4 days ago
Goa Gujaratis protect centuries-old Lord Laxminarayan idol at Narve shrine as new one installed
Keri:
The descendants of Gujarati families, which had settled in Goa centuries ago, consecrated a new idol at their temple at Narve, while devoutly protecting a centuries-old idol of Lord Laxminarayan.
In Goa, it is customary to immerse the old idol in a tank or a river while consecrating the new one. But at the temple at Narve, Bicholim, the old idol has been installed behind the sanctum sanctorum.
Mukesh Desai, the president of Laxminarayan Devasthan, told the media, 'The pranpratishtha or consecration ceremony was held for the idol of Lord Laxminarayan, which has been crafted by Vishal Acharya from Hillur near Ankola in Karnataka.'
He added, 'This moment is not only spiritually significant but also emotionally fulfilling in our shared journey to preserve our sacred heritage. For centuries, this temple has been the spiritual anchor for the Gujarati community in Goa.'
In his book, 'Hindu Temples and Deities', Rui Gomes Pereira said that the Laxminarayan temple was founded in 1650 by Sagar Sheth, hailing from Diu. Sheth had dreamed of an idol of Lord Laxminarayan lying in a lake nearby.
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The idol was retrieved, and a temple was built by him with the help of the Gujarati community.
Temple trustee Narendra Shah, 80, told
TOI
, 'My family has been associated with this temple for four generations. My grandfather, Bhagwanji, settled in Goa around 1880, and was deeply connected with the temple.'
Shah said, 'My bond with this sacred space has only strengthened with time.'
Umakant Vishnu Petkar, an octogenarian priest associated with the temple, said, 'Grittli Mittlewalner, a German researcher who visited this temple, was fascinated to see the beautifully carved, unique stone idol of Lord Laxminarayan.'
He said his family has given priests to the temple for ten generations.
The old idol depicts Lord Laxminarayan holding the shankh (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace), and padma (lotus). Goddess Laxmi stands by the lord's side.
Matsya, Kurma, and Varaha avatars of Lord Vishnu are placed to the right of the deities; and Buddha and Kalki to the left. At the top of the arrangement is a representation of Lord Shiva.
While renovating the temple, its double inner dome has been protected.
The intricate designs exemplify the craftsmanship typical of the Goan temple architecture.
Amey Kinjawadekar, a heritage enthusiast who visited the temple, said, 'The temple committee has done inspiring work in conservation. We are indebted to the Gujarati community for the steps taken for the protection of the vestiges of the temple.'
This year, the temple turned 375. To mark the occasion, the consecration ceremony was organised from May 20 to 23. Several religious and cultural activities were held, which drew Gujarati and other devotees to the temple.
