Kolhapur: Mahalaxmi (Ambabai)महालक्ष्मी अंबाबाई
A 7th-century Shakti Peetha where twice a year the sunset hits the idol.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereKolhapur, Maharashtra
Satara-Kolhapur
Satara-Kolhapur
Kind of placeTemples & Shrines, Pilgrimage Routes
Best time to visit1 October to 15 March
Good seasonsMonsoon (June to September), Post-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed3 hrs
Base and nearbyKolhapur, Kolhapur
EntryFree
About Kolhapur: Mahalaxmi (Ambabai)
A 7th-century Chalukya-era temple to Mahalaxmi, one of the Shakti Peethas, at the centre of old Kolhapur. Twice a year, at Kiranotsav, the setting sun aligns with the doorways and falls directly on the idol, a piece of deliberate ancient engineering.
What to see and do
- Kiranotsav, sunlight striking the idol in Jan and Nov
- 7th-century Chalukya stone architecture
- Carved mandapa ceilings and the Garud Mandap
- Rankala lake and Panhala fort nearby
- Kolhapuri misal and chappals in the old town
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Kolhapur
- Bahubali Hill, KumbhojKolhapur, Maharashtra · Temples & ShrinesA 28-foot Bahubali cut from one stone, on a hill few outside the Jain community visit.
- Jyotiba Temple, Wadi RatnagiriKolhapur, Maharashtra · Temples & ShrinesA hill shrine above Kolhapur where the festival turns the whole hilltop pink.
- Kopeshwar Temple, KhidrapurKolhapur, Maharashtra · Temples & ShrinesA 12th-century masterpiece with an open-roofed hall on 92 stone elephants.
- Ramtirth WaterfallKolhapur, Maharashtra · WaterfallsA wide Hiranyakeshi fall near Ajara with an old temple beside it.
- BhudargadKolhapur, Maharashtra · FortsA broad plateau fort in south Kolhapur with a Bhairavnath temple and near-total quiet.
- Gaganbawada & GaganagadKolhapur, Maharashtra · FortsOne of the wettest places in Maharashtra, mist, cliffs and roadside waterfalls everywhere.
- GandharvagadKolhapur, Maharashtra · FortsAn overgrown fort in far south Kolhapur, quieter even than Rangana.
- KalanandigadKolhapur, Maharashtra · FortsA remote southern fort near Ajara with a surprising amount of wall still standing.
All places in Kolhapur · All places in Maharashtra
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.