Information of Bhagwati Temple, Pernem, Goa

The Bhagwati Temple is situated in a small village of northern Goa called as Parnem and is a few kilometres from Marjim. This temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddesses. The main temple is in the name of Goddess Bhagwati or the Ashtabhuja Goddess. This temple is one of the oldest temples in Goa and was built about 500 years back.

Bhagwati 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 Navaraatri is worshipped with immense devotion and joy. The lamp towers or the Deepastambha is lightened with numerous lamps during festivals and on special occasions.

Bhagwati 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 lokh. Only after intense prayers by her devotees she appeared to help them and agreed to reside in their village and also their hearts because being the Divine Mother she was always pleases and filled with love. The place where the temple is built has 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 Temple Architectural Significance

The Bhagwati temple looks quite unique and different from temple 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 of 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 saris 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 Pradakshana or a left sided circum-ambulation. The external walls of the temple are white washed with boarders and edges painted in crimson colour.

The most eye catching structure in the temple complex is two magnificent towers or Deeepastamba which are lighted 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.