Many of Goa’s ancient temples are not merely places of worship, but have been witness to the rise and fall of empires.
One such temple, tucked amidst areca plantations, in the village of Narve (not to be confused with Naroa) has stood the test of time and continues to draw devotees and history enthusiasts from far and wide.
The Saptakoteshwar Temple is an important site for worshippers of Lord Shiva, to whom the temple is dedicated. And, although recently renovated, it still retains pieces of history.
In this temple, the linga of Lord Shiva is located in the central garbhagriha, and an idol of Lord Shiva placed right above, blessing all those who come in devotion.
Maha Shivaratri, Gokulashtami, Kartik Pournima are some of the major festivals celebrated here. Situated in a historically important area, there exist ruins of caves in the vicinity.
WALLS, STONES, STORIES
Various architectural styles have influenced the structure of this temple.
The dome above the garbhagriha is typically found in Mughal architecture, while the pillared hallway is often linked to European hallways, thus, this temple comes about as being an amalgamation of cultures, faiths and styles.
The stones first used in the construction of the temple can be seen even today, as you take a pradakshina (circumambulation) around the garbhagriha. There is also a secret passageway that goes above the garbhagriha, but while the entrance is extremely narrow, the passage leads to a room that's large enough to fit about 15 persons.
The walls of this temple are adorned with beautiful kaavi kala, an art form rooted in Goa's culture.
The hallmark features of temple architecture in Goa, such as the deepasthambham and the tulsi vrindavan add to the divine atmosphere created around the temple.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Having witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, one can just imagine how many stories the stones here would tell if they could speak.
Originally built on the island of Divar by the Kadamba king for his wife, Kamladevi, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, the history of this temple traces back to the 12th century.
In 1668, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha king conquered the area and rebuilt the temple in (what is today known as) Narve. To this day, the temple carries his inscriptions, displayed above the entrance door.
THE TALI AND THE CAVES
Although closed now, to maintain the sanctity and the auspiciousness of the place, the tali or the pond in front of the temple is yet another feature common across most temples in Goa.
Chants of “Om Namah Shivaya” coming from the temple's speaker are heard up till here, often resonating throughout the peaceful hamlet of Narve.
Ruins of caves can also be seen behind the temple, and the caves of Narve are located in close proximity, leading one to believe in the historical and cultural significance that this site carries.
FESTIVITIES GALORE
Maha Shivratri, Gokulashtami, Kartik Pournima are some of the festivals celebrated here. The renowned Dashavtari natak is sometimes put up, which goes well into midnight, as part of the festivities.
A few stalls selling peanuts, chane are often put up on the occasion of Shivratri. A palkhi procession as well as the famed Ashtamachi feri is held on Gokulashtami.
The Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple of Narve is one amongst the 11 temples that come under the Ekadasha Teertha Yatra temple pilgrimage circuit, the Goa Tourism initiative to promote Goa beyond just the beaches.