Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur

This temple in the centre of Kolhapur is dedicated to Mahalakshmi, known locally as Ambabai, and is counted among the Shakti Peethas, one of four in Maharashtra. It is built in the Hemadpanti manner, a stone style that developed in the Deccan, and opens onto a broad courtyard.

The goddess is a black stone image dressed in jewels and flowers. Smaller shrines inside the complex house Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha and other deities, and worship continues from early morning until late evening. Local belief holds that the city is guarded by three forms of Shakti: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Another legend says the demon king Kolhasur, defeated by the goddess, asked that the town carry his name, which is how Kolhapur got it.