shani in Shani Shingnapur.

  1. Only men are allowed on the platform to worship Shani Maharaj.
  2. The devotee must take a head bath and get on the platform in wet clothes.
  3. The devotee must be bare-headed (not wearing a cap or a covering cloth on the head).
  4. Collect water for the worship of Lord Shani only from the holy well.
  5. Devotees also use sesame oil for worship.

What is the significance of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shingnapur Shanidev

The significance of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is that the shrine for Shani Dev consists of a five and a half feet high black rock installed on an open-air platform, which symbolizes the godi. Unlike other pilgrimage centers, devotees here can perform pooja or abhishekam or other religious rituals themselves.

A Trishula (trident) is placed along the side of the image and a Nandi (bull) image is on the south side. In front are the small images of Shiva and Hanuman.

In the times of Acharya Udasi Baba, there would be only three people visiting the shrine. Namely, Dagdu Changediya, Hastimal Chnagediya and the mother of Badri Tokse. They too used to come only on Saturday. Now, daily there are over 13, 000 visitors.

Generally, the temple has 30–45, 000 visitors a day, which swells to around three lakh (i.e. three hundred thousand) on Amavasya (the no moon day), believed to be the most auspicious day to appease Shani.

According to a 400-year tradition, women could not enter the inner sanctum. Therefore, on 26 January 2016, a group of over 500 women, led by activist Trupti Desai, marched to the temple under the group “Bhumata Ranragani Brigade”, demanding entry into the Inner sanctum. But the police stopped them.

In a landmark judgment on 30 March 2016, the Bombay High Court asked Maharashtra government to ensure that women are not denied entry to any temple. Hence, On 8 April 2016, the Shani Shingnapur trust finally allowed the women devotees to enter the sanctum.

The official website of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is:
http://www.shanidev.com/index.html

What is the history of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

According to history, Ahamadnagar is popular as the place of saints. Also, there are four legends around this temple. The story of the swayambhu statue handed down from generations through word of mouth goes something like this: when the shepherd touched the stone with a pointed rod, the stone started bleeding.

This surprised the shepherd. Soon the whole village gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shanaishwara appeared in the dream of the most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is “Shanaishwara”. He also told that the unique looking black stone is his swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked the Lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he prefers open sky. He asked the shepherd to do daily pooja and ‘Tailabhisheka‘ every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole village will not have to fear of dacoits, burglars, or thieves.

Which festivals are celebrated here?

Shani Shinganapur Amavasya

Some of the festivals celebrated at Shani Shingnapur Temple are:

  • Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti: This day marks the birth of Lord Shani. From ‘Chaitra Shuddha Dashami’ to ‘Chaitrya Vadya Pratipada’, continuously, the priests chant God’s name and perform the ‘Granthraj Dnyaneshwari Parayan’.
  • Aashadi Ekadashi: From 1991, on Aashadi Ekadashi of every year, from Shanishingnapur to Pandarpur, Shaneshwar Palki is taken on foot with great fanfare. In this, all the trustees and devotees participate.
  • Ekanaathi Shashti: Similarly, from 1991, during Ekanaathi Shashti of every year, all the trustees and devotees participate in taking Shaneshwar Palki on foot, with great fanfare, from Shanishingnapur to Paithan.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur?

Here’s how to reach Shani Shingnapur Temple:

  • Air: Nearest International Airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai.
  • Rail: The suggested railway stations are Ahamadnagar, Rahuri, Shrirampur, and Belapur.
  • Road: Shingnapur is a village at a distance of 6 km from Ghodegaon on Aurangabad Ahamadnagar road in Maharashtra. It is 84 Kms from Aurangabad and 35kms from Ahamadnagar.

Where to stay near Shani Shingnapur?

Some places where one can stay near Shani Shingnapur Temple are:

  • Daiwik Hotel, Shirdi near Pimplewadi road is a notable place to check-in. It offers a great dining experience and is a nice accommodating place.
  • The Temple View Hotel at Nagar Manmad road is at close proximity to the temple. Travelers often also check-in for its convenient location and well-suited accommodation.

