Explore the ancient temples of Goa’s Menkure village
Arti Das
DISCOVERING MENKURE
Menkure village, in Bicholim taluka of North Goa, was the venue of a recent heritage walk, titled, ‘Menkure Parikrama – In search of dying wisdom’.
Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Temple | Photo: Arti Das
ONE OF A KIND
The trail started at the Mauli temple, in Menkure village, where the idol of the deity, Mauli, is unique, featuring elements from both Shaivite and Vaishnavite sects.
Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Temple | Photo: Arti Das
INSIDE INFO
During the trail, environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar shared fascinating insights into the history of the village and the temple, also referred to as the Dhakti Mauli temple.
Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Rajendra Kerkar | Photo: Arti Das
OFFERINGS & BLESSINGS
The native Sita Ashok tree (Saraca asoca) is located in the vicinity of this temple. Its leaves are offered to the deity while seeking the blessings of the goddess.
Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Saraca asoca | Photo: Arti Das
HIGH & MIGHTY
Rajendra Kerkar stands beneath the towering Ficus nervosa tree – famous for its buttress roots – located near the Thorli Mauli temple in the forest.
Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Ficus nervosa | Rajendra Kerkar | Photo: Arti Das
KEEPING TRADITION ALIVE
The Thorli Mauli temple, where the termite hill (locally known as Sateri) is worshipped, showcases an indigenous form of worship seen in Goa.