MOTHER MAHALAKSHMI OF KOLHAPUR

THE ARCHAMURTHI

The enchanting image of Mother Mahalakshmi about three feet in height, is installed on a raised bhadrapith. It is carved in black stone. She reveals in standing postures with four arms adorned with ayudhas, like the lower right hand holding a fruit called matulinga, the upper right a big size mace, Kaumodaka its head touching the ground; upper left hand Khalataka - shield and the lower left Panpatra - a bowl. The crown adorning the Mother is beautified with the figures of cobra hood and a Siva linga with a voni around it. There is evidence that this Karaviravasini - Mahalakshmi was worshipped as Mahasakti. The iconographic aspect and the existence of sriyantra in the corner of the wall along with certain rites performed here prove beyond doubt that this was a renowned Saktipitha in the beginning. The architectural design of the garbhagriha built with the entrance facing the west has enriched the sanctity further with the falling of Sun's rays through the window on the image for three days in a year. This sight is deemed extremely auspicious and people in thousands avail the sight of the Mother's image bathed in the golden rays of the setting sun. Are the architects devoid of devotion? Sure, they put their souls into construct ion to enhance its divinity.

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