The Karveer Nivasini Ambabai Mahalakshmi Temple is Kolhapur’s main temple. Its own website calls it one of the revered three and a half Shakti Peethas, and Maharashtra Tourism adds that the temple is known for the Kirnotsav, when the setting sun’s rays reach the face of the deity. The temple is run by the Devasthan Management Committee, Western Maharashtra, Kolhapur.
Quick facts
| Temple opens | 4:00 am; closes 10:30 pm (temple website) |
| Kirnotsav | 31 January to 2 February and 9 to 11 November (Maharashtra Tourism) |
| Temple office | 187KH, B Ward, Mangalwar Peth, Kolhapur. Phone 0231-2541779, 0231-2626750 |
| Online services | Pooja booking, donations and live darshan on the temple website |
Daily pooja schedule
| Ritual | Time listed by the temple |
|---|---|
| Temple opens | 4:00 am |
| Padyapooja and Mukhmarjan | 5:00 am |
| Kakad Aarti | 5:30 am in the description, 8:00 am in the table |
| Morning Mahapooja | 8:00 am (bell at 8:30 am) |
| Naivedya (holy food) | 9:30 am |
| Afternoon Mahapooja | 11:30 am |
| Alankar Pooja | 1:30 pm |
| Dhuparti | 8:00 pm |
| Shejarti | 10:00 pm |
| Temple closes | 10:30 pm |
The temple’s schedule gives two different times for the Kakad Aarti, so ask the temple office or check the website on the day if you want to attend it.
Dress code
A notice on the temple’s website (written in Marathi) asks devotees to wear clothing that follows local culture when entering the temple, and not to enter in indecent or skin-revealing clothes. Dressing modestly keeps you well within the rule.
Kirnotsav
Twice a year, in the last days of January and the first days of February and again in the second week of November, the setting sun’s rays line up with a small window and light up the deity’s face. Maharashtra Tourism gives the dates as 31 January to 2 February and 9 to 11 November. Expect more visitors on these days.
Booking a pooja and live darshan
The temple website has a Poojavidhi Booking section and a Donation section, and it streams live darshan of both the Mahalakshmi Ambabai temple and the Jyotiba temple. Book only through mahalaxmikolhapur.com.
How to reach
Maharashtra Tourism lists these distances to the temple:
- By air: Kolhapur Airport, about 13 km.
- By train: Kolhapur railway station (Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus), about 3 km.
- By road: Maharashtra Tourism lists the road distance as about 2 km.
Where to stay
Search hotels in Kolhapur below, or see our Hotels & Stays page.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the temple open and close?
It opens at 4:00 am and closes at 10:30 pm, according to the temple’s website.
When is the Kirnotsav?
31 January to 2 February and 9 to 11 November, according to Maharashtra Tourism.
Is there a dress code?
The temple asks devotees to wear culturally appropriate clothing and not to wear revealing clothes.
Can I book a pooja or donate online?
Yes. The temple website has pooja booking and donation sections.
Timings and festival days can change, so confirm on the official temple website before you travel. For help planning a trip, call +91 91105 83839.
About the Author
Vikram Reddy
Vikram Reddy contributed travel content to Xploreall in 2025. That engagement has ended, and content on this site is now researched, written, and verified directly by the Xploreall team — see our Editorial Policy for how we source and fact-check our articles.