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 Jyotiringas of Lord Shiva in India.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places that one can visit near Shani Shingnapur Temple are:

  • Shirdi: Shirdi is around 70 km away from Shani Shinganapur which is the famous place of Shri Sai Baba. Saibaba pent most of his life in Shirdi Village. Millions of visitors visit Shirdi temple daily and take blessings from Sai Baba.
  • Ajanta and Ellora: The Ajanta and Ellora caves are considered as the greatest historical monument in the Maharashtra, India; which are about 79 km southwest from Shinganapur.
  • Nashik: The city of Nashik is 143 km from the Shani Shinganapur and is famous for its religious culture. There are many places to see in the Nashik city; some of which include Muktidham, Trimbakeshwar, Pandavleni Caves, Sula Vineyards, Kalaram Temple, Naroshankar Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple, Shri Kailas Math etc.

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

Ganpatipule Temple

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Ganpatipule Temple is located at a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai, in Ratnagiri district of the Kokan coast of Maharashtra. ‘Ganpatipule’ is the land of 400 years old “Swayambhoo” (a self-incarnated idol) Ganesha. Its origin can be imagined by its references in ancient literatures like Mudgal-puran etc, where it has been referred to as the “Paschim Dwar- Devata” or “Paschim Dwarpalak” (Western Sentinel God).

Ganpatipule Temple

What is the history of Ganpatipule Temple?

Various myths are prevalent about the temples and deities. Some 500 years back, during the reigns of Moguls, there used to be ‘Kevada’ (flower tree) forest at the foot of the hill where presently the “Swayambhoo” Ganpati is situated. Here lived a Brahmin named Balbhatji Bhide.

Once he came across a major personal calamity, but being a determined person he decided to give up food and water till he is relieved from his problem. Hence he stayed in the Kevada forest for penance and worshiping his tutelary diety “Mangalmurti” Lord Ganesha.

During this period, Bhide had a vision in his dream in which Lord Ganesha told him that he has come to Aagargule (Ganesh Gule) in his “nirakar” (void) form to relieve all my devotees of their difficulties. Hence, you worship and propitiate here.

During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide was not giving milk, for which reason, the cowherd kept a close watch on her. He was astonished to see that the milk was flowing from cow’s udder on the place where the idol of the God is placed at present.

The cowherd narrated the incident to Bhide, on cleaning up the entire area Bhide found the idol of Ganesh which he had seen in his vision. Therefore, he built a shrine on a grass top there and started performing his first rituals.

Front view of the temple Ganpatipule

Later, Secretary Annaji Datta, one of the eight trusted ministers of Shivaji Maharaj, erected a marvelous dome replacing the grass-top. The next construction was the auditorium built by Sardar Govindrap Bundele from Peshwa court.

After that the Kolhapur Sansthan Secretary Vasudeorao Barve, made a gold plated dome-summit. His Highness Nanasaheb Peshwa arranged for the continuous lamp-lit “Nandadeep” and Ramabai Peshwa created a permanent hard-stone construction for the pilgrims. Madhavrao Peshwa built the “Sabhamandap”.

What is the significance of Ganpatipule Temple?

Ganpatipule Temple is one of its kind and holds an important place in the Hindu culture as it is one of the ‘Astha-Ganapatis’ (eight Ganpatis).

Another most unique characteristic of this temple is that the abode of Ganesha  is ‘Swayambhoo’ (Self-incarnated). This very concept of being self-embodied is suitable only to the ‘Aadhya-Devatas’ (Initial deities). All these ‘Swayambhoo’ deities are the parts of this eternal nature. Hence, they do not need any further carving or sculpturing. They are nature in itself.

The Swayambhoo Ganpati

Unlike the deities in other Indian temples who faces the east, the ‘Swayambhoo Ganpati’ faces the west direction, also making him known as the “Paschim-Dwar-Devata” or the “Paschim-Dwarpalak” i.e. Western Sentinel God. It is believed that he faces the west so as to protect the Western Ghats of India.

The mesmerizing glimpse of the fountain spurring from the naval of Lord Ganesha on a typical monsoon day, fills every devotee witnessing it with utmost divinity and purity.

