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The Mahamandap (Great Hall) at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Bandivade, Goa provides a therapeutic escape from many of Goa busy attractions. It is a perfect place to sit undisturbed and commune with the divine. On this early morning, regular devotees went about their prayers silently and tourist laden buses [...]
Filed under: Devi, Goa, Hinduism, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | Tagged: Devi, Hindu Gods, Lakshmi, Laxmi, Portuguese Inquisition | Leave a Comment »
Due to my interest in Konkani Temples in Goa, I have been researching books on the Portuguese occupation in Goa. During the Portuguese Inquisition lasting more than 150 years (1560 – 1812), the Jesuits made a systematic attempt at wiping out the Konkani heritage in Goa. Konkanis were either tortured and killed, forced [...]
Filed under: Books, Goa, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 2 Comments »
On our visit to India in June, we paid a short visit to Goa. Starting on the early morning flight from Mumbai and after visiting the Ramnathi Devasthan, we arrived at the beach-front resort in Colva, early in the afternoon. We were so fatigued, both of us promptly fell asleep. The drumming [...]
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Kamakshi Canteen, Ponda, Goa
After quickly performing the puja at the Ramnathi Devasthan, I sneak away to the canteen beside the front entrance. They make the best missal and ussal paav. As I gorge myself, I notice these two guys taking a Chai break. Both were caught up in their own thoughts and [...]
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After blazing a trail through mumbai, goa, austria and switzerland, we returned a few hours ago to an oppressively hot and dusty house. But I so look forward to sleeping in my own bed. Traveling is fun, but living out of a suitcase and washing underwear in hotel sinks, does get tiring after [...]
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Less than a day after reaching Mumbai, we were off to Goa on the Konkan Railway to visit our kuladevata Ramnathi Devasthan and attend my nephew's Upanayana (see previous post). The night ride is ideal for catching-up on gossip with cousins. Their wives (and M too), are fast asleep and we could [...]
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From my last trip to Goa. The beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus in Panji.
The inside of the church. There was a small private service going on.
The crypt with the remains of Francis Xavier
The building across the street. The Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi. Part of it has been [...]
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This follows a longer write-up on the Ramnathi Devasthan.
The Mangeshi Devasthan in Goa is a crown jewel of Konkani Temples. The Shiva Linga representing Mangesh, was originally in the ancient temple of Kushastali (Cortalim, Salcete Taluka). When the Portuguese destroyed the original temple in 1561, the linga was relocated across the Zuari River [...]
Filed under: Goa, Hinduism, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 1 Comment »
The Ramnathi Devasthan (place of God, or Temple) in Ponda, Goa is our family's ancestral temple. Millenia ago, groups of Konkani families settled in extended family-based communities in Goa. Each community had their own spirits, which protected them from evil and satisfied their spiritual curiosity. The spirits and associated deities also received [...]
Filed under: Devi, Goa, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 12 Comments »
Outside the Mangeshi Devasthan in Goa, this lady sold cut cucumbers. It's a refreshing snack in the middle of a hot day. As I composed the pic, I was irritated at this guy walking across, but then I noticed her face light up at an approaching customer! Perfect! For her brilliant [...]
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