Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur – Festivals

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. 31^st January & 9^th November: Sun rays fall directly on the feet of the deity.

2. 1^st February & 10^th November: Sun rays fall directly on the chest of the deity.

3. 2^nd February & 11^th 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.