The present form of the temple was built between 1998 and 2003. To give it an impression of being carved out of a single rock, construction has taken place with a special kind of stone called the Agra Red Stone.

Ganpatipule Temple Pradakshina

The Ganpatipule temple is situated at the foot of a small hill along the seashore. Therefore, pilgrims visiting here believe in taking a “Pradakshina” around the hill instead of just the temple. The “Pradakshina” is usually done to show ones’ obeisance to the Lord and devotion towards Him.

The northern front gate of Ganpatipule Temple

At the front gate, to the north, is a huge main gate with two elephants with raised trunks, standing on both sides of the gate. There is also one large bronze “Mushak” (mouse) situated near the gate. The “Mushak” is the “Vahana” (carrier) of Sri Ganesh, typically found in all His temples, is very sacred to the Hindus.

It is believed that if anyone has a wish to get fulfilled by Lord Ganesha then he or she can whisper the wish into the ears of the Mushak and pray for its fulfillment.

The Mushak Vahana
The Mushak Vahana

What are the timings of Ganpatipule Temple?

The Darshan timings of Ganpatipule Temple are as follows:

TimingsFromTo
Morning Darshan5 AM9 PM
Morning Aarti5 AM5:30 AM
Noon Aarti12 PM12:30 PM
Evening Aarti7 PM7:30 PM
Khichdi Prasad Time12 PM2 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Ganpatipule Temple?

Various festivals and celebrations are carried out ardently throughout the year, those are:

Bhadrapad Celebration

Bhadrapad shuddha pratipada to panchami.
Aarati, Mantrapushpa and Keertan every night.
Mahaprasad on the auspicious day of Waman Dwadashi.

Magh Celebrations

Magh Suddha 1 to Magh Suddha 5.
Aarati, Mantrapushpa and Keertan every night.
Magh Shuddh 6 – Cultural Programmes at night.
Magh Shuddha 7 – Mahaprasa at noon and cultural Programms at night.

Dasara

On this day, at early morning a pooja takes place at the ‘Samadhi’ (Holy Tomb) of Bhatji Bhilde and 2100 Boondi Ladus are distributed among the devotees. In the evening, the palanquin procession for ‘Simollanghan’ (Symbolic crossing of the out skirts) takes place.

The palanquin halts at the Shamee Tree on the Pradakshina path. The leaves of the Shamee tree are taken as a symbol of gold and are hence offered to Lord Ganesha during the pooja and like this the palanquin celebration comes to an end.

Deepotsav (Festival of Lights)

Kojagiri full-moon-night to Tripuri full-moon-night.
Every evening between Ashwin Shuddha 15 to Kartik Shuddha 15 lamps are lit at the time of Aarati.

Vasant Puja

Chaitra Shuddh 1 to Vaishakh Shuddh 3 (Gudhipadava to Akshayytritiya).

Palanquin Procession of the Lord

On every Sankanshti (i.e. 12 time a year), on Gudhipadwa, Dasara, Deepawali (First Day) Ganesh Chaturthee (Bhadrapad Suddha 4), Maghi Chaturthee (Magh shuddha 4) are the specific SEVENTEEN times, on which the Lord Ganesh is worshipped with this procession.

The Palanquin

How to reach Ganpatipule Temple?

There are multiple ways to reach the Ganpatipule temple, those are as follows:

By Road:

Kolhapur – Ganpatipule, 144 kms.

Belgaum – Ganpatipule, 299 kms.

Pune – Ganpatipule (via Satara), 331 kms.

Mumbai – Ganpatipule (via Mahad), 375 kms.

By Rail:

Konkan Railway station is around 65 kms away from the temple.

By Flight:

The nearest airport to the temple is Mumbai Airport which is around 375 kms away from the temple.

By Bus:

The MSRTC State Buses are also available for transportation from Ratnagiri Bus Station.

Where to stay nearby?

There are several modern accommodation available near Ganpatipule temple and also in the Ratnagiri city. Apart from this, the charitable endowments like Bhaktinivas also provide lodging at a very nominal tariff.

Where to eat nearby?

