Ambabai Temple

History

Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) temple has a rich & glorious history. The construction begun before 12th century & existing temple was built during late 12th century. The maximum construction of this temple is been built by Shilahar King during 12th century. The architecture of the temple is purely Chalukyan & not Dravidian. The Sanskrit inscription on a stone tablet in the wall of the house of Annacharya Panditrao, now in the town hall museum says,“The great Kind Bhojadeva was reigning peacefully with pleasing conversation at Panhala; in 1190. He with a view to ensure the prosperity of his king-

dom, and for the maintenance of the people residing in the monastery built by his dependent Loka-nayaka, for performing five kinds of worships of the deities Amruteshwara & Uma-Maheshwara, for offering to the goddess Mahalaxmi three times a day. And for the maintenance of his dependant Brahmins, and for the repairs of the monastery, granted in charity to four persons residing at the monastery.” The Sanskrit inscription on a pillar in the temple of Ganpati to the west of Shri Ambabai temple is dated 1218 A. D. It belongs to the reign of king Tailama of the Devagiri Yadava dynasty. In it he is said to have pleased Mahalaxmi by many presents of jewellery. After the Stone Age begins the paper age; wherein characters from 18 th century onwards are issued on paper and are preserved to the present age. With reference to these documents; we can imagine the time lines of Ambabai (Mahalaxmi) temple.