VRUTHA KARMALI
Do you believe in miracles? If you do, then this intriguing tale of the Tollpar Khuris (Stone Cross) may interest you.
Nestled in Dicarpale village, South Goa, this cross has an interesting, yet inexplicable origin. To this day, villagers recollect the unfathomable series of events that led to its creation – a tale that has been passed down for generations.
“That stone was on top (of the mountain), there are many such stones there. There is still a big one hanging on the edge, (we’re) fearful of it collapsing,” says Graciano Louis, now in his 90s, and one of the founding members of the sacred spot.
"Years ago, on July 9, 1968, the stone which now rests at the bottom of the mountain came rolling down at around 8.30 in the morning,” he says.
Recounting the mysterious, yet terrifying tale of the emergence of the site, Louis adds, “As it (the stone) came sliding down the mountain, it hit another rock on its way down, and broke into two pieces making a loud noise."
"The force and size of the rock was such that it could have easily crushed the households nearby. But, what came as a surprise to everyone was the fact that it stopped at the bottom of the steep mountain with no support at all!” he recalls.
The villagers were of the strong opinion that they were protected from a grave tragedy by divine means.
“It was truly a miracle and a mystery which cannot be explained. Many, like us, believe it to be God's grace. When the question arose of what to do next, my brothers and I decided to build a cross on top of the rock which lies there now. As there is a railway track close by, the other half was broken into fine pieces and utilised for railway construction work,” he continues.
Louis was the one who meticulously carved out the shape of a cross in the soil to create a mould for the cross.
“I remember, back then, we didn’t have fancy tools. I made a mud mould of a cross and created a cement one. Later, we got a wooden one, too. The cross atop the stone is a symbol of our faith in the Almighty as well as a sign of our gratitude and devotion,” he says.
Over the years, the place has been renovated and devotees from across Goa gather to offer prayers. Every first Friday of the month, a mass is held at the spot at 5 pm. And, on Good Friday, a procession is taken out wherein the cross is carried to the nearby church.
Tollpar Khuris is a testimony to people’s faith and devotion. While being a place of worship, it is also a heritage site to be preserved.
If you find yourself in and around Dicarpale, do visit this place and see it for yourself.