All kinds of food options are available in the Ratnagiri city. Although near the temple mostly vegetarian restaurants are found. But it is worth mentioning that the local people of this place are very generous and kind. It is for them only that such an old heritage of the Hindus looks so serene and blissful even now. It is highly recommended to drink clean water only.

What are some temples nearby?

Karhateshwar Temple: It is a Lord Shiva Temple and can be reached by taking a left road from the Jaigad Fort.

Shri Laxmi- Keshav Temple: It is located in the Kolisare village, the temple is surrounded by dense forest and holds a very ancient idol of Laxmi and Keshav. The 5 feet idol is sculpted on a reddish black Shaligram stone from the Gandaki river in Nepal and is an excellent example of the finest form of ancient art.

Shri Laxmi- Keshava Temple

Shri Uma-Maheshwar Mandir- Hedvi: The pretty mandir of Shri Uma and Maheshwar was built at the end of the 18th century with the help of Ahilyabai Holkar’s Charity. The temple has the heritage of solemn peace.

Shri Walneshwar Mandir: It is 5 kms from Hedvi. This temple too has a history of 400 years, hence, is a point of tourist attraction.

Shrikshetra Parshuram: Lord Parshuram is the 6th incarnation of Lord Shri Vishnu. This temple has a significance of its own and has many myths and legends related to it. The sculptural beauty of the temple is a fine blend of western, Muslim and Hindu architecture.

Shri Swami Swaroopananda Shrine temple (Samadhi Mandir): Swami Swaroopananda was a great saint, poet and spiritual Guru. His full name was Ramachandra Vishnu Godbole. He was fortunate enough to see Lord Vishnu in person. The place where he gave away his elements of existence (accepted Samadhi), has been transformed into a huge, beautiful and extremely clean temple.

Shri Zari Vinayak Mandir: On the Ratnagiri-Pavas road runs a crystal clear brook through the mountains. at the upper side of the brook (Zari in Marathi) you can see a carved rock symbolizing Lord Ganesha, hence the name Zari Vinayak.

Ganeshgule (Agargule): This temple of Ganpati is a famous 400 years on the Pavas-Poorngad road, 4 km from the main road. There is a popular story realted to this temple which says that Lord Ganesha transferred Himself from Ganesgule to Ganpatipule, which also led to the creation of a Marathi saying- “ Gulyacha Ganapati Pulyala Gela” (The Ganesh of Gule went to Pule).

Dhoot papeshwar Temple: It is located just 5 km from the main market area of Rajapur. One can see a very beautiful Ganesh idol carved out of a black stone. The temple traditionally celebrates Mahashivratri from Magh vadhya 10 to Falgun suddha 1.

Hot Water Spring – Unhaale: On the Mumbai- Goa highway comes a village called Unhaale. It is well known for the sulfur smelling hot springs which serves for many medicinal benefits to its visitors, especially people with skin diseases. There is a small Shiva temple too.

Ganga- Teerth- Rajapur: Located on the Mumbai- Goa highway this spot has a similar significance as that of the previous one. It has 14 Kunds (Earthen tanks borderd with Jambha rocks with hot spring waters over flowing through it. The place is worshipped due to its mysterious and beneficial properties.

Shri Kankaditya Mandir: The Kankaditya temple is a beautiful architectural piece. The Lord’s statue is splendidly carved out of a black stone. The temple also has a special silver chariot fot the Lord. The Rath (chariot) Saptami festival is celebrated in this temple between Magh suddha 7 to Magh suddha 11.

Shri Mahakali Mandir: The temple is located in the Adiware village on the Ratnagiri-Rajapur vai Pavas road. There are 5 idols in the temple namely Shri Yogeshwari, Shri Mahakali, Shri Mahalaxmi, Shri Mahasaraswati and Shri Ravalnath. The festival of Navaratri is celebrated in the temple very enthusiastically every year.

Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Guide – Vigneshwara Ashtavinayak – Timings, Poojas and Significance

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Lenyadri Ganpati Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra. The temple is also known as Girijatmaj temple. It gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son), thus the son of Parvati. This is the only Ashtavinayak temple which is on a mountain.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Ashtavinayaka Yatra Tour Packages.

