Description:
This is one of the ancient temples of Maharashtra and the most worshipped goddess as well. The beautiful 40 kg. idol of the goddess is a Swayambhu idol. According to researchers, the idol is 5-6 thousand years old. It has monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. The construction was initiated by Chalukya ruler, Karandev, in the 7th century A.D. and additions were made in the 9th century by the Shilahara Yadavas. The temple complex is exquisitely carved and has artistically sculpted structures built in the Hemadpanthi style. The idol has four hands and her crown is overshadowed by the hood of a Cobra.
A legend says that Mahalakshmi was sister of Sun God and was angry with him for some reason. So she vowed that she would never see his face. Therefore there are only four days in a year that sunrays fall directly on the goddess. Another myth about the temple is that no one can count the pillars it has.
