Prasanna Shree Lakshmipallinath Temple Pali, Ratnagiri, Ratnagiri

The Shri Laxmipalinath Temple located at Pali in Ratnagiri taluka, which is the family deity (Kuldaivat) of the Queen of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmibai, is one of the most renowned temples in the taluka. It is said that Rani Lakshmibai had appointed Mr. Habale as the priest of this temple during her time. The grand birth anniversary festival (Janmotsav) of Laxmipalinath, celebrated here every year from Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi to Paurnima, is the biggest festival of this place. This deity is renowned for fulfilling the vows of devotees and rushing to their aid when called upon. 

According to the legend surrounding the Laxmipalinath Temple, the ancient name of Pali village was Karambele. In ancient times, a realized ascetic (Siddha Purusha) descended from the Ghats onto the border of the adjoining village of Valke near Karambele. People developed deep faith in him as he blessed the people of Karambele, Patharat, Kapadgaon, Charveli, and the surrounding region with spiritual experiences. At the persistent request of the villagers, he settled in Karambele village. This Siddha Purusha was none other than Shri Palinath. Through the corruption of the word ‘Palli’, the name of Karambele village came to be known as Pali after him. Just as one should show hospitality to visiting guests, the Karambele Deva—the primordial deity of the village—humbly offered all his honors to Shri Palinath through the traditional divine assent (Kaul). Since then, during every festival and celebration in the village, honors are first accorded to Shri Palinath and subsequently to Karambele Deva. According to another legend, Palinath came to the Konkan region from the Vijayanagara Empire in the thirteenth century. In search of Palinath, Mahalakshmi arrived here. This form of Lakshmi still stands outside the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) in the temple.

The Laxmipalinath Temple is located a ten-minute walk from the Pali village bus stand. A pathway leading to the temple passes through an arch made of laterite (jambhha) stone. The temple is surrounded by a protective wall, and one enters the temple courtyard through its gateway. In the center of the paved courtyard stands the temple, and on one side of the enclosure is the pilgrim guest house (Bhakta Niwas). There is a Nagarkhana (drum house) above the second gateway at the rear of the temple. A small descending stone pathway leads from the Nagarkhana to a stone-constructed pond. Near the entrance of this Nagarkhana stand four tall laterite lamp pillars (Deepmaal). On the right side of the temple is the shrine of Karambele Deva, the primordial deity of the village, while shrines dedicated to Trimukhi Devi and Hanuman are situated in the courtyard.

The architectural layout of the temple consists of a assembly hall (Sabhamandap), an intermediate hall (Antaral), and the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha). The Sabhamandap is in the form of a half-hall (Ardhamandap) featuring stone seating arrangements (Kakhasana) for devotees. In the center of the Antaral, on a small elevated platform, rests the mask (Mukhavata) of Palinath. Attached to both walls of the sanctum sanctorum are stone idols of Vaglai-Baglai, Jugai, Pavanai, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Navalai, and Ganesha. Above the head of the Mahalakshmi idol are a Shiva Linga and a Naga Mani (serpent jewel). It is said that this idol bears a strong resemblance to the idol of Mahalakshmi in Kolhapur. Near the wall on the left side of Palinath’s mask are the idols of Redjai and Waghjai. Only these two idols in the temple face east; all other idols face south. The lintel of the sanctum doorway features an image of Ganesha.

Leaning against the back wall of the sanctum sanctorum is a monolithic stone idol of Palinath, standing about two to two-and-a-half feet tall. Because it faces south, it is also referred to as the ‘Dakshin Kedar’. This four-armed idol features a mustache. In his hands, Palinath holds a staff (Danda), a hand-drum (Damaru), a trident (Trishula), and a drinking vessel (Panapatra). This idol represents the form of Lord Shiva, and Palinath’s mount is a horse. Since the name Palinath ends with ‘Nath’, many consider him to be a follower of the Nath sect and view him in the trigunatmaka form of Dattatreya. Because he holds a trident, damaru, sword, and drinking vessel, he is perceived as an embodiment of Shiva, while having ‘Lakshmi’ preceding his name leads him to be regarded as an embodiment of Vishnu as well. Since vade and kheer are favorites of Laxmipalinath, this same Naivedya is offered to him daily. Sunday is considered the sacred day of Laxmipalinath, which is why the temple witnesses a heavy rush of devotees every Sunday.

Laxmipalinath serves as the family deity (Kulswami) for forty clans of Karhade Brahmins, as well as communities in the village such as the Maratha, Sutar, Sonar, Lohar, and Kunbi. Devotees hold a firm belief that because he keeps a watchful eye over the village, there is no fear of untimely death (Apamrityu) among the residents.

Festivals such as Shimgootsav, the Chaitrotsav (Janmotsav) of Laxmipalinath, the anniversary of the renovation of the temples of Laxmipalinath and Karambele Deva, Navratrotsav, Dev Diwali, and Tripuri Paurnima are celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple. Additionally, on the first Sunday of the Mrig Nakshatra, the village protection ritual (Gramrakhani) of the deity is performed. On that day, the villagers collect the village’s afflictions and evils (Bal/Kirka) and place them at the eastern boundary of the village. The underlying purpose is to drive away all misfortunes, troubles, and diseases beyond the village borders. An overnight devotional vigil (Jagar) is held in the temple on Shravan Shukla Trayodashi.

The birth anniversary festival of Laxmipalinath, celebrated here from Chaitra Shukla Ekadashi to Chaitra Shukla Paurnima, is the grandest celebration in the village. A large number of devotees attend this festival. During this period, religious rituals such as Abhisheka, Laghurudra, Maharudra, Vishnu Yaga, Srisukta, Atharvashirsha, and Aarti are performed in the temple, after which Mahaprasad is served to all visiting devotees. In the evening, silver ornaments are adorned on the deity. Thereafter, following mantra recitation and the chanting of holy names (Namasmarana), cultural programs such as dance, bhajans, singing, kirtans, and spiritual discourses (Pravachan) take place. On the final day at dawn on Paurnima, the Lalita Kirtan is performed. The festival concludes with dramatic performances by local artists.

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