Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal is situated in Kansarpal village in Bicholim taluka in the Indian state of Goa. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is revered as a form of Mahamaya. Kali is usually worshipped in a fierce form. However, it is said that after slaying Shumbha and Nishumbha, the two demons, the deity became calm and composed. This Shanta and Soumya form of the goddess is revered by the people in Goa.
History of Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal
Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal is almost 800 years old. The rulers of the Kadamba Dynasty repaired and renovated the temple ready for usage. According to the copper inscriptions, the temple and the land was donated to Nagadeva, a coppersmith by Bhoja king Devaraja of Gomin. Later in the 13th century the temple faced the acquisition of the affluent Daivajnas or the Shettis of Goawho who held comparatively increased influential position than the descendants and kinsmen of Nagadeva.
Architecture of Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal
The ancient Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal reflects the Goan architectural beauty. The Chowk, Garbhakud, Antarala Sarwali and an enormous golden kalasha adorn the beauty of the temple. The entrance door is flanked by two statues of watchmen. Few agrashalas have been constructed around the temple premises.
Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal houses the idol of Goddess Kali in its sanctum sanctorum which has a heritage of being 800 years old and is regarded as an exclusive architectural beauty of the Kadamba Dynasty. The deity possess four hands each as she is seen carrying a trishul i.e. trident, Khadga i.e. sword, a Khetaka means shield and a bowl or Kapala to drink Soma rasa. Apart from this the temple also houses several other deities such as Bhumika Devi, Shetyeshwar, Ravalnath, Kshetrapal, Hedgeshwar, Palnath and Devi Panchayatana. A Shivalinga as well as a Buddhist idol of Shakyamuni is enshrined in the temple is also installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The patrons or the Mahajans of the temples have been divided into four groups, Antrujkar, Bardeskar, Sashtikar and Tiswadkar.
Festivals of Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal
Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal celebrates the festival of Shishirotsav popularly known as Shigmo with much enthusiasm and fervour. The festival is celebrated for 10 days which includes grand procession of deities on different types of vehicles. Apart from this other festivals that are celebrated are Akshay Tritiya, Navaratri, Avali Bhojan, Dhwajarohana, Rathotsava, Ganga Pujan, Gulalotsava, Vasant Puja, Dasara and others.
Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal has a private museum known as Kaalamba Sangrahaalaya displaying several objects of the ancient, medieval and the modern period. Almost 10 galleries are present in the museum comprising of rare antiquities such as brass lamps, stone sculptures, silver and wooden artefacts etc.
