The Unique Devaki Krishna Temple is located in small town Marcel, a small town located 17 km from Panaji in the Ponda taluka of Goa. It is renowned for the temples, there are more than 15 Temples located in Marcel. The temples are Situated approximately 3 km from the Banastari Bridge on the Panaji-Ponda road, the town stands as a witness to Goa‘s rich spiritual heritage.
One of the most distinctive temple of India is found here, is Devaki Krishna Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped along with his mother, Devaki, in their rare and unique form as Devaki Krishna. This is the only temple in the country with such a combination, making it a significant destination for devotees and history enthusiasts.
History of Devaki Krishna Temple
The principal deities of this temple are Devaki Krishna and there are other affiliate deities like Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar, and Dhada Shankar, were originally enshrined on the Choodamani Island (Currently today known as Chorao Island). This dense forested island served as a sanctuary and symbolic of Lord Krishna’s mythology. Even today we can see the traces of the old temples in Choodamani Island.
During the Portuguese Inquisition temple of Tiswadi region of Goa were being systematically destroyed at that time community of devotees of the Choodamani region relocated the main deity idols from to temple to proctect them. Initially idols moved to Mayem in Bicholim taluka of North Goa and later transported to their present location in Marcel via canoes along the Kumbharjua Canal. This meticulous relocation of the idols demonstrates the deep devotion towards temples and Hinduism by the community.
Cultural and Mythology of Devaki Krishna Temple
The symbolic idol of Devaki and Krishna in this temple is deeply rooted in mythology, which is representing of divine motherhood and also a reflecting the history and faith of the community of Devotees. Its journey from Choodamani Island to Marcel is representing the trials faced by the people in safeguarding their traditions.
Architecture of Devaki Krishna Temple
The Devaki Krishna temple is Construted in a traditional Goa style follows an entrance hall, a pillered assembly hall and inner sanctum (Garbha Griha).
The Garbha Griha of the temple is the house of a magnificent black stone idol of Devaki holding a child Krishna in her hand.
The idol is meticulously carved and complexity in their design, demonstrate beauty of the idol.
Celebrations and Festivals Devaki Krishna Temple
In this temple there are several festivals celebrated throughout the year like Krishna Janmashtami, Ramanavami, Malni Purnima etc.
Ramanavami and Gokulashtami, these two festivals were celebrated in the grand level in the Devaki Krishna Temple. During the time these festival, large number of crowd of devotees gather to celebrate with great enthusiasm and excitement
Pooja Timing in Devaki Krishna Temple
The temple generally observes the following schedule:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
How to Reach Devaki Krishna Temple?
The best way to have darshan in Devaki Krishna Temple is to take up Tirtha Yatra’s Goa Weekend Yatra. All the arrangements are well taken care.
If you wish to venture on your own, you can take up the following route:
By Air – the nearest Airport is the Goa International Airport at Goa. From here taxis can be hired to Temple.
By Rail – the nearest Railway station is the Karmali Railway Station and Madgaon Railway Station. From here taxis can be hired to Temple.
By Road – one can hire taxis or use State Transport Buses from Panaji to reach Temple.
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