Nestled deep in the lush green hills of Konkan, the Shri Laxmikeshav Temple in Kolisare village, Ratnagiri district, is one of the region’s most enchanting and spiritually uplifting temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located about 12 km from Chafe Phata on the Ratnagiri–Jaigad road, and further 2 km downhill through dense forest terrain, this ancient shrine remains hidden in nature’s lap — a true spiritual retreat away from modern chaos. Set at an elevation of around 1500 feet above sea level, the temple is surrounded by evergreen woods, tranquil silence, and a perennial stream of cool, clear water that flows gracefully beside it throughout the year.

The Laxmikeshav Temple is a fine example of ancient Konkan architecture and religious artistry. The presiding deity, Lord Laxmikeshav, is a four-armed (Chaturbhuja) idol carved from a rare Shaligram stone, sourced from the rivers of Nepal. Standing around five feet tall, the idol radiates divine brilliance and serenity. The craftsmanship is remarkable — the Lord holds a lotus (Padma) in his lower right hand, a conch (Shankha) in the upper right, a discus (Chakra) in the upper left, and a mace (Gada) in the lower left hand. This particular arrangement signifies the Laxmikeshav form of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing strength, purity, and protection. Around the idol, intricate carvings depict the ten incarnations (Dashavatar) of Vishnu, while smaller figures of Garuda and Jay stand on one side, and Goddess Lakshmi and Vijay on the other.

Historical records and local legends trace the idol’s origin back to the Rashtrakuta dynasty (750–973 CE), known for their devotion to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that during times of invasion, devotees submerged this idol in Rankala Lake (Kolhapur) to protect it from desecration. Centuries later, members of the Joshi, Vichare, and Kane families from the Varvade region received a divine vision in their dreams directing them to retrieve the idol. When they brought it by land and river towards Keshavpuri, the chest carrying the idol would not move beyond Kolisare. Interpreting this as a divine wish, they established the temple at this sacred site around 1510 CE.

The temple’s serene environment — surrounded by hills on one side, flat lands on two, and a deep valley on the fourth — creates a setting of peaceful isolation. The Shastri River flows to its west, and the nearby Kolisare village, with a population of around 700–800, continues to preserve this sacred legacy. The temple underwent renovation in 2008, with the idol’s surface restored with a protective coating in 2005.

Every year, a six-day annual fair is celebrated from Kartik Shuddha Dashami to Pournima, organized by local residents. During the Shravan month, devotees from Varvade and other ancestral families gather for a 12-hour devotional singing (Bhajan) session.

Visiting the Laxmikeshav Temple in Kolisare offers not just divine blessings but also an experience of timeless peace, natural harmony, and architectural heritage — a true hidden gem of Ratnagiri