In the northernmost reaches of Goa lies a lesser-known yet deeply revered temple called the Keri Ajoba Temple. Set in the serene village of Keri, also known as Querim, this temple is more than just a religious structure. It is a symbol of faith, heritage, and the enduring connection between nature and divinity. For locals, it is a place of worship and ancestral reverence; for explorers and devotees from other parts of Goa and beyond, it offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
The Keri Ajoba Temple, often referred to as Ajoba Devasthan, is dedicated to a local deity known affectionately as “Ajoba.” In Konkani, “Ajoba” means grandfather, and in many villages of Goa and Maharashtra, this term also refers to ancestral deities or guardian spirits of a region. The temple thus becomes more than a place for individual prayer—it is a central shrine that binds generations and communities together. People believe that Ajoba watches over the village, protecting it from natural calamities and ensuring prosperity and peace.
Reaching the Keri Ajoba Temple is a journey in itself, both literally and spiritually. Located close to the northern tip of Goa, near the borders of Maharashtra, the village of Keri is blessed with pristine natural beauty. The road leading to the temple winds through fields, coconut groves, and hills, and finally ascends into the forested terrain where the temple is nestled. Unlike many grand temples with ornate gopurams and towering spires, the Keri Ajoba Temple blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Its architecture is simple yet graceful, reflecting the rural aesthetics and spiritual roots of the local community.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this temple is its integration with nature. It is built on a forested hill that is part of the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. The area around the temple is alive with birdsong, fluttering butterflies, rustling leaves, and the fresh scent of medicinal plants and wildflowers. The temple complex includes not just the main shrine but also sacred trees, natural springs, and resting areas where devotees can pause and reflect.
The temple is not just a place to offer coconuts or light oil lamps—it is a vibrant center of community activity. Every year, thousands of devotees gather here for the zatra (annual pilgrimage festival) dedicated to Ajoba. The atmosphere during the zatra is nothing short of electric. The whole village comes alive with rituals, processions, folk music, and traditional dances. Devotees, many of whom walk for miles barefoot, offer prayers and seek blessings. It is a time when people reconnect with their roots and renew their spiritual bonds.
One of the unique rituals performed here during festivals is the palkhi procession, where the deity is taken out in a palanquin. The procession winds its way through the narrow forest paths, accompanied by drums, conch shells, and chants of devotion. Villagers join the procession with offerings—flowers, incense, sweets, and coconut—and there is a sense of collective joy that fills the air. Many believe that attending this festival brings healing, protection, and fulfillment of wishes.
Another important tradition at the Keri Ajoba Temple is the concept of Kuldevata worship. In many Goan and Konkan households, a specific temple is associated with the family’s ancestral deity. For several families in and around Keri, Ajoba is their Kuldev. Visiting the temple, especially during major life events like weddings, births, or even after recovery from illness, is considered essential. Offerings are made, rituals are performed, and gratitude is expressed.
The temple priest, usually belonging to a family that has served the deity for generations, plays a vital role in maintaining these traditions. He is not just a ritual expert but also a custodian of oral histories and sacred knowledge. Many rituals are passed down through word of mouth, and even today, the chants and practices at the temple carry an authenticity that comes only from lived tradition. The priest also performs darshan rituals, listens to devotees’ problems, and conducts prasad distribution after major pujas.
The surroundings of the temple contribute heavily to the spiritual vibe. There are natural springs nearby, believed to be blessed by the deity. Devotees often wash their hands or sprinkle a few drops of this water on themselves before entering the sanctum. The water is cool and fresh, flowing directly from underground aquifers fed by the nearby hills. According to village lore, this water is not just pure—it is amrit (divine nectar), believed to have healing properties.
Keri as a village has retained much of its old-world charm. With its tiled-roof houses, narrow bylanes, and quiet beaches like Querim Beach just a few kilometers away, the area offers a retreat into simplicity. Many tourists who visit the northernmost part of Goa for its scenic beauty accidentally discover the Keri Ajoba Temple and end up having a deeply transformative experience. They often remark on the peace and the connection to nature they feel here—something that is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced life.
The temple also has a deep ecological significance. The locals treat the surrounding forest as sacred. Cutting down trees or hunting animals in the area is considered a sin. This traditional form of ecological conservation, driven by spirituality, has helped preserve the biodiversity around the temple. Sacred groves, known locally as devrai, are protected spaces where nature and the divine are seen as one. The Keri Ajoba Temple is surrounded by one such grove, making it not just a spiritual site but also a sanctuary for plants, birds, and animals.
Culturally, the temple is a treasure trove. The folk traditions associated with it—be it music, dance, storytelling, or crafts—are all passed down through generations. During the zatra and other festivals, local artists perform fugdi, dhalo, and other traditional forms. The temple courtyard becomes a stage where culture is not just preserved but lived and enjoyed. Folk songs sung in the Konkani dialect of the region recount tales of Ajoba’s miracles, village history, and moral lessons, keeping alive the oral heritage of the region.
Despite its importance, the Keri Ajoba Temple has remained away from the glare of mass tourism, and this has been both a blessing and a challenge. While it has helped preserve the sanctity and authenticity of the temple, it also means that the temple relies heavily on local support for maintenance. There are no ticket booths, no large shops, no big boards announcing the temple’s presence—only word of mouth and deep reverence.
In recent years, however, some efforts have been made to improve basic infrastructure without disturbing the ecosystem. Solar lamps have been installed on the path leading to the temple, rainwater harvesting has been introduced, and a small dharmashala (rest house) for visiting devotees has been built. Local volunteers, especially the youth, have formed committees to ensure cleanliness, offer assistance to pilgrims, and promote eco-friendly practices. These quiet revolutions are keeping the temple alive and relevant in the 21st century.
For those planning to visit, the best time would be early morning or late afternoon when the sun is mellow, and the surroundings are cool. Carry water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and respect the sacredness of the place. Photography is allowed in the outer areas, but one should avoid flash and respect the privacy of other worshippers. It is also advisable to avoid littering and participate in the temple’s “clean-up after puja” tradition, which encourages all visitors to help maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings.
The Keri Ajoba Temple is not just about the deity—it’s about the community. It’s about the forest that cradles it, the stories that keep it alive, the music that celebrates it, and the silence that surrounds it. It reminds us of an older way of living—one where faith was not loud but deep, where temples were not tourist spots but places of connection, and where spirituality walked hand in hand with nature.
The Keri Ajoba Temple stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of Goa’s spiritual depth and ecological wisdom. It is a place where time slows down, where each prayer feels personal, and where the divine resides not in stone alone but in every leaf, every breeze, and every heartbeat that echoes through the forest. For the people of Keri and for all those who seek meaning beyond materialism, this temple is more than a destination—it is a journey.