Celebrating Feminine Power

In the treatise of Bharat, detailed information about temples is available. These are called ‘agamas’. This literature is in Sanskrit. The texts are broadly grouped into Siva, Vaishnava and Sakta divisions. Dealing with the worship of Shiva, Vishnu and Devi, respectively. The agama texts describe the temple construction in vogue at that time and described the worship practices of that time.

Worship of feminine power and strength is traditionally imbibed in Hindus. Nine days of eternal experience of holiness, well-being, enthusiasm during Navratri is celebrated every year.

Karveer Vasini Ambabai, Mahalakshmi, and Shakti Peeth are places where the sacredness of this feeling is utmost. Kolhasura was killed here by Goddess.

In Kolhapur, in Karvir Nagari on the banks of the Panchganga, there is an ancient temple of Mother Mahalakshmi, built-in grey stone. The place is called Bhavani Mandap. Built-in 8th century, many rulers, patrons, and kings have renovated and added to the temple’s main construction from time to time. A special contribution of King Karan Dev of the Chalukya dynasty needs to be mentioned here.

On the external façade of the temple are idols of 64 Yoginis, Madanika and Sur Sundarya. Mandap, Antaral, and Garbhagruha are the three main parts of the temple. The idol is three feet high, made of black stone, bright, lively, adorned with ornaments. The temples of Mahakali and Mahasaraswati are also within the premises. A stone wall surrounds the entire temple. Unique Deepmal is in the courtyard. There are 5 peaks-Shikhar above the temple.

The temple’s structure and the rays of the Sun are also associated with the Sandhyamath in Rankala Lake, which is-one-and-a half kilometres away from the temple. There is a need for deeper research in this field to unravel

the secrets.