Every day, a special train arrives in Kolhapur from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, carrying hundreds of pilgrims who make a beeline for the famous Mahalakshmi Temple at the heart of the city.
The 860 km journey from Tirupati to Kolhapur is not just a physical one — it’s deeply spiritual. Devotees believe that you cannot receive the blessings of Lord Balaji of Tirupati unless his consort, Goddess Mahalakshmi, smiles upon you first. In a land where myths, legends, and divine connections intertwine, the Tirupati–Kolhapur link is no surprise!
The Haripriya Express
The Kolhapur–Tirupati Haripriya Express symbolizes this sacred bond, connecting the two holy cities and the two divine deities — Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) and Goddess Mahalakshmi.
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| Kolhapur to Tirupati train Haripriya express |
An Age-old Tradition
A unique tradition continues to this day — the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) presents a shalu (sacred silk sari) to Goddess Mahalakshmi every year. This offering includes a silk sari, garland, coconut, and bangles, which are used to adorn the Goddess on the auspicious day of Dussehra.
The Legend of Separation
According to legend, Sage Bhrigu, one of the ancient rishis, once visited Lord Vishnu, who was resting on the serpent Sheshnaag with Goddess Lakshmi at his feet. In anger, Sage Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on the chest. To calm the sage, Vishnu apologized and began pressing his feet — an act that deeply hurt Goddess Lakshmi. Feeling disrespected, she left Vaikuntha, their celestial abode, and settled in Kolhapur, where she continues to reside as Mahalakshmi.
Although this story is widely popular today, scholars note that it is of recent origin and not mentioned in early religious texts.
A Shaktipeetha of Great Power
Historically, the Mahalakshmi temple of Kolhapur is considered a Shakta shrine, one of the 52 (or 108) major Shakti Peethas — sacred sites dedicated to Goddess Parvati in her form of Shakti. In Kolhapur, she is lovingly known as Amba or Ambabai.
According to the Kolhapur Mahatmya (circa 1730 CE), the Goddess came here to protect locals from the demon Kolasura, whom she eventually defeated. Before dying, Kolasura requested that the city be named after him — hence, Kolhapur.
Interestingly, a secret Shiva shrine is believed to exist in the temple dome, symbolically balancing the Shakti of the Goddess. However, this shrine is no longer open to the public.
From the Chalukyas to the Marathas
The temple’s recorded history begins around 634 CE, during the reign of the Chalukyan king Karnadeva. It gained prominence later, around 1182 CE, under the Shilaharas of Konkan, who made Kolhapur their capital and were ardent devotees of Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Following the Islamic invasions of the 14th century, the main deity was hidden by priests to protect it from destruction. It remained concealed for centuries until Chhatrapati Sambhaji, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, reinstalled the idol in the 17th century. He also presented the temple with a giant church bell captured during his Goa campaign in 1683, bearing the Latin inscription “Ave Maria Gratia Dominos Tecum” (“Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee”). This bell is now preserved in the Kolhapur Town Hall.
In 1709 CE, Queen Tarabai, daughter-in-law of Shivaji Maharaj, established the Kingdom of Kolhapur. The Kolhapur rulers built a palace beside the Mahalakshmi temple and added grand gateways, shrines, and halls, creating the majestic temple complex we see today.
Festival of the Sunrays — Kirnotsav
One of the most unique celebrations here is the Kirnotsav, or Festival of the Sunrays, held twice a year — on 31st January and 9th November. On these days, the first rays of the sun fall directly at the feet of the Goddess, symbolizing divine grace. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this celestial event.
A Living Legacy
Over 1,400 years since it was built, the Mahalakshmi Temple continues to inspire awe and devotion. Whether through legends of love and separation, acts of royal faith, or the daily prayers of countless pilgrims, the temple stands as a testament to India’s eternal spirit of belief.
In the end, it is faith that triumphs — connecting Tirupati and Kolhapur, Balaji and Mahalakshmi, and devotees from all walks of life in one timeless journey of devotion.
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