The Flight of Gods 28. Vitthala Temple, Sancolem

The Flight of Gods

by Mohan Pai

Sri Vitthala Temple

Sancolem

 

 

The worship of Vitthala in Goa probably started during the latter part of the Goa Kadamba period. The stone inscription of 1284 AD from Vitthala temple at Pandharpur records the donation made by the Lad family of Goa. The ‘warkari’ tradition which was popular in Maharashtra was also practised in Goa.
Ranes of Sattari are the devotees of Vitthala.

 

The Mantap – photo by Mohan Pai

Reconstructed in 1942 A.D., the temple incorporated North Indian style of architecture. Though sanctum-sanctorium was left untouched and the main festivity at the temple was held during nine days preceding Chairtra Purnima.

The Temple Complex – photo by Mohan Pai

Major attractions of Sri Vitthala Temple are an exquisitely carved wooden chariot symbolizing the chariot of Arjuna of Mahabharata which is driven by the Lord Krishna in the temple complex.

Tulasi Vrindavan – photo by Mohan Pai

The Flight of Gods 19. Ramnath Temple, Ramnathi

The Flight of Gods

by Mohan Pai

Sri Ramnath Temple

Ramnathi

 

The ancient shrine of Ramnath was originally located in Loutlim and was burnt down by the Portugese Captain Diogi Rodrigues of Rachol Fort in the year 1567.

The idol was smuggled out and consecrated at the present site at Ramnathi, Bandode very near to the Shantadurga Temple at Kavalem. According to the tradition, the linga of Ramnath was brought from Rameshwaram.

The Temple Complex – photo by Mohan Pai

 

The main temple building was completely renovated in 1905, resulting in its original proportions being distorted by a huge unsympathetic additional hall that overpowers all else.

The Mantap – photo by Mohan Pai

 

The Parivar devatas here are Laxminarayan, Kamakshi, Shantadurga, Vetal and Kalabhairav. The Kalabhairav image came from Raia, the next village to Loutlim where Ramnath originated.

Deepasthamba – photo by Mohan Pai