Prasanna Shree Lakshmi Keshava Temple Sideway, Dapoli, Ratnagiri

Located at Sadve in Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district, the Sri Lakshmikeshav Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Konkan. Situated near a stream flowing through dense greenery, this temple is located in a somewhat secluded place. The Sanskrit inscription carved on the pedestal of the idol here is a special feature of this place. This place is particularly significant because an idol with such a clear chronological mention on its pedestal is unlikely to be found anywhere else. According to this inscription, this idol is about 800 years old, meaning it was crafted in the thirteenth century.

On the Dapoli-Sadavali-Kolbandre route, from near Sadave Phata, beside the Gram Panchayat and close to the school, a steep descending road leads down to a stream. On the bank of this stream, one catches sight of a fortified temple that was renovated a few years ago. Upon entering the temple courtyard through the gateway in the fortification wall, one first sees a six-tiered lamp tower (Deepamal) made of laterite stone. The temple here stands on a plinth raised one to one-and-a-half feet above the ground. The temple architecture consists of a two-storeyed assembly hall (sabhamandapa), an antechamber (antarala), and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). To go to the upper floor of the assembly hall, there are stairs on the outside to the left. From there, the temple spire (kalasha) can be viewed up close. The assembly hall here is in the form of a half-hall (ardhamandapa). The outer walls of the assembly hall are two feet high, with provisions for devotees to sit on them.

In the sanctum sanctorum, there is an idol of Sri Lakshmikeshav that is approximately four feet tall. When observed closely, unique carvings can be seen on it. There is an inscription on the pedestal below the idol. From this Sanskrit inscription, “Svasti Shri Shake Samvat 1127. Tiska Somadine Rohini Nakshatre Iya Sthapiten Suvarnakar Kamadevena Ghatitam”, it is clearly evident that this idol of Lord Vishnu was installed in Shake 1127, which corresponds to the year 1205 CE, on a Monday under the Rohini Nakshatra, by Devuginayaka, the prime minister of Jaitra Samant, who was a feudatory of the Northern Silahara king, second Keshiraj. Although the local people call this the Laxminarayana Temple, considering the sequence of the weapons held in the hands of the idol here (Padma-Shankha-Chakra-Gada), it is understood to be that of Keshava Vishnu. The idol holds weapons in this order: a lotus (padma) in the lower right hand, a conch shell (shankha) in the upper right hand, a discus (chakra) in the upper left hand, and a mace (gada) in the lower left hand. Since there is a small idol of Goddess Lakshmi near the left foot of the main deity, this idol is of Lakshmi Keshava.

This idol of Lord Vishnu is standing with equal weight on both feet. On the head is an oval-shaped cylindrical crown with extremely delicate craftsmanship. The eyes and eyebrows of the idol are prominent. In the ears are thick, solid tatake (circular ear ornaments). Around the three-folded neck are ornaments consisting first of a large bead chain, followed by a double strand of smaller chains, below that a multi-chain necklace (phalakahara), and then three large necklaces. On the feet are chains and He wears toe rings, a long necklace reaching down to the ankles, a chain waistband around the waist, and a waistband on the stomach. Ornaments such as rings on all fingers, wristlets (bangles and chains) on the wrists, keyura (armlets) on the upper arms, and skandapatras on the shoulders are carved very delicately. In the stone halo behind the idol, the Dashavatara are carved, with Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Parashurama, and Buddha on the left, and Kalki, Balarama (not Krishna), Rama, Nrisimha, and Matsya on the right. Above the crown of the Vishnu idol and in the center of the halo is the Kirtimukha.

Near the right foot of the idol is an idol of Lord Ganesha, and on the left side is a one-foot-tall idol of Garuda. On the head of this Garuda idol is a tapering, exquisitely crafted crown. It has a sharp nose and its neck is slightly tilted. It wears ear-ornaments (tatake), thick triple bangles on the wrists, armlets (keyura) on the upper arms, shoulder-plates (skandapatra) on the shoulders, two or three chains around its three-folded neck along with a pendant necklace (phalakahara), and several strings of beads around its waistband. Below the elbow of Garuda’s left hand, there is the figure of a snake.

Very intricate carvings can be seen on the tall spire above the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Behind the temple in the courtyard, there is a small sacred tank. It contains numerous lotus flowers and holds water throughout all twelve years. Flowing gently past the front of the temple is a perennial stream, accompanied by a nature-rich surrounding and the melodious chirping of various birds falling upon the ears, which can be experienced here. Along with this temple, there are Silahara-period Vishnu sculptures in places such as Shedwai, Biwali, Sheer, Dhamani, Kolisare, Diveagar, and others in the Konkan region. Dating back to about 800 to 1000 years ago, these sculptures stand as symbols of the ancient heritage of Konkan.

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