Shri Dev Bodgeshwar Sansthan — Attraction in Goa

This is what my friend Domnic PF Fernandes writes in his book Mapusa, Yesterday and Today: A Remiscent Tour

BODGESHWAR TEMPLE

Down this road, about half a kilometre from the Gandhi statue, in the paddy fields towards Kanka (or Canca), the Bodgeshwar Temple lies nestled under an old parpallitree. There is a big banyan tree too next to the temple. In older times, banyan trees were planted near temples and churches to protect them from strong wind, elders believe. Local belief sees Bodgeshwar as an accessible God who used to sit below the parpallitree around which the temple was built.

Locally, the place is known as {`}Boddgini' because earlier there were many Boddgi (pandanusor screwpine plants) behind the temple, which produce fragranced leaves called atho. This led the annual zatra to be known as the Boddgintli Zatra. The frangrance of atho was so powerful that it would travel from the temple area right up to the Parra road and share its fragrance with passers by.

Boddgi trees are believed to go along with cobras. Obviously, there were many zageache sorop or snakes belonging to the place in Boddginim. This locality has a shrine dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar, after whom the temple is named. Sri Bodgeshwar is commonly regarded as an Angavani or Angovnk (a deity to whom a vow is made). The statue of Bodgeshwar at the temple has a shaft in his hand. Belief has it that Bodgeshwar helps lost ones to reach home safely and then as a sign of relief bangs the shaft on the ground and vanishes. Legend says that on moonless nights, one can sometimes see the torch held by the deity Bodgeshwar, as he roams the fields near the temple.

The temple is very old and was small. What we see today is its renovated version. Over the years, the temple was expanded and it is now known to all as the Bodgeshwar Temple. Shree Dev Bodgeshwar is considered among devotees as the protector of Mapusa town. Since its construction, Goans of all faiths come here to find solutions to their problems, or to make a vow if their wish is granted. The belief that all devotees' prayers are fulfilled leads hundreds to flock to the temple daily. Once their prayers are heard, people make offerings to the deity as promised.

Kanakeshwar Baba's festival is celebrated around December-January at the Shree Dev Bodgeshwar Temple, and an annual zatra(Fair) is organized with much pomp by Mhapxenkars. People from all walks of life throng to it. The zatraproper starts on Chaturdashi Paus, of the Hindu calendar, after 12 p.m. The actual zatra, comprising of the Dashantari nattak, begins after midnight the following day. This famous festival for the Mhapxenkars is high in importance for the town, as is the feast of Our Lady of Miracles.

Mapusa is said to have prospered by the grace of the Lord Bodgeshwar, also considered the guardian of Mapusa, and worshipped in Bardêz Taluka and beyond. Devotees believe Bodgeshwar reaches out to all in distress, provided they approach with faith. Some legends have it that Bodgeshwar was appointed guardian of Mapusa by Goddess Shantadurga, who is now at Dhargalim. The Zatra, which earlier used to be of a single day's duration was extended to two days. However, due to an increase in different business groups offering their thanksgivings, the festivities are now carried on for a total...

Nestled in the serene surroundings of Mapusa, Goa, the Shri Bodgeshwar Temple is a revered spiritual site dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba, locally known as Bodgeshwar. The temple is situated in a lush, green environment, attracting devotees and visitors alike with its peaceful ambiance. ​The deity Bodgeshwar is known as 'Angavani', meaning a god to whom vows are made and who fulfills the desires of his devotees. It is a common belief that prayers offered at this temple are answered, and many people visit to seek blessings and offer presents in gratitude for fulfilled wishes. ​The temple is also considered a protector of Mapusa, with Lord Bodgeshwar regarded as the guardian of the town. This deep-rooted faith is so strong that the annual Zatra, a grand fair held during December or January, draws immense crowds, both locals and tourists. ​The temple's unique spiritual significance, combined with its picturesque location and the strong faith of its followers, makes it a truly special place. It stands as a testament to the enduring devotion and belief in the benevolent power of...

This is the most famous temple in Bardez!!! Its situated just at the entrance of Mapusa city coming from Mapusa-Panjim Highway. This place is very nice and cool place also there is lot of open land infront of the temple. Temple is very well built and nicely maintained by committee. There is Zatra that happens here very year in month of January and it goes on for 7 days, Zatra is very popular because of the stalls and rides you get here, there are more then 100 stalls of clothes, footwear, utensils, games, photo frames, food, etc. Also along with stalls there are also rides like giant wheel, maut ka kua, and many other interesting rides People from all over the Goa visit this place during Zatra and its very crowded during evening during zatra. Sunday is celebrated as the day of Loard Bodgeshwar and many devotees come here on Sunday. Also its said that whatever you make a wish here comes true. Very clean and cool temple to...