Prasanna Shree Mahalaxmi Devi Temple Kadethan, Paithan, CHHatrapati sanbhajinagar

In Maharashtra, the Karveer Nivasini Shri Mahalakshmi Ambabai Temple in Kolhapur is one of the three and a half Shakti Peethas of the Goddess. Kadethan serves as an Upapitha (sub-seat) of this Mahalakshmi Ambabai. According to the ‘Durga Saptashati’, before the creation of the universe, there was only one radiant energy in the cosmos. That energy assumed a manifest, saguna form, which is the Mother of the Universe, Mahalakshmi. Devotees believe that the Mahalakshmi at Kadethan is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and grants the wishes of those who pray to her. Along with Maharashtra, she is the Kuladevi (family deity) for many families in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

Kadethan, also known as Kathisthan, is a very ancient site. Regarding this sub-seat of the Goddess, there is a legend that after Shri Rama defeated Ravana, everyone was joyful, except for Jambuvant. Hanuman conveyed this to Shri Rama. When Shri Rama inquired with Jambuvant, he replied that while everyone had found a warrior to fight in the war, he had not found a mighty warrior to challenge him. He asked Shri Rama to fight him. Shri Rama replied that he had become a warrior only to defeat Ravana and would not fight again, but that his wish would be fulfilled in his next avatar. Accordingly, Jambuvant received the opportunity to engage in such a battle during Lord Shri Vishnu’s Krishna avatar.

In this avatar, Krishna was falsely accused of stealing the Syamantaka gem. This gem belonged to Satrajit, who lived in Dwarka and had received it through the worship of the Sun, gaining gold from it daily. Krishna once expressed a desire to see the gem. Satrajit had given it to his brother, Prasenjit. Once, while Prasenjit was hunting in the forest, a bear killed him and gave the gem to the bear-king, Jambuvant. Meanwhile, Krishna was accused of stealing the gem and killing Prasenjit. Krishna set out in search of the gem and, tracing the path, reached Jambuvant’s cave. This cave was located at Jamkhed, near Kadethan. There, a fierce battle ensued between Krishna and Jambuvant, which lasted for 21 days. Jambuvant was defeated. He then said that had his Rama been with him, he would not have lost. Upon this, Krishna revealed his Ram-avatar form to him. Following Rama’s instruction, Jambuvant’s daughter, Jambuvanti, was married to Krishna. After the wedding, Krishna performed Mahalakshmi Puja with Jambuvanti. For that worship, Mahalakshmi herself descended from Karveer to Kathisthan. Since then, Kadethan has been a sub-seat of the Goddess. As a mark of this legend, an idol of Shri Krishna carved on the backside of the Mahalakshmi temple is shown.

This ancient Mahalakshmi temple is situated in the heart of Kadethan village. It is said that this temple was built in the 13th century. A fortification wall surrounds the temple. It has an east-facing stone entrance, with an image of Garuda on the left and Hanuman in a bowing posture on the right. An idol of Shri Ganesha, smeared with vermilion, is carved into the stone lintel. Upon entering, the main temple is visible. In the temple courtyard, there is a circular platform containing a square stone slab. It is said that this was the seating place of the founder of the Mahanubhav sect, Sarvadnya Shri Chakradhar Swami.

According to the biography of Shri Chakradhar Swami, during the first half of his travels, he initially stayed near Paithan for about ten months. From there, he went to Rithpur to meet Govindaprabhu. He traveled via Rahatgaon, Kadethan, Sendurjan, Alegaon, Paturdi, Singnapur, Kholapur, and Khairala, and returned by the same route. During this journey, he stayed at Kadethan. Regarding this, there is a ‘Leela’ in the ‘Leelacharitra’ stating, ‘Kadethani Mahalakshmiye Vasti’ (Mahalakshmi resided at Kadethan). That ancient and sacred text of the Mahanubhavs mentions: ‘Udiyanchi Gosavi Kadethanasi Beeje Kele: Margi Aasan Jaale: Gosavi Baisankarvi Silika Aanviliya:’ A variant of this Leela states: ‘Gavam Aagna Koni Mala: Tetha Vruksha Eka Tali Gosaviyansi Aasan Jaale: Tethachi Dupaharachi Aarogan Jaali… Pahadu Jaala: Upahadu Houni Mag Gavamantu Mahalakshmiye Vasti Jaali:’ Both versions clarify that Sarvadnya Chakradhar stayed at the Mahalakshmi temple. The spot where he sat is still preserved today, and footprints (padukas) have been installed there. In the temple premises, on both sides of this circular site, there are tall stone lamp pillars (deepmalas).

There is a Homa Kund (sacrificial fire pit) in front of the entrance to the Mahalakshmi temple. The entrance is made of stone and features an arched gateway. The temple is structured with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabha Mandap has many stone pillars connected by arches. A large circular flower is carved on the ceiling of the Sabha Mandap. 

The entrance to the sanctum has a stone frame. Yaksha figures are carved on the threshold. The structure follows the classic ancient temple design with the main sanctum in the center. Inside, between sturdy stone pillars, there is a pedestal upon which the ‘tandala’ (aniconic form) of Mahalakshmi is placed. This tandala has a face, eyes, and a nose. A nose ring is also adorned on the nose. On one side of Mahalakshmi are the idols of Mahakali and on the other, Mahasaraswati. Devotees can have darshan of the Goddess in this temple daily from 5 in the morning until 9 at night. 

Adjacent to the Mahalakshmi temple is the ancient temple of Kateshwar Mahadeva. The temple is structured with a small porch built of stone pillars, a Sabha Mandap, and a Garbhagriha. The entrance to the sanctum of this temple is adorned with artistic stone pillars. On both sides, serpentine figures are carved. An idol of Shri Ganesha is carved on the lintel. Inside, there is an ancient Shiva Linga. A tunnel is also shown inside the sanctum.

On the outer walls of the temple, stone idols of various deities are placed in niches. The idol of Sheshashayi Vishnu is also here. Next to the Kateshwar temple, there is a stepwell (barav) with stone steps. Many devotees from across the state and other states come to this temple for darshan. Puja and Aarti are performed in the temple every morning and evening. A grand festival of the Goddess is celebrated here during Navratri. During this time, the place is filled with programs like stories, kirtans, discourses, bhajans, and bharuds. The Saptashati is recited for nine days. Especially on the third, fifth, and seventh days, there is a huge crowd of devotees. A large fair is held during all nine days of this period.

A unique feature of this Navratri festival is that one person from every household in Kadethan and the surrounding villages stays at the temple continuously for eight days during this period. This includes men and women of all ages, from the young to the elderly. They arrive at the temple on the first day (Prathama) and return home only after the Homa-Havan is performed on Ashtami. During this time, they do not even step outside the temple premises. Along with participating in the various religious programs held at the temple, they also offer their services. This tradition has been followed in Kadethan for many years. Separate accommodation rooms are provided for these devotees, and arrangements are made for everything from their bathing facilities to their meals. The temple management conducts various religious and social activities throughout the year. Social initiatives include free health check-ups, medical treatments, and health education.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery