Akola's First Major Renovation – Giving the Temple a New Identity

The temple’s structure was old, small, and insufficient. Seeing the growing number of devotees, there was a need to give the temple a new form. Lakshmikant Joshi brought together the local community, trust members, and devotees to carry out the first extensive renovation of the temple. He constructed:

• Spacious Assembly Hall – where bhajans, sermons, and festivals could be held
• New Sanctum – peaceful, sacred, and attractive
• Rooms and arrangements for devotees

As a result, the temple transformed from merely a religious place into a well-cultured spiritual center.

Promotion of Devotional and Cultural Activities

Under Lakshmikant Joshi’s leadership, a tradition of various activities began in the temple:

• Daily worship and abhishek
• Weekly and monthly bhajan-kiertan
• Various religious sermons
• Annual grand celebration of Dattajayanti
• Pilgrimages, palanquin processions, and collective activities

These initiatives made the temple not just a center of devotion, but also a hub for culture, unity, and social energy. The temple’s transformation is a journey from a family’s service to the heritage of the entire city. Contributions from three generations of the Joshi family shaped this journey:

• The seed of Banoobai’s vision
• Roots through the service of Haribhau Joshi
• Pillars through Dattopant Joshi’s public orientation
• And modern form through Lakshmikant Joshi’s renovation

Today, the temple in the old city is recognized as:

• A center of devotion
• A remembrance of the saints’ tradition
• A platform for cultural and spiritual programs
• And a prominent spot on Akola’s spiritual map