Kolhapur
The city of Goddess Mahalakshmi — one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India, with a temple tradition dating back over twelve centuries.
Connection to Adi Shankaracharya
Kolhapur's Mahalakshmi Temple has historical connections to the Shankaracharya tradition. Temple records indicate that a Shankaracharya contributed to the temple's infrastructure, and the Sankeshwar Shankaracharya Matha has maintained a longstanding association with the temple. Additionally, Adi Shankaracharya is attributed with the Kanakadhara Stotram, a celebrated hymn to Goddess Lakshmi, composed to invoke Her grace — reflecting his deep engagement with Devi worship that aligns with the Mahalakshmi tradition of Kolhapur.
Source: Temple records of Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur (shreekarveernivasini.com); Kanakadhara Stotram, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, preserved in traditional stotra compilations.Places of Interest
Shri Mahalakshmi Temple
One of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in India, enshrining Goddess Mahalakshmi (Ambabai). The temple dates to the 7th century and is referenced in the Skanda Purana.
Narsobadi (Narsobawadi)
A revered pilgrimage site at the confluence of the Krishna and Panchaganga rivers, associated with the Dattatreya tradition and the saint Narasimha Saraswati.