| Temples & Legends Of
Maharastra |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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KOLHAPUR - MAHALAKSHMI |
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| Unlike most of
the tirths, there are no professional upadhyayas or pandyas, professional hosts, who would
entertain a pilgrim. But some of the ‘pujaris,’ regular priests of the devi, do
accommodate visitors. In addition, a number of good guest-houses are there, and a pilgrim
would find little difficulty in finding some suitable accommodation. Taxis and horse-drawn
tongas provide the local transport needed. The town is situated on the banks of the Pancha
ganga river and is literally littered with temples, ancient, medieval and modern. The
giant structure of the Mahalakshmi shrine is the focal point of all attraction and
devotion. Modern houses crowd all around the ‘prakara’ of the shrine. It is
practically hidden off by them. And not till one enters the courtyard through the lofty
arches of the gateways that the grandeur of the concept is evident. At though greatly
altered in comparatively recent times, the original architectural concept continues to be
strikingly impressive. The shrine is crucifix on plan and is surrounded by a spacious
courtyard. The western gateway is the main entrance, known asMahadwara. On either side of
the road leading up to the Mahadwara are small shops offering flowers, kumkum, gulal,
coconuts, pedhas and chane and sundry other substances used either in the worship of the
deity or commonly presented to it. |
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