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.

Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Thorli Mauli temple | Sateri

ON RECORD

Historical records suggest that the deity in the old Mauli temple, located in the forest of Menkure, originally hailed from Revora village.

Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | old Mauli temple | Photo: Arti Das

ANCIENT ART

Kaavi art is seen in this old temple, which is an example of old Goan temple architecture.

Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Temple | Photo: Arti Das

ARAB CONNECTIONS

Originating in Kolhapur (Maharashtra), the Chapora river was once used by Arab traders in Goa.

Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Chapora river | Photo: Arti Das

LAST STOP

The trail concluded at a shrine dedicated to Barazan, situated beneath the Kusum (Schleichera oleosa) tree.

Goa | villages | Menkure | Bicholim | Barazan | Schleichera oleosa | Photo: Arti Das

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