Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur –
Festivals
Kirnotsav:
Kirnotsav (festival of Sun Rays)
is celebrated in the Temple, when the rays of the sun fall directly on the
deity at the time of sunset. It is said that the Sun god pays his homage to Mahalakshmi
for three days in a year. This will be on the occasion of Ratha Saptami.
1. 31st January
& 9th November: Sun rays fall directly on the feet of the
deity.
2. 1st February
& 10th November: Sun rays fall directly on the chest of the
deity.
3. 2nd February
& 11th November: Sun rays fall directly on the entire body
of the deity.
Navratra Mahotsav:
Navratra (nine nights) festival is
celebrated for ten days during the Hindu months of Ashwin (around October). The
daily routine of the temple is modified during this period. At 8.30 a.m. and
11.30 a.m. Abhishek is performed followed by Mahanaivedya and Aarti. Later at
2.00 p.m. the deity is decorated with all the ornaments. On all ten days at
9.30 p.m. the litter of the Goddess is decorated in different forms with
flowers and lights and is taken out in procession in the temple complex.
Government sponsored police and
military band is played at the head of the procession. The event culminates at
10.30 p.m. when the litter returns to the Garuda Mandap and is placed on a
special pedestal. The Goddess then receives one canon salute. Various cultural
programmes are organized by the Mahalaskhmi Temple Trust in these ten days.
Lalita Panchami (Fifth day of
the Navratra Festival):
At 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. Abhisheka is
performed along with the other routine rituals. At 10.00 a.m. the litter of the
Goddess is given one canon salute and it leaves the temple premises to visit
Goddess Tryambuli's temple which is at a short distance from the main temple in
Kolhapur. En route it halts at Shahu Mill and Takala for Puja and Aarti. The
procession reaches Goddess Tryambuli's temple by noon.
The Chhatrapati (the local royal
ruler) performs Kushmandabali (breaking a pumpkin into two with a sword represents
killing of the enemy) in the presence of an unmarried girl from the Patil
family from Kasba Bavda, near Kolhapur. The litter returns to the temple at
2.00 p.m. later an Aarti is done. In the evening the litter is carried in
procession around the temple itself.
Ashtami (Eighth day of the
Navratra Festival):
At 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.
Abhishek is performed on the deity along with the other usual rituals followed
by Alankara Puja. The silver representation of the Goddess is placed in the Garuda
Mandap from 7.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. At 9.45 p.m. the Goddess then receives one
canon salute. The silver representation is placed on a throne and is taken
around the town in procession from Mahadwar road, Gujri-Bhausinghji road,
Bhavani Mandap (where the goddess is honoured with betel leaves and betel nut
by distinguished people.
She is also offered Oti
(comprising golden bordered blouse piece, coconut, bangles, sweets and token
money), Gurumaharajwada, Shri Binkhanbi Ganesh (where Lord Ganesh is
worshipped) and back to the Mahadwar Road and to the temple. Again, an Aarti is
done followed by sacrificial fire Puja that continues till wee hours of next
morning. It ends with the Purnahuti (culmination Puja).
Navami (Ninth day of the
Navratra Festival):
As usual the rituals are done at
8.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m. along with the ones done throughout the
year.
Rathotsava:
Rathotsava (chariot festival) is
organized in April. The chariot bearing the silver representation of the
Goddess is decorated with flowers and lights. It is taken out in a procession
in the evening from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The devotees can pay their respects
to the Goddess when the procession arrives at the main entrance of the temple.
At 9.30 p.m. one canon salute is given to the Goddess and the procession is
taken outside the temple. It moves in the city and returns to the temple. The
procession is accompanied by military or police band. Huge Rangoli (floor
paintings) are drawn along the path of the procession and fireworks add to the
festivities. Several devotees flock to participate in this event.
Deepavali:
The grand festival of lights is
celebrated in the Temple with great religious pomp. The Temple is decorated
with hundreds of lamps and several cultural programs are performed for the
devotees in the complex.
Other Festivals:
A festival image of the deity is
taken out in procession around the temple courtyard each Friday, and on full
moon days.
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