Devkikrishna temple: the marvel of marcel

Devaki krishna temple marcel.

The temple of Shri Devaki Krishna Marcel is the only temple of that kind worshipped in Goa. Child Krishna in the arms of mother Devaki is the family deity of its Mahajans, spread all over India, most of whom live in Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. To them, Devaki is the embodiment of mother Goddess giving her benediction to the devotees and the child Krishna the incarnation of Lord Shri Narayana ever ready to protect them in their times of trial and turbulence. The deity is therefore, a source of devine bliss as well as a solace and comfort to its numerous mahajans and devotees. The temple also binds all its mahajans together, though spread far and wide with a common cultural heritage and a history of their ancestors sacrificing every thing for the preservation of their faith.

The dark era for hindus of Goa and proofs of history.

The Portuguese Rulers after their conquest of Goa about in 1510 A.D. when Alphonso Albuquerque rode into Goa decided to give their religion to the newly conquered people. They were determined to convert everybody at all costs. In their attempt to convert the people, idols were smashed, and temples and mosques were demolished. The tumbled stones of the temples were used for building cathedrals and churches. Platoons of energetic young missionaries invaded the conquistas (newly acquired territories) and began converting population in a drive that resembled the branding of cattle.

We can again refer Gomes Pereira from his Book "Hindu Temples and Deities" it is revealed that from the year 1541 A.D. onwards laws were promulgated and instructions issued authorising physical and moral violence, coercive conversion of orphans to Christianity, expulsion of the infields from conquered lands, confiscation of their properties and belongings, condemnation for life to the galleys, forbidding of rites and religious ceremonies, destruction of Hindu Gods and demolition of the temples. According to some reports more than three hundred temples were demolished by Portuguese.

It has been also mentioned by Rui Gomes that in the year 1567 A.D. the Captain of the Fort of Rachol, Diogo Rodrigues passed orders that the main temple of Shri Ramnath of that village be set afire. In the same year the temples of Salcete were destroyed begining with the one at Varna, which was most respected. He had destroyed around 288-300 temples. The properties of all these temples and their servants were donated for the activities of the Church. Many beautiful and renowned temples were destroyed during the early Rule of the Portuguese.

History of Devaki Krishna temple.

The legend tells us of how Devki sends away the baby Krishna from the jail, to his foster mother Yashoda. True to the traditions of Shrikrishna's childhood, the deity of this temple too had to undergo similar migration and turbulation during the time of religious oppression in the early period of Portuguese Rule. Originally installed in the village of Chodon in the Tiswadi Taluka, the temple was one among many destroyed during the early Portugtese Rule. The Mahajans fled with the deity to Mayem in Bicholim. Taluka, then a place under the Hindu Raja of Sawantwadi. There a temple was established at Mayem. The deity was again to be shifted and brought to Mashel in Phonda Taluka. Thus the present temple of Shri Devki-Krishna in Mashel has its origin in Chodan in Tiswadi Taluka. The place Marcel is also called Mashel and or Mahashaila.

At present the descendants of the founder members of the Hindu Temples in Goa are spread far and wide in different parts of the country, many of them having settled in Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. They all make the general body of the Mahajans of their respective family temple. The Hindu temples in Goa therefore, belong to their Mahajans and hence they alone control the temple administration.

The source of income to the temples comprises of income from agricultural lands as well as donations offered to the temple on festive occasions in fulfilment of vows and money offered to the temples in expectation of divine grace. Some temples own immovable property like buildings from which they receive income by way of rent. A few temples are very rich.

Main deity and affiliates: Shri Devki-Krishna is the common and main deity for the Mahajans; divided into orignal two wards with Pandavadda and Gaunvadda, with affiliated deities of "Pisso Roulu" i.e. Shri Ravalnath of Pandavadda and "Shano Roulu" i.e. Shri Ravalnath of Gaunvaddo.

Conclusion.

The Shri Devaki Krishna Temple in Marcel, Goa, is a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Hindu community. Despite facing destruction and persecution during the Portuguese rule, the temple's deity was carefully preserved and relocated, eventually finding a new home in Marcel. Today, the temple remains a vital part of the community, serving as a symbol of devotion, cultural heritage, and family tradition. The story of the Shri Devaki Krishna Temple is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural roots and honoring our ancestors' sacrifices.