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Goddess Mahalaxmi -
Ambai
Kolhapur is a historic city, from very ancient time
words Dakashan Kashi [South Kashi] are in the use for
the city. Religious importance of city ranks high ,as
the place is known as the home of Goddess Mahalaxmi -
Karveer Niwasini Ambai Devi.
It is said that King Karandev, who migrated from the
kokan area [of the present Maharashtra state] to
kolhapur and found a small temple for the Goddess with
rich flora around, it was kings efforts that brought the
neglected temple in the vision of all. The idol at
temple is being constructed using the diamond particle
contains precious stone and is about 40 kgs in weight.
There are about 35 small temples in the surrounding of
main temple beside a mandap, which is being used during
many festivals and celebrations like the Shardai
[Winter] Navratra and so on.
Daily Pooja [Worship]
and Aarti [Prayer] Schedules :-
During the day Aarti is done five times, starts with
first one at
4:30AM early in morning, when temple is opened
for the devotee and "Kakada - Aarti" and "Padya-pooja" [
Feet Worship] washing feet of Goddess with milk, are
performed. Usually at this time Pratah kaleen salok [
Morning chants and devotional songs] are recited by the
bunch of poojaries of the temple.
Every day at 8:30 AM in the morning "Maha-Pooja"
followed by the "Mangal- Aarti" is offered to Goddess.
Majority of visiting devotee remain present for this.
Pancha Amrut, [ made up of the Ghee, Honey, Sugar, Curd
and Milk] is distributed among the devotees present in
the main chamber of the temple as the blessings of Ambai.
Third Aarati is performed at 11:30 AM and
devotees usually offer "Kumkum" and flowers to Goddess
with the light of camphor burning. This is the longest
offering of the day usually goes on till 1:30 or 2:00 in
the noon.
Every day in the evening "Bhog Aarti " at 7:30 PM
is offered to the Goddess, Usually at this time idol is
being decorated with the Golden and Silver ornaments.
Devotees offers variety of offerings at this time.
The last worship of the day "Sej Aarti", which is being
conducted at Shayan Guha [Bed-room] of the Goddess is
performed at 10:00 PM and it marks the end off
day. After this doors of temples are closed till the
4:30 AM of the next morning.
At various occasions such as "Tramboli - Yatra", "
Rathostav" , "Kiranostav", " Gokul- Ashtami" and so on
special prayers are performed beside the regular daily
prayers. Similarly it is also traditional that during
the visit of Chhatrapati [Royal Family] of kolhapur and
" Shankaracharya" special prayers are performed.
Navratra & Kiranostav
:-
Starting with from the day of " Ghatasthapana" till the
day of " Dasara" [Kande Navami] Navratra are celebrated
and during these days devotees, spread all over the
globe, visit kolhapur for their offering to Goddess
Mahalaxmi.
During all these days in the evening a special event
took place, during which Palaki [ Chariot carried on the
shoulders] is taken in the procession around the temple
with the traditional kolhapuri Music, this event is
called " Palaki Pradakshina".
A super natural phenomena can be seen at this temple.
The temple is constructed in such a style that every
year on fixed days sun rays are reaching directly to the
idol of Goddess to glorify the divinity of Goddess
Mahalaxmi. This is celebrated as the Kiranostav
festival.
As per the dates of Indian calendar starting with 18th
Date of Kartik month and 11th date of Magh month for
three days , First day at feet, Second day up to chest
area and on the third day sun rays covers whole body.
During these days all the electrical lights of the
temple are kept off. It is fact that man made structures
are always prove obstacle to natural effects and same
can also be seen here, it is observed that sky towering
buildings some times prove obstacle for this Kiranostav. |