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GODDESS
MAHALAXMI AMBABAI
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 beng 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 4:30 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 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 a.m. 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 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 p.m. and it marks
the end off day. After this doors of temples are
closed till the 4:30 a.m. 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.
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