| Temples & Legends Of
Maharashtra |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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KOLHAPUR-MAHALAKSHMI |
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| The old giant,
Kolhasur, was furious to learn of the fate of his sons. He decided that since Mahalakshmi
was the source of all the power and inspiration of the gods, she should somehow be won
over first. Shrewd as he was, he practised penance again and when the devi appeared before
him in response to his prayers, requested her to quit Kolhapur for a hundred years so that
he could humble the gods, The devi had to agree with this request and proceeded to the
Himalayas. Kolhasur, now to uproot the religion, destroy towns and cities. They carried
loot and rapine to all quarters. It fell to the lot of the devas to approach Vishnu,
Brahma and Shiva for rescue, who in their turn sought relief through the great goddess.
The devi had herself become extremely restive from hearing accounts of the atrocities of
Kolhasur, but could do nothing as she had promised him that she would stay away for a
period of hundred years. As the period counted down she gradually proceeded in the
direction of her abode. At the end o f that period she collected a large army of gods,
amongst whom counted Ranka Bhairav, Kal-Vetal, Siddha-Batukeshvar and her own sister
goddesses like Chamunda. She herself assumed an eighteen armed form, mounted her lion and
set against Kolhasur, The Asura, a creature of intrinsic good nature was repentant and
when the goddess offered him her blessings, asked for three things. First the spot where
he would die should become a tirth. Second the goddess should reside in her original abode
as before and the place should be known as Kolhapur after him. Thirdly every year the
fruit 'Kohala’ should be cut ceremonially in his honour, The goddess said
‘tathastu’ and gave him 'mukti,’ . |
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