Temples: Trustees of Culture, Museums of Evolution, Fountains of Spirituality, Marvels of Architecture Part 2

Laxminarayan of Walawal

A downward journey from the temple of the fiery goddess of Chendvan, through the green rainforest of Konkan, took us to the famous Laxminarayan temple of Walawal. This temple dates back to early 14th century and is built in a classic Hemandpanthi style of temple architecture. It is said that this east facing temple is constructed by Suryabhan & Chandrabhan Prabhu-Desai brothers. Although the temple was built in 14^th century, the beautiful black stone idol is of Chalukya period

in the 8^th century. It is a fine example of sculpture of this period and a precious treasure of national heritage. The idol of Laxminarayan (Lord Vishnu) has a majestic look in its eyes and its forehead is decorated by a symbol with three horizontal stripes in vermilion (normally associated with the devotees of Shiva). The idol is flanked by Garuda (The king of the eagles from heaven) and Vasuki (The king of the serpents from the netherworld).
There is another black stone sculpted idol of Lord Vishnu in Maharashtra, the deity revered by millions, the idol of lord Vithoba at Pandharpur. There are many similarities in these two idols. Experts say that both idols are of 8^th century and of similar black sandstone. Both these temples are closely related by traditions of millenniums. It is a holy pilgrimage to carry a garland of Tulsi from Laxminarayan temple to Vithoba temple and carry back the blessed black powder from Vithoba temple to Laxminarayan temple. However, the residents of Walawal village were prohibited from visiting Pandharpur in olden times, as they were afraid of mishap if they tried. Walawal, therefore, is known as the Pandharpur of the south.

The door of the palanquin shaped sanctum sanctorum is artistically decorated with a carving of Lord Vishnu reclining on Shesh-Nag. The central hall or Sab

hamandap is adorned with intricate wood carvings and its ceiling is made of many wonderfully painted wooden panels, unfolding the various scenes from Dashavataras (The ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu as protector of the earth). The entrance hall is very spacious and has colorful paper decorations hanging from the ceiling (which are renewed every year).  It also has big bell, purchased from earlier Portuguese neighbors.
We were pleasantly surprised to meet another troupe of Shimga revelers in the entrance hall. They had a single male dancer, dressed up as a woman.

The first time visitor may easily miss it, but the lake behind the temple is a refreshing sight. It is said that, on a full moon night, one can see the stars reflected in its placid clear water. One can witness a rare spectacle of the Sun setting in the west and at the same time the Moon rising in the east.