The deity began to denude due to Abhishekas. The number of devotees grew, and in due course of time, the Devi became the Deity of Maharashtra. According to Chhatrapati Sambhaji's letter dated 8 November 1723, Sindhoji Hindurao Ghorpade of Panhala installed the idol again on 26 September 1712 (Monday, Ashwin Vijaya Dashami). This idol was found in a house in Kapila Teertha Market in the city. Believing Sangavakar's dream, Chhatrapati Sambhaji started a search. During(Chhatrapati Sambhaji II's Reign, Narhar Bhat Shastree had a dream by goddess Mahalakshmi informing him of her location, which he told to Chhatrapati. Though many invasions over this part of India have caused some damages of the beautiful idols which are all around the temple.Дuring Mughal reign, the worshippers had hidden the idol for protection. Later during the time of Maratha Empire, the temple was repaired.

In the 13th century, Shankaracharya built Nagar Khana & Office, Deepmalas. Further, in Chalukya times, Ganapati before the temple was installed. Jains worshipped the idol in the temple as Padmalaya or the abode of Padma or Padmavati, an epithet of Goddess Lakshmi. Sheshashayee Vishnu which is an octagonal structure closer to the eastern gate has a panel of 60 Jain Tirthankaras carvings. It is possible that a new idol called Padmavati was installed at that time.Historian Paul Dundas in his book The Jains mentions that Mahalaxmi temple Kolhapur was a Jain temple. Further, Shilaharas built Maha Sarasvati Mandir. In 1218, Yadav king Tolum built Mahadwar and offered jewels to Devi. During 1178вЂ“1209, in the reign of Raja Jaysing & Sindhava, South gate & Atibaleshwar Temple were built. In the 9th century, Gandavadix (King) extended the temple by building Mahakali Mandir. In the 8th century, the temple sank down due to an earthquake. ItihДЃsa Chakra indicates that the temple dates back to MahДЃjanapadДЃ times. The existence goes back to the 8th century, according to Bhandarkar and Khare. In 109 CE, Karnadeo cut off the jungle and brought the temple to light. Also located in the courtyard is the temple tank 'Manikarnika Kund', on whose bank is another shrine to Visweshwar Mahadev.

Some of these images date back to the 11th century, while some are of recent origin. There is a small open window on the western wall, through which the light of the setting sun falls on the face of the image for three days around the 21st of each March and September.There are a number of other shrines in the courtyard to the Navagrahas, Surya, Mahishasuramardini, Vitthal- Rukmini, Shiva, Vishnu, Bhavani and others. Unlike most Hindu sacred images, which face north or east, the deity faces west (Pashchim). Professor Prabhakar Malshe says, 'The name of Karaveera is still locally used to denote the city of Kolhapur'. This is also the description mentioned in the Rahasya of Devi Mahatmya. They are the 119th and 698th names of Lakshmi in Lakshmi Sahasranama. In Lakshmi Sahasranama of Skanda Purana, Goddess Lakshmi is praised as 'Om Karaveera Nivasiniye Namaha' means 'Glory to the Goddess who lives in Karaveera' and as 'Om Sesha Vasuki Samsevyaa Namaha' means 'Glory to Goddess who is served by Adi Sesha and Vasuki'. Further, she holds a Matulinga fruit, mace, shield and a pДЃnapДЃtra (drinking bowl). A stone lion (the vahana of the goddess), stands behind the statue. The Shri Yantra is carved on one of the walls in the temple. The image of Mahalakshmi carved in black stone is 3 feet in height. Mounted on a stone platform, the murti of the crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. The temple of the goddess Mahalakshmi was built by karndeva in 634 CE Chalukya reign.

Mahalaxmi photo kolhapur