 3-km
away from Banastari Bridge on Panaji -Ponda Road is situated the
noteworthy temple dedicated to Devaki Krishna at Marcel. The
deity is said to have been brought from Chorao in Tiswadi to
Mayem in Bicholim and then shifted to its present place during
the days of religious persecution by the alien rulers.
The Garbha Griha contains the beautiful idol of Devaki and Lord
Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in standing posture with a child
Krishna, sitting astride her hip. This particular pose is
considered to be unique in Goa. The idols are beautifully carved
in black stone. The major festival is Malni Purnima from Paush
Vadya is celebrated over here with great fervour and
excitement.
Sri Kalika Temple, Goa
One of the most important Hindu monuments in North Goa is the
temple dedicated to Sri Kalika situated in the Gillage Kansarpal
near Assonora, a few kilometers away from the Mapusa town. The
Daivadnya Brahmans are the main devotes of this deity. A huge
gold "Kalash" atop the dome of the temple beckons thousands of
devotees and inquisitive visitors to this otherwise secluded
place.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, which is the Rudra form
of Goddess Durga. The temple represents a fine blend of
aesthetics and architectural designs.
Sri Kamakshi Temple, Goa
About 12-km from Kavalem is situated another important religious
monument which is dedicated to Sri Kamakashi. The deity is
believed to have come from Kamakhya, Guwahati in Assam, which is
her original abode.
In Goa, the original location of Sri Kamakshi temple was Raia in
Salcete Taluka. But the deity was subsquently shifted to Shiroda
village in Ponda Taluka due to religious persecution by alien
rulers.
The place where temple is has an ancient name "Shivagram". Of the
smaller temples present in the complex there is the one dedicated
to Lord "Rayeshwara". People irrespective of religious faith and
hailing originally from Raia, still venerate Sri Kamaksha.
Sri Mahadev Bhumika Temple
Just 5-km from Kasarpal is another temple complex with beautiful
natural surroundings at village Sal, which is soon going to be
converted into a tourist village.
The Festivity
The temple is famous all over Goa and Sindhudurg district for its
annual festival of "Gade", which is a three-day religious affair
from Phalgun Vadya 1 to 3. Devotees believe that people can have
Darshan of 'Devchar' at night during the festival and hence the
Gade attracts huge crowds even from urban areas of Goa.
|
