Shri Mahalakshmi Temple Kolhapur is one of the most popular Shaktipeethas in India. It is said that the eyes of Maa Sati had fallen here. Since then Mata Rani has been seated here in the form of Mahalakshmi. In this region, the Mata Rani is also called Maa Ambabai. This region is also referred to as Kashi of the South. According to some inscriptions, this Temple is more than 7000 years old.
The idol of Mahalakshmi here is highly divine and miraculous. Twice a year, the Sun's rays reach directly at the feet of the Mother. This is especially celebrated as ‘Kirnotsav’ when hundreds of Devotees come here to worship Maa Ambabai. It is believed that when Mata Rani got angry with her husband Shri Vishnu, she came to this place in Kolhapur. Since then, every year on Diwali, a special Shringar for Mata Rani is sent from Tirupati Devasthanam to Kolhapur.
The benefit of Worship is definitely Obtained. The most important aspect of any worship is the name and lineage. Your identity is determined by your name and lineage, regardless of where you reside in the world. Thus, it is determined for whom the worship is being conducted and who will receive the fruits of the worship. Any problem, illness, or flaw can be resolved through worship rituals performed with the recitation of the name and lineage. Therefore, by reciting your name and lineage in any pilgrimage site or temple, you can receive the benefits of the worship.
If you do not know your lineage (gotra), in this situation, you can consider your lineage as Kshyapa because Rishi Kshyapa is a sage whose descendants can be found in every caste. Therefore, he is considered a revered sage. The priest will chant these details during the worship.