Temples
in Goa
Shri
Devkikrishna-Ravalnath
The
small town of Marcel is the location of the temples of more than 15 deities
of the Hindu pantheon. Marcel lies 17 km from Panaji in Ponda taluka about
3-km away from Banastari Bridge on the Panaji-Ponda road.
The
unique feature of this temple is that this is the only temple in India where
Lord Krishna is worshipped alongside mother Devaki as Devakikrishna.
The
main Deities Devakikrishna and affiliate deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi
Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar were
originally located at Choodamani island (Chorao island of today).
To
avoid persecution during the Portuguese Inquisition they were taken to Mayem
in Bicholim and from there shifted to the present location at Marcel.
The
Garbha Griha (inner sanctum) of the temple has the beautiful idol of Devaki
and Lord Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in standing posture with a child
Krishna, between her legs.
This particular pose is considered to
be unique. The idols are beautifully carved in black stone.
The
palakhi is taken in Shukla and Trayodashi (except in Chaturmas). Ramanavmi,
Gokulastami are celebrated on a grand scale. Limited accommodations
available. The major festival is Malni Purnima from Paush Vadya which is
celebrated over here with great fervour and excitement.
Goa
City Guide
