Draft:Shri Devaki Krishna Temple

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple is a famous shrine for Hindus in the world. It is situated in the village of Madel in the state of Goa, India. This temple is primarily focused on Lord Krishna, one of the most important gods in Indian culture and society, and is better known with a connection to the legendary figure of Devaki, Mother of Krishna.

Surrounded by a peaceful environment and amidst greenery, the temple is of great religious, social and historical significance to the people and the devotees. The architecture of the temple, the customs performed and the feasts celebrated, makes him a temple full of devotion in Goa.

Location and Accessibility

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple can be found in Madel, which is a village in the coastal area of South Goa. The village of Madel is about 25 kilometers from the capital city of Panaji and 20 kilometers from the famous resort city of Margao. The temple can be reached from Madgaon (Margao) Railway Station. There are taxis available for hire and local buses can take visitors to the temple from major nearby cities and towns.

Because of this temple’s geographical position, tucked away in the exquisite nature that Goa is known for, it is a good destination for devotees and pilgrims to visit. It is quite different from the larger number of typical tourist places in Goa and those looking for some peace and so-called Godly essence would find a sanctuary there.

Historical Background

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple is alleged to be one of the ancient temples, nevertheless, its exact date is not determined. However, some historians have suggested that it cannot be before the sixteenth century. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna, the eighth form of Lord Vishnu, and Devaki, the mother of Krishna and a central character in the stories of the temple. It represents her motherhood and devotion.

As a temple it has a value as it relates to certain socio religious and cultural changes which took place in Goa. Thus, the temple has been vastly influenced by Hinduism dominance in the region and the advent of Portuguese colonialism in the 16th century. Most of the temples were demolished or converted to different uses during Portuguese occupation and many were not allowed to practice their religion. Still, they managed to survive, remaining as a testament of the community devotion and faith during the hardship.

In this temple, Lord Shri Krishna is seated with his mother. There is no such temple anywhere else in India. This temple located in Goa is known as Devaki Krishna Ravalnath Temple. The special thing about this temple is that in this temple, Lord Shri Krishna sits with his mother Devaki in child form. In this temple, Lord Shri Krishna and Mother Devaki are worshipped together.

Since then, the temple has gone through numerous cycles of reconstruction and restoration, and the structure we see today reflects a blend of both fragrant Goan and Konkani architectural designs. Its history is also related to the growth of Hinduism in the region, which is a clear indication of cultural mix and co-existence which has been characteristic about Goa for many centuries.

Architecture and Structure

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple has been constructed keeping in mind the typical Hindu temple structure; it has its roots in the style of Goan temples with some influence from the South Indian style,” said the administrator of the temple. This is quite evident as the temple is built in the style of Goan architecture which makes use of laterite stones, the temple has a sanctum, an open hall as well as a courtyard around it.

The focus is on the sanctorum, the inner chamber containing the idol of Lord Krishna and it is said to be one of the most beautifully crafted images of Krishna. The life of Krishna is depicted through the image of an idol whether he is seated or standing, the images are beautifully crafted to make him graceful and loving and often he is depicted holding a flute, with music being one of the important aspects that he represents. He is not only revered by the followers as a deity governing love and happiness but also as the protector of Madel village.

The temple’s shikhara (tower) extends vertically above the bulk of the gumbaz, thus acting as a significant visual reference for worshippers. The front side of the temple is full of fine sculptures of Hindu idols, sculptures from the epic stories of ancient times, and floral designs typical of the local sculptural arts. The mandapa (hall) of the temple complex is utilized for different religious functions and congregations where the faithful can perform or take part in the rites or cultural functions.

The pradakshina path (circumambulatory path) surrounding the temple provides an opportunity for devotees to walk around the temple as a form of respect. Along with this, there are numerous minor shrines located within the temple premises that pertain to various other deities that are part of Hindu customs, which are commonplace in the state of Goa too.

The Devaki Krishna Legend

The name of the temple, Shri Devaki Krishna, shows that it is dedicated to Devaki who was, according to legend, the mother of Lord Krishna. In Hindu mythology, Krishna, who is one of the many and most favorite incarnations of Vishnu, had a mother called Devaki. Devaki’s love towards Krishna and the hardship she endured while taking care of him are great examples of a Godly mother, pain and selfless care.

The temple of Shri Devaki Krishna in Madel serves the purpose of worshipping not only Lord Krishna but also his mother. The goddess of protection, Devaki, is worshipped also during various events including the ones involving her maternal instincts. The association of the Devaki Temple with Lord Krishna specifically highlights the importance of the mother-child bond, so as many times children do. They pray to Lord Krishna for their family and children’s wellbeing.

Rituals and Worship Practices

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple follows the typical rituals of offering worship, storm and praying and celebrates festivals throughout its history. As such, the temple is opened to the devotees on a 24-hour basis, with services such as worship, for instance, times set aside for prayers, and arati at devotional songs are performed. Blair Incense, for flowers and other mantras are offered by the temple priests while Devotees worship His presence during the services.

Among the principal offerings made at the temple are sacred food known as prasad, flowers and leaves of tulsi plant which is considered holy herb especially, of great liking for Lord Krishna. For praise and admiration, the trustee devotees can perform the pooja by themselves or come in groups especially during the festivals and other significant periods.

Numerous significant Hindu festivals are also by the temple, the most famous being the Janmashtami, which celebrates the arrival through birth of lord Krishna. All night vigils, devotional singing and other activities including dance performances and a grand procession are part of the celebrations of this great event.This is one of the dishes preferred by many devotees, who on janmashtami go to temple services to offer prayer with hope of blessings for prosperity and happiness and good health in particular.

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple also celebrates other important festivals, for example diwali, holi and navratri, during these periods there is an increase in the guru temple's followers. Special poojas are conducted during these times, and the temple is often decorated with lights, flowers, and colorful decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Shri Devaki Krishna Temple's Role in the Community

Devaki Krishna Temple is not only a site for worship but has deep roots in the society and the culture of the people of Madel. It acts as a venue for people of the community to come together and honor various social and cultural activities thus emphasizing unity and traditions within the community.

These temples encompass the objective of conserving the Goan ethos especially in respect of the local religious festivals, folklore, dance and art. The followers of the temple also enjoy the annual religious feasts as the temple, at these times, runs cultural programs with the help of patrons who are local musicians, dancers and artists. This is beneficial in sustaining the younger generations’ interest in the traditional Goan performing arts.

Moreover, the temple is involved in sponsoring humanitarian activities with the help of the temple management, who face strong opposition, tracking these kinds of activities. For example, they include feeding and supplying the needy families and helping poor households and starting well-needed activities for education within the community.