Temple Design And Deity
The architectural structure of Mahalakshmi temple and the engravings on it indicate that it may have been built during the Chalukya reign i.e. around 600 to 700 A.D. The statue of the Goddess is made of gemstone and is considered to be at least 5000 to 6000 years old. It weighs about 40 kilos. The precious stones that adorn the deity indicate the antiquity of the idol.
The platform of the Goddess is made of stone in Karveernivasini Temple. The statue of the Goddess has four arms. In the lower right hand she holds the matulinga, (a fruit similar to and ordinary lemon but much larger in size). In the upper right hand she holds large mace, kaumodaks, its head touching the ground. In the upper left hand she holds the shield or khetaka, and while in the the lower one she holds a bowl, panpatra.
On the crown of the Goddess are a cobra-hood and a Shiva-ling with a Yoni around it. Standing behind is the Goddess' vahana-a lion.
Almost all the idols of the God face the north or the east directions, whereas here the Idol faces the west.
The small window on the western wall which is open. Once a year, the rays of the Sun during sunset falls on the face of the image through this window. This period lasts for three days, each time, the 21st, of the months of March and September. This period is considered extremely auspicious, the Devotees throng the temple on all the three evenings the temple for a glimpse of the beautiful image bathing in the golden rays of the setting sun
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