MOTHER MAHALAKSHMI OF KOLHAPUR

Learning about the death of Karvir, Kolhasur returned, and realising that through the presiding deity - Mahalakshmi's compassion alone, the gods scored victory over his son, he won over her with his penance and requested her to quit the city for 100 years. She granted and went to the Himalayas. Kolhasur sought retribution - he created a second Naraka - Yama's capital on earth by his atrocities with an unprecedented ferocity. Blood flowed and corpses were piled up rising sky high, violence rocked, when revenge danced naked. To wiping the tears of the victims, the goddess descended on the city with an army and aided and abetted by Ranka Bhairav, Kal vetal, Siddha - Batukesvar and sister Chamundi. Assuming the most dreadful eighteen armed form, she entered the war theatre. Shivering all through at their mere sight, he accepted defeat but asked for three boons. The place of death should become a thirtha; the second - the goddess should come back to dwell permanently here naming the city after him and thirdly to cut a fruit called Kohala ceremoniously every year in his honour. She sealed it with instant approval. Though there was trouble from asuras from time to time, the Goddess quelled them then and there. Thus throughout the seven kalpas, the place enjoyed eminence due to the boundless anugrah of the Mother. And it was called by by a distinct name in each Kalpa, such as Kamagiri in the first Kalpa; Padmalaya in the second; Sivalaya in the third; Brahmalaya in the fourth; Yakshalaya in the fifth; Rakshalaya in the sixth and Kolhapur in the last Kalpa due to Kolha's reign and according his wish.

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