KOLHAPUR - MAHALAKSHMI MANDIR

Its high towers jutting into sky over the tall buildings give it a conspicuous imposing appearance. This star-attraction as the principal centre of hectic religious activity starts from early dawn and goes up to late hour in the night. Built in the form of cross, it goes by the architectural name of Hemapanti and it is a typical specimen of Medieval style of Deccan temples. It is arrounded by a massivprakara with stately entrance adorned with tall towers. Entering through the Mahadwara facing the west, the visitors see rows of dipmalas on either side of the gate. A big mandap called Guruda Mandap of huge dimensions with square pillars and foliated arches, built in the characteristic Maratha architectural style comes into sight first. Another mandap housing a four-foot-high Gangesh image lies adjacent to it. A little further up is located the central hall, housing the three shrines dedicated to the august deities. The image of Mahalakshmi popularly known as Ambabai is installed an a high pedestal under an imposing dome. To its north and south installed the images of Mahaswaraswathi and Maha Kali in separate shrines.

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