Know about this ritual held every three years in Goa's Canacona

UNMATCHED DEVOTION

The ritual of Shisharanni is celebrated every three years during Shigmo at the Mallikarjun temples in Cotigao, Gaondongrim and Shristhal in Canacona taluka. This ritual takes place after the full moon day of the lunar month Falgun.

DEITIES DIVINE

The ritual is heralded by the invocation of deities, accompanied by vibrant insignias, as devotees lead a revered procession through the village.

NAME & SIGNIFICANCE

The name of the ritual consists of two words: Shiso which refers to the Indian rosewood tree, while Ranni means a cooking stove.

TOGETHER WE CAN

Three men, known as Gades (believed to represent Gods for a certain period), lie down on the floor to form a traditional cooking stove called chul.

FIRE & FAITH

The Gades' heads are adorned with wet cloths and the sturdy pseudo-stems of banana plants. Beneath the pot, pieces of shiso wood burn brightly, emitting a warm glow.

SACRED SHIELD

Though the fire rages between their heads, the Gades remain unscathed, a phenomenon attributed to divine protection.

MIRACULOUS DRAW

Pilgrims and curious onlookers travel from every corner of Goa and Karnataka, drawn by the allure of this extraordinary phenomenon.

SACRIFICIAL RITE

Once the rice is cooked, a drop of a Gado's blood is added, symbolising sacrifice. This sacred mixture is known as Charu.

DARK PROPHECY

The blood-stained Charu is cast into the crowd, yet people step away fearing misfortune, as it is considered a bad omen.

PURIFYING FORCE

Though it is avoided, Charu is believed to have the power to cleanse, driving away the spirits that haunt the possessed.

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