Devaki Krishna Temple, Goa
Like many of Goa’s temples, the Devaki-Krishna Temple at Marchel was moved here from two previous locations, to be safe from oppression. The beautiful and unusual image in black stone is of the baby Krishna on his mother, Devaki. s hip. Could the Baby Jesus and his mother, Mary, represented in so many of the neighboring churches here have given this temple its inspiration, or is it simply an astonishing coincidence of the overlapping of Western and Eastern traditions.
History
Mashel, also known as Mahashaila, Devaki Krishna Temple Goa in the village is very unique and beautiful. The temple symbolizes the spirit of motherhood, where Devaki’s mother holds her son Krishna in her arms. Devaki Krishna temple was originally located on the island of Sharwa. Which was earlier known as Chudamani. According to the anecdote, it is said that when Vasco de Gama first visited this temple. He then worshiped Devaki’s mother and Krishna as the idol of Mother Mary. But when he came to know the truth, he became very angry. Devakikrishna Sharava was the principal deity of the island. Shigmotsav started here only after invoking this deity.
The legend of Devaki Krishna Temple takes you back to the Mahabharata period. When Krishna and Balarama were at war with Jarasandha on Mount Gomanchal. Then distraught Devaki’s mother went to Mount Gomanchal to see her son. But because Devaki’s mother knew Krishna as a child, she could not recognize Krishna. For this reason, Krishna again took the form of a child for him and Devaki’s mother lifted him into her lap. Since then, they have been worshiped here.
Architecture
The inner sanctum of the temple has the beautiful idol of Devaki and Lord Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in a standing posture with a child Krishna between her legs. This particular posture is considered to be unique. The idols are beautifully carved with black stone. Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar, and Dhada Shankar are the other deities in this temple.
