A temple is an energy center! Since ancient times, devotees have been visiting temples. Even today, Hindus go to temples, pray and meditate in temples, worship the god and perform aarti. This gives them an experience of boost in the spiritual energy and mental peace. Each god and goddess has dedicated and specific temples.
There is a beautiful temple of Shri Vishnu - Lakshmi Keshav in Kolisare in Ratnagiri district. Just 50 kilometers from Ratnagiri city or 21 kilometers from Ganapati Pule is this beautiful village, Kolisare. If you want to go to Kolisare temple from Pune or Mumbai, you can go via Chiplun.
Such picturesque views are often seen on the Chipalun -Parshuram - Kolisare road.
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| Parashuram -Kolisare road |
This sparsely populated small village, Kolisare is surrounded by dense forest. It can be approached after traveling approximately two kilometers after Kolisare Phata.
You can take a bus from Ratnagiri, otherwise it is convenient to have your own vehicle to reach the temple.
After parking the car, you have to go down some steps and then can reach this temple nestled in dense forests. This entrance is not wheelchair friendly.
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| The descend |
As you descend these steps, a very beautiful temple area becomes visible.
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| Temple area |
There are three temples in the temple premises. Vishnu temple that is Lakshmi Keshav, Shankar in the Ratneshwar temple and Hanuman temple are these three temples.
The Hanuman temple is visible on the left hand side as you descend the stairs.
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| Hanuman mandir |
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| Hanuman mandir |
After we descend the steps, the back side of the Lakshmi Keshav Temple becomes visible. The entrance to the temple is on the other side.
If you want to see the cool water spring before entering the temple, you will have to go down a few steps to the left. This natural spring has been flowing for centuries. It is said that the water from this spring was used for drinking by Swaroopananda Swami. So it was transported everyday from Kolisare to Pawas.
A separate arrangement has been made here for washing feet. Therefore, the water of the spring remains pure and potable. The dense bushes and the gushing roaring spring give the feeling that you are in the deep forest.
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| Natural Spring |
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| Around the spring |
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| The water |
After washing our feet, when we climb some steps, we can see the entrance of the temple right in front of us.
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| The Laxmi Keshav Temple |
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| The Laxmi Keshav Temple |
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| The Temple Surroundings |
Very detailed information about the incarnations of Vishnu is given on a board in the temple. The names of the idols, which are decided according to the order of their weapons are also given.
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| Temple |
This 'Keshav' idol holds a lotus in the lower right hand, a conch in the upper hand, a chakra in the upper left hand and a mace in the lower hand. This idol of Shri Lakshmi Keshav is made of solid black stone. It's shine is amazing. This idol is five feet five inches tall and 27 inches wide.
It is a very unique idol with a very well-proportioned body and semi-closed eyes. It is estimated that the idol is about nine hundred to one thousand years old.
On the right is a human-sized Garuda and on the left is Lakshmi.
The idol is adorned with various beautiful ornaments such as a long necklace of pearls around the neck, a jaanve- sacred thread, armlets in the arms, bracelets in the hands and rings on the fingers. There is a high crown on the head of the idol. Kirtimukh is carved on it.
Dashavatars are carved on the back panel.
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| Lakshmi Keshav |
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| Lakshmi Keshav |
There is a temple of Lord Shiva within the temple premises. Taking photographs inside this temple of Ratneshwar is not allowed.
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| Ratneshwar |
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| Temple Surroundings |
The temple area is very clean, peaceful and beautiful. The air is clean due to the dense vegetation.
There are good accommodation and food facilities at some distance from the temple. It would be better if you inform them in advance. The phone range is very low there. So you have to be patient and make continuous efforts to make a phone call!!
In the evening, there was a kirtan service by Mumbai's famous kirtan singer Vandana Tilak. So we got to listen to a very rich information on the subject of 'Vishnu's attributes and weapons.'
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| Vandana Tilak - Keertanseva |
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| Keertan |
We stayed at Shri Marathe Guruji's guesthouse for the night. The guest house provides simple, clean rooms and delicious, sattvic food.
We experienced the beautiful night. Night without any artificial lights and without the sound of vehicles gives a soothing and calming feeling. We saw the twinkling stars in the pitch darkness. To experience this calmness and to perform the puja in the morning, it is necessary to stay at Kolisare for at least one night.
The annual festival of Shri Laxmikeshav Devasthan is from Kartik Shuddha Dashami to Pournima. Various programs are organized during this period.
Contact - Enquiry about the arrangements -
Shri. Marathe's phone number - 9637693493, 7038431411
Mr. Teredesai - I couldn't get his phone number.
This is a place that is a joyful experience for everyone, including believers, nature lovers and devotees. It is interesting even for those who are interested in History and Indology. So everyone must visit Kolisare.
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