Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple: Ambabai Darshan Timings, Kirnotsav and How to Reach

Facts checked November 2026.

Kolhapur is called Karveer, and Ambabai is the Goddess who lives here. Families from across Maharashtra and beyond come for her darshan, and many pair it with Jyotiba on the nearby hill. This guide covers timings, Kirnotsav, how to reach and how to plan a calm visit.

This page is part of our 51 Shakti Peeth List guide. Planning the yatra? See our Shakti Peeth yatra packages.

Why is Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple important?

India’s official tourism portal describes Ambabai as Goddess Lakshmi and counts the temple as one of the four revered Shakti Peeths of Maharashtra. The main idol is a black stone image, decorated with jewels and flowers. The temple complex also has shrines of Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha and other deities.

Local tradition holds that Kolhapur is home to three forms of Shakti: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Legend says the city takes its name from the demon Kolhasur, who was defeated by Mahalakshmi and asked that the city carry his name. The temple is built in the Hemadpanti style of the Deccan, with fine stone carving on its outer walls.

What are the Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple timings?

These are the general timings. On Fridays (when the Goddess’s palkhi goes round the temple premises), Navratri days, Kirnotsav and other festivals, rituals and queues change, so confirm with the temple office when you reach Kolhapur. Weekdays are calmer than weekends.

What is Kirnotsav at Ambabai temple?

Kirnotsav is the festival of sun rays. On a few evenings each year the setting sun shines through the temple doors and moves up the idol. As reported by Lokmat Times in November 2025, it is held in January or February and again in November. Over three days the rays reach the feet on the first day, the middle of the idol on the second and the whole idol on the third. On the first day in November 2025 the rays reached the feet at 5:42 pm and the shoulders at 5:47 pm. In November 2025 cloudy weather delayed the start by a day, so confirm the dates locally each year.

How to reach Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple?

The temple is in old Kolhapur, about 3 km from the railway station and the bus stand (Utsav portal). Lanes near the temple are narrow and busy, so park outside the old city and walk the last stretch if you come by car.

What should we wear and what are the rules?

• Wear modest, traditional clothes; this is an active, crowded temple.
• Leave footwear at the stands outside, and keep bags small for the security check.
• Buy flowers, saree or khana-naral offerings only from shops that show a price, and agree the price first.
• Follow staff instructions on photography inside the temple.
• ETV Bharat: Navratri begins at Ambabai temple, Kolhapur (September 2025)

When is the best time to visit?

• Season: India’s official tourism portal shows April and May as the hottest months (highs near 40 °C) and December and January as the coolest. It suggests weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Navratri: lakhs of devotees come during the nine days, as reported by ETV Bharat. Plan rooms early.
• Kirnotsav: January or February and November evenings, if you want to see the sun rays reach the Goddess.
• Time of day: early morning darshan after 4:30 am has the shortest queues on most days.
• ETV Bharat: Navratri begins at Ambabai temple, Kolhapur (September 2025)

Which temples are near Kolhapur?

• Jyotiba temple on Jyotiba hill, listed by Incredible India as a nearby attraction.
• New Palace Museum and Shree Chhatrapati Shahu Museum in the city.
• Mahalakshmi temple, Mumbai and other Lakshmi shrines: read our famous Lakshmi temples in India.
• Other Shakti Peeths: see the Shakti Peeth yatra guide.
• Pandharpur for Vitthal darshan: see our Pandharpur Vitthal temple guide.
• ETV Bharat: Navratri begins at Ambabai temple, Kolhapur (September 2025)

Is the temple easy for senior citizens?

Kolhapur Mahalakshmi is on flat ground in the city, with no climb to the main shrine. The difficulty is the crowd, especially on Fridays, holidays and Navratri. Go early on a weekday, carry water and medicines, and keep one person free to manage shoes and bags. If someone needs a wheelchair, ask at the temple office on arrival.

Can you arrange a Maharashtra temple yatra with Kolhapur?

Yes. We plan Kolhapur with Pandharpur, Tuljapur or the Jyotirlingas and Ashtavinayak on request; see the Ashtavinayak guide for ideas.

Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687, or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

What are the timings of Kolhapur Mahalakshmi temple?

India’s official tourism portal lists the temple as open 4:00 am to 10:00 pm, with darshan 4:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:00 to 8:30 pm. Evening aarti is 7:30 to 8:30 pm.

Is Kolhapur Mahalakshmi a Shakti Peeth?

Yes. It is counted among the Shakti Peeths and is one of the four revered Shakti Peeths of Maharashtra.

Why is the Goddess called Ambabai?

Ambabai is the local name used by devotees for Mahalakshmi of Kolhapur. She is also called Karveer Nivasini, the Goddess who lives in Karveer (Kolhapur).

When is Kirnotsav at Kolhapur?

Kirnotsav is held over three evenings in January or February and again in November, when the setting sun reaches the idol. Weather can shift the days, so confirm locally.

Which railway station is nearest to Ambabai temple?

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (KOP) in Kolhapur, about 3 km from the temple as per the Utsav portal.

Which airport is nearest to Kolhapur?

Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport (KLH) in Kolhapur, about 12 km away. Pune International Airport is the larger option.

What else can we see with Kolhapur Mahalakshmi?

Jyotiba temple on the nearby hill is a popular add-on. Many families also add Pandharpur or the Ashtavinayak temples.