The Bhagwati Devi Temple is unique and is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Shri Bhagwati temple is a historic temple in Goa. It is stated to be more than five hundred years historic and is located with the aid of the facet of the primary road.
Bhagwati Devi Temple Religious Significance
Although Goa was mainly dominated by Portuguese invasions, it firmly rooted itself in Hindu beliefs and tradition and follows typical Hindu religion. Bhagwati is one of the forms of Goddess Parvati and one of the primary deities of Goa.
Along with the main temple, four other temples of Shri Dev Bhivangi Panchakshari, Shree Sateri, Brahma and Shree Dev Ravalnath are present there.
The main event celebrated in the Bhagwati temple every year is Zatra during the end of November or the starting of December. Since the temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess, Durga puja is another important festival celebrated in a grand way every year. The whole period of Navaratri is worshipped with immense devotion and joy. The lamp towers or the Deepastambha are lighted with numerous lamps during festivals and on special occasions.
Bhagwati Devi Temple Mythology & History
As per Hindu belief, Goddess Bhagwati is just another name given to Goddess Durga, who is also referred to as Parvati, Kali and many others. She is considered as the Goddess of Victory of Good over Evil and kills all demons in the form of Mahishasuramardini. She is merciless against the evil demons who tried to take over earth and fill it with bad deeds. Hindu mythology tells us that Bhagwati appeared in different forms and destroyed and beheaded evil and powerful demons and sent them to the netherworld or the Patal lok. Only after intense prayers by her devotees did she appear to help them and agreed to reside in their village and also their hearts because being the Divine Mother she was always pleased and filled with love. The place where the temple is built has a similar story. The people of Goa are ardent devotees of the Divine mother in the form of Bhagavati and the temple was constructed in her name.
Bhagwati Devi Temple Architectural Significance
The Bhagwati temple looks quite unique and different from temples located in rest of the Indian states due to historical reasons. This Goan temple is a modification of Hindu temple architecture appearing as a rigid assimilation of local building style. The style of the temple observed is an influence from Muslim or Mughal architecture along with some Portuguese influence. It comprises a sanctum sanctorum holding the main deity, Goddess Bhagwati in a standing position on a high platform and is known as the Garbagriha. The idol is made up of black stone and is adorned with beautiful sarees and ornaments made out of precious materials changed every day. A dome roofs the main shrine of the Bhagwati temple. The main shrine is surrounded by four different temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods known as Parivar Devatas. A passage is constructed around the temple where devotees can go around the sanctum sanctorum for Pradakshina or a left sided circum-ambulation. The external walls of the temple are white washed with borders and edges painted in crimson colour.
The most eye-catching structure in the temple complex is two magnificent towers or Deepastambha which are lit by thousands of lamps during festivals. There are a number of sculptured deities placed around the temple complex and a number of pillars and carved walls can be observed.
