Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, often called Ambabai Temple, is the most famous temple in Kolhapur and one of Maharashtra’s important Shakti shrines. The temple’s main idol is a form of Goddess Mahalakshmi, affectionately called Ambabai. The temple building is historic and attracts large numbers of devotees year round, with especially heavy crowds during Navratri and the Royal Dasara celebrations. General darshan is free, but the trust runs a structured system for special sevas, paid abhishek and VIP/express passes to manage crowds and give pilgrims a smoother experience.
The temple authority also offers live darshan and an online e-darshan pass system so devotees can pre-book date and slot, which reduces waiting time on busy days. Recent development work and conservation checks on the main idol have been reported, and the trust sometimes uses an utsav murti for public viewing when the original idol is under scientific maintenance. Road access and local markets around the temple make it easy for visitors to combine darshan with shopping and local food. For current slots, sevas and official booking, use the temple’s official portal.
Paryushan Temple Booking 2025: Darshan Guide, Timings, Sevas, Prices and Visitor Instructions
Quick overview Kolhapur temple
| Item | Short detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Shri Mahalaxmi (Ambabai) Temple, Kolhapur |
| Location | Mahadwar Road / Tarabai Road area, Kolhapur city, Maharashtra. |
| Main deity | Goddess Mahalakshmi (Ambabai) |
| General darshan fee | Free (paid sevas & VIP passes available) |
| Online booking | E-Darshan and Seva booking via official site. |
| Usual opening | Early morning to late evening (see timings table). |
| Official site / live darshan | mahalaxmikolhapur.com (official). |
Temple timings (table)
Timings can vary on festival days. Confirm on official site before you go.
| Part of day | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Morning opening | ~4:00 AM — 5:00 AM (temple opens early). |
| Morning aarti / early rituals | Around 5:30 AM — 6:30 AM (approx). |
| Midday closing (if any) | Some reports show a break around 1:30 PM — 3:00 PM. |
| Evening darshan | Reopens mid-afternoon and stays open until ~9:30 PM — 11:00 PM. |
| Note: exact slot windows and aarti times change on festival days. Check the official portal on your chosen date. |
Sevas, darshans and prices (table)
Prices and names below are typical offerings seen for 2025; the trust may change rates or add slots. Always confirm on the official booking page before payment.
| Seva / Service | What it is | Typical time / slot | Typical price (approx, INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free entry queue for all devotees | Continuous during open hours | Free |
| VIP / Express Darshan | Faster entry, limited passes per slot | Pre-booked slot | Paid (varies by slot; check site) |
| Padya Pooja | Feet-washing ritual | Morning slots | ~₹300–₹500 (varies). |
| Kumkum Archana | Applying kumkum with priest chants | Multiple slots | ~₹500–₹700. |
| Panchamrut Abhishek | Ritual bath with five nectars | Fixed slot, limited devotees | ~₹700–₹1,200. |
| Mahabhishek / Grand Abhishek | Larger abhishek on special days | Book in advance | Higher fee; limited availability. |
| Special Homas / Puja | On request / festival menus | Pre-booking required | Rates vary by ritual and materials. |
How to reach the temple
Kolhapur is well connected by road, rail and air.
- By air: Kolhapur Airport (Chipi) has limited flights. From the airport, taxi or cab to the temple is 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.
- By train: Kolhapur Lokmanya Tilak Terminus / Kolhapur Railway Station connects to major cities. The temple area is a short taxi/auto ride from the station.
- By road: Kolhapur sits on National and State highways. Buses and private cars can reach the temple; during festivals expect heavy congestion near Mahadwar Road and Tarabai Road. Recent local reports warn of encroachments and traffic jams during Navratri and Dasara. Plan extra time.
How to book darshan tickets (step by step)
- Visit the temple’s official site: mahalaxmikolhapur.com. Look for “E-Darshan Pass” or “Seva Booking”.
- Choose whether you need a general e-pass, VIP/express pass or a specific seva (Abhishek / Panchamrut etc.).
- Pick a date and available slot. Slots may show limited availability on festival dates.
- Fill devotee details: name, contact, ID proof type and number, age, gender, address. Double check spelling.
- Review order and pay online (UPI / card / netbanking as available). Save or print the e-pass and keep ID for verification on arrival.
- For group bookings, follow the group booking or multiple-pass option on the portal. For any difficulty, the temple trust’s contact details are on the official site.
Nearby attractions
Kolhapur is more than the temple. Visitors often combine darshan with these places:
- New Palace & Mahalaxmi Museum — historic palace and museum displays.
- Rankala Lake — pleasant lakefront for evening walks.
- Shahi Sadan / Kolhapur Market — famous for Kolhapuri chappals, local sweets and sarees.
- Jyotiba Temple (nearby hill shrine) — a short drive for hill-top darshan.
- Panhala Fort — historic fort about 20–25 km away for a half day trip.
These are popular with pilgrims and tourists, and many hotels offer guidance or taxi bookings.
Important instructions for visitors
- Carry a valid photo ID when you come with an e-pass. The staff may verify it.
- Dress modestly and respectfully. The temple requests conservative clothing. Avoid revealing outfits.
- Shoes are not allowed inside the sanctum. Keep footwear at designated shoe counters.
- Follow the slot timing on your e-pass. Late arrivals risk losing the slot.
- Avoid bringing large bags; security checks are common. Mobile phones may be restricted inside some areas.
- During major festivals expect large crowds and road congestion; plan travel time accordingly. Recent local reports warn of heavy congestion and occasional road issues during festival season.
Accommodation options
This table lists common categories and example hotels close to the temple. Prices vary by season and booking site. Book in advance during festivals.
| Category | Example hotels/ Dharamshalas | Approx distance to temple |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouses | Treebo Balaji Residency, OYO / local lodges | Within 0.2–1.5 km. |
| Mid-range hotels | Hotel Silver Oak, Hotel Madhuri Executive, Hotel Classic Midtown | 0.2–2 km. |
| Comfortable / 3–4 star | Sayaji Kolhapur, Regenta Place Raysons | 1–3 km; better amenities, in-city transport. |
| Dharamshala / Yatri Niwas | Shree Mahalaxmi Yatri Niwas, Kedarling Yatri Nivas (trust-run lodging) | Very close to temple (book early). |
Dos and Don’ts + FAQs
Dos
- Do carry ID when you visit with an e-pass.
- Do dress modestly and follow queue marshals’ instructions.
- Do book sevas or VIP passes online for busy days.
Don’ts
- Don’t wear shoes inside the sanctum.
- Don’t carry large bags or restricted items.
- Don’t insist on entering outside your slot; staff follow the schedule.
FAQs
Q: Is general darshan free?
A: Yes. General darshan is free. Special sevas and VIP/express passes are paid
Q: Can I book online for a specific seva?
A: Yes. The official portal provides Seva booking and Abhishek options. Pick date and slot, fill details and pay.
Q: What if the main idol is under conservation?
A: The trust may place an utsav murti for public darshan during scientific conservation. Recent ASI checks have been reported; follow temple notices.
Q: Are there specific aarti timings?
A: Aarti timings vary. Morning aarti is early (around 5:30–6:30 AM) and there are evening rituals. Check the official site for exact aarti times on your date.
Q: Is there parking close to the temple?
A: Limited parking exists; during festivals the area can be congested. Use public transport or drop-off points if possible. Recent reports note traffic and encroachment issues near main roads.