Lenyadri Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Ganesha
Location Lenyadri, Maharashtra
Significance Part of Ashtavinayak Temples
Best Time to Visit August – September
Darshan Timings 5.00 AM to 8.00 PM.
Entry Fees Rs 5/-
Palakhi Fees 700 Rs. Per person
Vehicle Parking Fees 20 to 30 Rs (As per vehicle)
Photography Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
Dress Code Traditional
Festivals Magh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti, and Ganesha Chaturthi.
Official WebsiteLenyadri Ganpati
An insightful tour of the divine Caves of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple

Virtuous deeds like Abhishek, Pooja, Sahastravartan etc. are done by temple trust on behalf of devotees. Since the Ganesh idol is attached to the wall one can not circumnavigate Girijatmaj.

Timings and puja of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple-

Puja and Rituals done at Lenyadri Ganpati Temple
Devotees offering Puja to Lord Ganpati at Lenyadri Ganpati Temple

Here’re the darshan timings of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Darshan6 AM6 PM
Panchamrit puja 8 AM

What is the significance of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Lenyadri Ganapati Temple is that amidst a cluster of rock-cut Buddhist caves. It is one of the Ashtavinayak temples. Devotees believe that Lord Girijatmaj was Lord Ganesh’s manifestation as an infant Lord. Rather, it is carved on a rock, with its head turned to the left.

According to Ganesh Puran, this place is also known as Jirnapur or Lekhan Parbat. Moreover, Devotees believe that the Pandavas carved the caves during their exile period. Lenyadri Ganpati temple is south-facing and monolithic – carved out from a single rock.

  • Since the Lenyadri Ganpati is rock-cut, devotees cannot circumambulate. However, they are free to worship the Lord themselves.
  • Furthermore, the main mandap is 53 feet long and interestingly there are no pillars supporting the entire structure.
  • The main mandap also known as the sabha mandap has 18 indents or small rooms that pilgrims use for meditation.
  • Once there, a serene atmosphere, with pleasant vibrations from the Lekhan mountain and a beautiful view of the nearby Kukadi river is a treat for the senses.
Idol of Lord Ganesh in Lenyadri Ganpati Temple
The divine Idol of Lord Ganesh in Lenyadri Ganpati Temple

Lenyadri is silent and a lonely place. Silence loving people can come here and meditate and have Girijatmaj’s blessings.

Legends of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple-

The history of Lenyadri Ganapati temple relates to the following Legend:

Legend of Girijatmaj: According to Ganesh Puran, Goddess Sati reincarnated as Parvati and wished to give birth to Ganesh. She did severe penance on the Lenyadri mountain. On the fourth day of Bhadrapad Shuddh or Chaturthi day, Goddess Parvati wiped her body and used the dirt to create an idol.

Lord Gajanan entered this idol and stood before her a young boy with six arms and three eyes.  His name was Girijatmaj or the son of Parvati.  This incarnation of Lord Ganesh – Lord Girijatmaj is believed to have stayed at Lenyadri for nearly 15 years.

Though the caves on Lenyadri are under control of Archeological Dept. of India, adminstration of Ganesh temple is looked after by Temple Trust.

The architecture of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple –

Architecture of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple
The unique cave architecture of Lenyadri Temple.

The caverns date from between the first and third century AD. the Ganesha sanctum arranged in Cave 7 is dated to the first century AD. However, the date of transformation to a Hindu holy place is obscure. The majority of the caverns emerge from Hinayana Buddhism.

It is basically a Buddhist Vihara in structure, an unpillared lobby with 20 cells with shifting measurements. The lobby is huge and can be entered by a focal entryway, under a pillared veranda. The hall is now a sabha-mandapa of the Ganesha temple. 283 steps were built in stone brickwork which will lead to the passageway.

Devotees walking on the 283 stone built steps.
The 283 stone steps which were built by devotees to reach the Lenyadri Ganpati Temple.

The corridor additionally has hints of mortar and artistic creations, both included during the transformation and renewed in later occasions – perhaps as late as the nineteenth century. The artistic creations portrayed Ganesha’s youth, marriage arrangements, fight with evil spirits, etc.

