Ancient Mahalaxmi Temple Rembavli, Devgad, Sindhudurg

In the Konkan region, one can witness the gentle, beautiful, as well as the fierce and formidable forms of the Panchamahabhutas (the five elements). Similarly, the deities worshipped here are both gentle and fierce. Along with Bhutnath, Vetoba, and Chandika, Ganpati and Mahalakshmi are also worshipped here. One such famous Mahalakshmi temple in the Konkan style is situated on the banks of a river in the village of Renbavali in Devgad Taluka. This temple is renowned throughout the Devgad Taluka and Sindhudurg District. It is believed that this Mahalakshmi answers the calls of her devotees and grants their wishes. Because of this, many devotees visit Renbavali every day to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

Mahalakshmi is considered a form of Adishakti (the Primal Energy). According to the Devi Mahatmya, this Goddess is the primal cause of the entire universe. In Sanskrit, the word ‘Lakshya’ means a sign or mark. Therefore, the word ‘Lakshmi’ signifies one who bears auspicious marks and is, consequently, the bringer of welfare. In the Shri Sukta, one of the Khilas of the Rigveda, Lakshmi is described as the consort of Vishnu, and the Puranas also refer to her as Vishnu-patni. Likewise, Mahalakshmi is also considered to be Durga. The Mahishasuramardini Chandika herself is addressed as Mahalakshmi. To receive the grace and blessings of this Mahalakshmi, the Shri Mahalakshmi Vrata is observed every Thursday of the month of Margashirsha throughout Maharashtra. During this time, as well as during the Navratri festival, a large number of women gather at this temple in Renbavali for the darshan of Mahalakshmi.

There is no definitive information or record available regarding how ancient the Mahalakshmi temple in Renbavali is; however, according to information provided by the villagers, Vandu Vashik was a supreme devotee of this Goddess. After spending his entire life in the service of Mahalakshmi, he took Sanjeevan Samadhi within the temple premises so that he might find a place at the Goddess’s feet after his passing. The Sanjeevan Samadhi site of the great soul Vandu Vashik, located within the temple, is said to be approximately three hundred years old. Therefore, it is estimated that the temple must be even older. The architecture of the temple also reflects its antiquity.

Situated on the banks of a river flowing through hills and valleys, the temple is surrounded by a boundary wall made of laterite stone. One enters the temple courtyard through an entrance gate in this wall. Near the entrance, on the inner side, is an ancient Tulsi Vrindavan and an old, massive Chafa (plumeria) tree. The temple is structured with a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antarala (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In one corner of the Sabha Mandap lies the Sanjeevan Samadhi site of the great soul Vandu Vashik. It is the custom to first offer prayers here upon entering the temple before proceeding for the darshan of Mahalakshmi. On the other side is the place of the ‘Baracha Chala’. There is a tradition of offering food (bhaksha) at this spot.

The Sabha Mandap has four rows of five pillars each. The surrounding pillars are made of laterite stone, while the wooden pillars in the two middle rows stand on stone bases. Following Konkan architectural style, the floor between the wooden pillars in the middle row is a few inches lower. There are stone benches in the Sabha Mandap for devotees to sit. The Antarala, located beyond the Sabha Mandap, is slightly elevated; one enters it by climbing seven steps. On both sides of the steps, there is an open space. In this area, there are four wooden pillars that are square at the bottom and circular at the top. Wooden beams rest on the large-circumference stone pillars of the Garbhagriha. The wooden brackets (tarang-hasta) supporting these beams are beautifully carved. Since this is a temple of the Goddess, the vehicles (Vahanas) of the Goddess are depicted on these brackets. Pairs of elephants, tigers, lions, and bulls are carved here. Among these, there are two unique sculptural images: a dwarf running and playing behind a pair of bulls, and a dwarf sitting peacefully behind the elephant sculptures. These brackets are also carved with floral and leaf patterns. The colors applied to them make all these images stand out.

In the Garbhagriha, the stone idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi is placed on a low-height Vajrapitha (throne). This idol is adorned with a crown, various ornaments, and rich garments. Behind it is a distinctive Prabhaval (halo). On both sides of Mahalakshmi on the Vajrapitha are the stone idols of the family deities. Additionally, there are four guardian deities (Tarang-devata) in the Garbhagriha. The Sabha Mandap, Antarala, and Garbhagriha of this tiled-roof temple are semi-open in design.

Various annual festivals are celebrated in this temple. The Harinam Saptah held in the months of January and February takes on the form of a grand fair. The date for this Saptah is determined by seeking the Goddess’s consent (Kaul). Besides this, festivals like Kartiki Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Chaturdashi, Tripurari Purnima, the five-day Shimga, and Dalap Swari are celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm. During festivals, a Maha-Abhishek is performed on the Goddess. At this time, the Goddess is adorned with various ornaments and fine garments. Programs such as Bhajan, Kirtan, Gondhal, Jagran, and Dashavatari plays are organized. Arrangements for Mahabhojan (community feast) are made for the villagers and devotees who come for the festivals.

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