Shri Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is one of the Shakti peethas and is mentioned in various Puranas of ancient India and is one of the 108 sites where Goddess Shakti is worshipped. The murti of Goddess Maha Lakshmi worshipped in the temple is unique.
The murti of Goddess Mahalaxmi is made of gemstone and is considered to be at least 5000 to 6000 years old. It weighs around 40 kilos. The precious stones that adorn the deity indicate the antiquity of the murti.
The platform of the Goddess Mahalaxmi is made of stone. The murti of Maa Laxmi has four arms. In the lower right hand she holds the mahalunga, (a fruit similar to ordinary lemon but much larger in size). In the upper right hand she holds large mace, kaumodaki, and its head touching the ground. In the upper left hand she holds the shield or khetaka, and while in the lower one she holds a bowl, panpatra.
Goddess Mahalaxmi's crown has a Shivling facing towards north with a Yoni around it and is held by a cobra hood and lion the vahana of Goddess stands behind the murti.
The murti of Goddess faces west.
Goddess Mahalaxmi Temple at Kolhapur is one of the six sites of Goddess Shakti, where one can get both fulfillments of desires as well as salvation.