Before the gigantic section doors of Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati temple are colossal columns with pictures of elephants, horses, lions and different creatures cut on them. Also, there are columns with various carvings before each other cavern.

The neighboring sixth cavern and fourteenth cavern have Buddha-columns in them normally known as Bouddha-Stupa. These caverns are made into the state of the side of the equator interiorly. That is the reason, echoes can be effectively heard.

The Sanctorum of the temple hotshots a wide scope of bewildering workmanship as reverential artistic creations of Shri Guru Dattatray. Lord Ganesh laying on Shiv-Parvati’s lap, Bal Ganesh playing an ancient game like ludo made by utilizing regular hues.

There is no power to illuminate in the temple. The temple is developed with the end goal that during the day it is constantly illuminated by the sun-beams.

Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesha Chaturthi are celebrated in a great manner with cultural programs. Bullock cart racing is also organized on this occasion.

Which festivals are celebrated at Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in Lenyadri Ganpati Temple.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Lenyadri Ganapati Temple are:

  1. Bhadrapath: Lord Ganesh’s birth celebrations known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is a key festival in the state of Maharashtra. Moreover, in Lenyadri, Lord Ganpati’s birthday is a five-day festival from Bhadrapath Shudh 1 to Bhadrapath Shudh 5 (August – September)
  2. Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)
  3. Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
  4. Aashad: Chaturmas symbolizes Lord Vishnu’s four months slumber. The beginning of Chaturmas is in the month of Aashad (June-July). Devotees can participate in Puram Pravachan program during this period.
  5. Ashwin: Devotees celebrate the Dusshera festival here on Ashwin Shudh 10 (September/October). During the festivities, Lord Ganpati is taken on a palanquin procession across the village.
  6. Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Lenyadri Temple.  Here, the celebrations are held from Magh Shudh 1 to Magh Shudh 6 (January – February). During this period, devotees conduct Bhajans, Kirtans and several programs. In the month of Magh, an Akhand Harinaam Saptah is held. 
Devotees riding in Palakhi
Many devotees who are unable to walk the 283 steps, take the Palakhi rides to reach Lenyadri Ganpati Temple.

How to reach the Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Lenyadri Ganapati temple:

  • Road: Lenyadri is nearly 95 km from Pune. Junnar is the nearest town at a 5 km distance. Lenyadri enjoys good roads and several buses operate from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The RedBus operates a bus from Mumbai to Junnar in every 15 minutes.
  • Rail: The nearest railway station is at Pune, 94 km from Girijatmaj. Devotees can purchase the Tickets at ₹150 – ₹1,000 and the journey takes 2h 43m.
  • Air: The nearest airport is at Pune, which is well connected to all major Indian cities. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Pali from outside the airport.

Where to stay near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Yatri Niwas in Lenyadri Temple
Yatri-Niwas in Lenyadri Ganpati Temple for devotees to rest.

Lenyadri Ganpati Temple trust operates Yatri Niwas and offers accommodation at nominal charges.

Temple trust has built Yatri-Niwas for lodging purpose of devotees. At a time arrangement of 300 devotees can be done. Rs.200 are charged for a room having the capacity of 10 people.

  • Beddings are provided by the trust.
  • A very good lunch arrangement is available at Hotel Girija.
  • There are few resorts that function at Junnar.

Lenyadri is name of Temple Trust and it comes in Golegaon. Main crops of this area are Grapes, Tomato, Cacumber and Sugarcane. A very good season for going to Lenyadri is from Diwali to May.

Where to eat near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple

There are no restaurants at Lenyadri except for the Yatri Niwas which offers food options. However, devotees may opt to eat at the smaller restaurants on the highway or at Junnar.

Devotees can also get a meal coupon from the temple office (timing: till 1.30p.m.) for Rs.10/-. 

What are some of the temples and sightseeing places near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Buddhist caves on Lenyadri
Sightseeing places near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple filled with Buddhist Caves.

Here are some temples near Lenyadri Ganapati Temple:

Lenyadri Buddhist caves: Girijatmaj Temple is amidst a collection of 30 manmade rock-cut caves. These caves have functioned as Buddhist Monasteries from Lord Buddha’s time. Moreover, the seventh cave is the Girijatmaj Temple. However, other caves were either chapels or living spaces for the monks.

