MOTHER MAHALAKSHMI OF KOLHAPUR

Inscriptions and literary works of medieval times make numerous references to the temple. Maratha Peshwas also extended grants sumptuously but due to the Islamic impact, particularly during Adil Shah's reign, the Goddess had to conceal herself in a priest's house for long. When the Marathas ascended to power reinstitution started with the efforts of Shidoji Hindura Gorpady on the Vijayadasami day of the year 1637, corresponding to 26.9.1715. From that auspicious moment, her glory once again rose like fountain and heralded to the world that this Adyantarahita, Sarvabhayaprada Mahalakshmi had inaugurated her benign rule from her favourite seat. And this former Karvirpura once again became an unparalleled Punya kshetra and justified its place in the list of six others, like Virupaksha, Srisaila, Pandharpur, Srirangam and Sethubhandan renowned for conferring both bhoga-luxurious life and also salvation - moksha. The name and glory of Kolhapur spread far and wide in such incredible speed to the extent that Lord Siva felt some tremors, a feeling that Kasi his own abode might pale into insignificance soon. So during his casual talk with Lakshmi, he broached the topic and asked the reason for the rapid growth of Kolhapur. She frankly admitted that her conferring Bhoga was the main cause. As the doubt still lurked in the corner, it irked him. So he sought clarification from Lord Mahavishnu. Soon he took up a balance and placed the glory of Kolhapur in one pan and that of Kasi in the other for visual representation of the fact. Alas the pan of Kasi went up and dangled. Being high-souled, he turned to Mahalakshmi and said - Long live thy glory! And departed with a sweet smile, seeing the Mother smiling at his wish and her rise. Such was the position of Kolhapur then.

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