Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur

The Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is widely venerated across Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is believed to have been built originally during the Chalukya era in the 7th century.

The image of the presiding deity, Mahalakshmi (also called Ambabai), is carved in black stone and uniquely faces west. Twice a year, the setting sun's rays fall directly on the face of the deity through a special window, a highly celebrated event called Kiranotsav.