Bhima Gada: Adjacent to the Lenyadri Ganpati Temple, cave no. 6 houses a Buddhist stupa. This is popular as Bhima’s Gada. This stupa has good acoustics that allows sounds to echo.

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Ashtavinayak Temples
Different Idols of Ashtavinayak Temple

Other Ashtavinayak temples are:

  1. Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon – This is the first of the Ashtavinayak Temples. Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. The temple got its name after the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock.
  2. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: This temple derives its name from Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee. It is in Pali, 180 km from the Girijatmaj Temple.
  3. Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek – This temple is the second in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeased Lord Ganesh at this place before slaying the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. The Siddhi Vinayak Temple is in Siddhatek, Maharashtra.
  4. Varadha Vinayak Temple, Mahad – This temple is the fourth in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Ganesh is famous as Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes.
  5. Chintamani Temple, Theur – This temple is the fifth in the list of Ashtavinayak temples. Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and gave it back to sage Kapila.
  6. Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar – This temple is the seventh in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Indra sent Vighnasur to disturb King Abhinandan’s prayer. Then, the troubled devotees turned to Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place.
  7. Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon – This is the last of the Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lenyadri Ganpati Temple –

Is there online booking available for Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Entry to the temple is free and no booking is needed to visit the temple.

What is the nearest airport to Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

The nearest airports are in Pune at a distance of 95 km.

What is the temperature in Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 13°C in winter.

What is the significance of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple, among the Ashtavinayak Yatra?

The Lenyadri Ganpati Temple comes in 6th number during the Ashtavinayak Yatra.

What is the prasad’s usually offered in the temple?

Ladoo and Modak prasad which are known to be favorite of Lord Ganesh are offered in the temple.

When are the celebrations celebrated during Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

The Bhadrapad and Magh Chaturthi are times when big celebrations are held in the temple. In the month of Magh, an Akhand Harinaam Saptah is also held.

Where do devotees pray in the Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Devotees can offer prayers in the Garbhagriha of Girijatmaj temple. Flowers, Garlands are the main offerings made at Girijatmaj temple.

What are the sightseeing places near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

There is a small garden, namely Sunder Udyan near Bhakta-Niwas. Fort Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born is at a distance of 5-6 km’s from Lenyadri.

Parli Vaijnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Parli Vaijnath Temple or Parli Vaidyanath Temple is located in Parli, in the state of Maharashtra and belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The Vaijnath Temple Linga is also popular as Dhanavantari and Amriteshwari. The Linga consists of the Saligram stone and has a very smooth surface.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Parli Vaijnath Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Vaijnath (Lord Shiva)
Location Parli, Maharashtra
Significance Jyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan – Free
VIP Darshan – Rs. 150/- per person
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Nearest AirportNanded
Nearest Railway Station Parli
Jyotirlingas in
Maharashtra 		Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar
https://youtu.be/S0gU60I5V7w
Parli Vaijnath Temple Video

Parli Vaijnath Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

The timings of the Parli Vaijnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Abhishek5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Bhasma Pooja3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

What is the significance of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga
The Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is said to be the last among all the Jyotirlingas.

People believe that since Lord Vishnu hid both the Amrit and the Dhanavantari in the Linga,  anyone who touches the Linga can receive the power of Amrit. Parli is also a meeting place of Hari Hara. Festivals of both Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are celebrated here.

Devotees are allowed to touch the Parli Vaijnath Linga during worshipping and this helps in healing and reaping various health benefits. In fact, devotees themselves perform the Abhisheka here and they use the Bilva leaves purchased outside the Parli Vaijnath Temple precincts.

Devotees from all walks of life, castes, and religion are welcome to visit this sacred Parli Vaijnath Temple. There is absolutely no discrimination. According to Puranas, Lord Vaidhyanath blessed sage Markandeya and he became immortal.

Rani Ahilyabai brought in special stones from the Trishul Devi mountain range for the Parli Vaijnath renovation. A minaret outside the Parli Vaijnath has special Gwakshas (windows). When the sun’s rays pass through the windows, they fall directly on the Shiva Linga. at this time, the priests offer special prayers and poojas to the Sun God.

