In kolhapur, Ambabai is the most honoured deity. This temple had not been here, there would not have been Kolhapur city here as well. It can be said that by the virtue of blessings of Shri Mahalaxmi, Kolhapur has got great sons like Shri Shahu Chhatrapati and Shri Rajaram Maharaj who worked for the welfare and development of Kolhapur. Foundation of current development of Kolhapur is laid by the temple of Shri Mahalaxmi. Its development has been supported by the kings. This temple is in the heart of the city near old palace. This grand and beautiful temple of ‘Hemadpanti’ stands exemplry for demostration of ancient architechtural skills. This temple is star shaped and it is 2 storied. Other than the idol of Shri Mahalaxmi, there are idols of Mahasaraswati on the south side, Mahakali on the north side and idols ofGanapati on the 2nd floor.
In front of main temple, there is a entrance mandap viz ‘Garud mandap’. In Navaratri, grand festival is celebrated here. All other times, it is used for praying and presentations. The path to offer revolutions around the temple is inside the temple and is very peculiar. On both sides of mandap, there are idols of Bharat and Shatrughna carved out. There is manimanda few feet ahead. The statues of the door-keepers viz. Jay and Vijay and the artistic sculpture are very attractive. The main location is the place where idol of Mahalaxmi is placed. It is said that till 1722, the idol of Shri Mahalaxmi was kept hidden or 200 years to save it from the attack of Muslims. On the outside of the main temple , sculpture of 64 dancing devotee girls and additional work can be observed. In the surroundings of the Shri Mahalaxmi temple, there are idols of other deities. It includes ‘Sheshshayi’, ‘Navgrih’ and ‘Ashtdikpal mandap’. Though idol of Sheshshayi is not so attractive, the delicate and beautiful sculpture in front of it and ‘Jain Tirthankar’ are worth a special visit. Navagrah Mandap is an excellent example of ancient indian sculture. Other than this, there are small temples like Dattatray, Harihareshwar, Mukteshwari, Vithoba, Kashivishveshwar, Ram, Radhbhavani, Krishna, Tulajabhavani, mahadeva etc.
Shri Mahalaxmi temple has 4 entrances out of which main is on the west side and has a place over it to keep the kettle drums. There are 2 pilgrimage spots viz Kashi and Manikarnika on north side. In the yard, there is a group of lamps in a row. Also there are 2 modern fountains. On the entrance of north side, large bell is rung. It is one o the largest bells in Maharashtra. This loud clanging of the bells is heard in the region up to 4 miles radius.
In “Poush” month every year, ‘SanjSooryaKiranotsav’ is celebrated. The peculiarity of this festival is that, in those days, sun rays enter the temple and fall on the face of the idol in the evening and they vanish. It is noticeable that there is about 150 feet covering construction including that of temple and Garud Mandap. In front of the temple and on the west side, there are many houses. Except these 3 days, sun rays never fall on the face of the idol.