Laxmi-Keshav

The lay-off program has worked positively for me a number of ways. Apart from getting time to read some ground-breaking books like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and “Psychology of Selling”, I personally got time to do what I love the most: traveling.
Since childhood, when I last visited it, I wanted to know the history of my kuldevat (God or Goddess of a race)-Laxmi Keshav (Lord Vishnu). So this time around, I thought I will do some nosing around and get a little knowledge about it. Here is where and what I found out.

1)The serene temple of Laxmi-Keshav is located in Kolisare. Barely a village, it is 45 km from the town of Ratnagiri in South Konkan. An ST bus for Jaygad drops you at a cross-road which connects you to Kolisare. You have to take a rickshaw from there.

2)As you walk down the red-soil, you come across steps which take you to the backside of the temple. The temple is about 700 years old. Though it was been rejuvenated lately, it still has the archaic look-and-feel.

3) Last registered, about 800 years ago, the statue of laxmi-keshav goddess was hidden in the “Rankala Talav” in Kollhapur. The reason being anti-hindu attacks. After being there for 200 years, she gave a spiritual message through a dream to 3 individuals-Joshi, Vichare and Kane. Living in a village of Varavde, these people got a message to move her out and establish her elsewhere.

4) The place decided was a village of Reel in Konkan. So the campaign started. After moving her close to Reel, they camped overnight in Kolisare. Second day, the statue was unmovable to any human force. After trying for a day, the again slept overnight. In a second spiritual message, the goddess told them to establish her here itself and not else where. The day sthapana (establishment) happened, a miraculous water-fall started near to her feet.

5) The water still runs pure and clean. The “Panchsukt Pavman” abhishek is done by that water only. The temple brings in its wake the calmness and new degree of spirituality. It was a heaven-like experience for me.

This information was provided to me by Mr. Sudhir Phadke. He and his family have been with the temple for generations. I thank him a lot in appreciation. Hope all the “Shandilya Gotra” Joshi’s find this informative. And yes just so you know, don’t forget to visit your kul-devat at least once a year.