The waters of the nearby Harihara Teerth is brought to the Parli Vaijnath daily for the Linga pooja.

What is the history of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The history of Parli Vaijnath Temple is that it was built in the 1700s. It was renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom at that time. Two very popular legends are associated with this temple. One legend talks about the Amrit and the other talks about the demon king Ravana and his quest to own Shiva.

Legend of the Amrit

Samudra Manthan
The Samudra Manthan was the churning of the Ocean of Milk and out came 14 ratnas, including Vish and Amrit.

When the Gods and Demons were churning the ocean and competing for the Divine Nectar or Amrit, fourteen gems emerged from the process. It included Dhanavantari and Amrit.

Just as the demons were about to pounce on the Amrit, Lord Vishnu grabbed both Dhanwantri and Amrit and hid them inside a Shiva Linga. The angered demons tried to break the Linga, but when they touched it bright light emanated. This scared the demons and they fled from the place.

Since this is the place where the Devas successfully received the Amrit, the village became popular as Vaijayanthi and therefore the temple as Parli Vaijnath.

Legend of Ravana and Shiva Linga

The demon King Ravana did severe penance and even cut off his heads to please Lord Shiva. Moved by his sacrifice, Lord Shiva offered several boons, and Ravana requested that Lord Shiva come to Lanka. The Lord accepted and instructed Ravana to carry his Shiva Linga and warned him not to keep it down anywhere till he reached his destination.

During the journey, Ravana wanted to take a break and instructed a shepherd to carry the Linga for a while. Unaware of the Lord’s instruction, the shepherd put the heavy Linga down for a brief moment. The Lord thus stayed there at the place and became popular as Vaidhyanath.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Parli Vaijnath Temple are:

PoojaTimings
Somvar PoojaEvery Monday
Shadopachar5:00 AM
Shringar Pooja6:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Mahashivaratri, Vaikunth Chaturdashi, Tripuri Pournima, Vijayadashami and Chaitra Padva are important festivals. There is a unique practice during these festivals – priests present Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, which is usually an offering to Shiva. Similarly, they offer the Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva, which is usually an offering to Vishnu.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath are:

  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the entire village of Parli.
  • Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  • Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to Reach Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Parli Vaijnath:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded, 105 km from the Parli Vaijnath.
  • Train: The nearest station is Parli and is 2 km from the Parli Vaijnath. Direct trains operate from Secunderabad, Kakinada, Manmad, Vishakapatnam, and Bangalore.
  • Road: Several buses connect from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities.

Where to stay near Parli?

There are a number of budget accommodations available at Parli where one can stay. You can also find accommodation in the state-run MTDC cottages.

Where to eat nearby?

Most of the hotels that offer accommodation also have in-house restaurants where travelers can eat. Restaurants can be found at the Parli Vaijnath temple area. Travelers usually choose to eat in Ambajogai area, which is 20 km away from the Parli Vaijnath, as one can find more restaurant options in this area.

What are some temples nearby?

Exploring Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Parli Vaijanath Temple.

Some temples near Parli Vaijnath are:

  1. Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai: The Yogeshwari Temple is for Goddess Yogeshwari who married Parli Vaijnath. Puranas say that by the time the wedding party arrived at Parli, the auspicious time had passed and the entire party turned into stone. The Yogeshwari temple is 25 km from Ambajogai.
  2. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra is the first of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is 118 km from the Parli Vaidhyanath temple.  Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the temple during their exile. It is a part of the well known 5 Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra.
  3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 387 km from Parli Vaijnath. The Linga here is self-manifested and is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  4. Grisheshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Temple is located in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. Grishneshwar temple is 246 km from Parli.
  5. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 397 km from Vaijnath Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parli Vaijnath Temple

Is the Parli Vaijnath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Parli Vaijnath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Parli Vaijnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone visit the Parli Vaijnath temple?

Yes. Anyone from any caste, creed, and religion can offer their prayers at the temple.

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 Parli Vaijnath 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 the summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime 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 Parli Vaijnath Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

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 serve great 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. 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.

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