Situated approximately 12 km from Panaji, the serene Shri Bodgeshwar Temple near Mapusa stands as a testament to spiritual richness and cultural significance. Mapusa, adorned with several temples, takes pride in its chief spiritual gem—a temple nestled in a lush green environment dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba, also known as Lord Bodgeshwar, fondly called Bongini by the locals.
Known locally as Bodgini, this sacred site boasts a shrine dedicated to Lord Bodgeshwar, considered the ‘guardian’ of Mapusa city. Lord Bodgeshwar holds the revered title of ‘Angavani,’ symbolizing the fulfiller of vows and desires for devotees. The picturesque surroundings of the Shri Bodgeshwar Temple attract a multitude of visitors and devout worshippers.
Legend has it that on moonless nights, the divine torch of Bodgeshwar illuminates the fields near the temple as he roams, instilling a sense of awe and spirituality. Locals firmly believe that Lord Bodgeshwar is the protector of Mapusa and its people, with a conviction that their prayers will be fulfilled.
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Bodgeshwar Temple History
A unique belief holds that Lord Bodgeshwar strolls a specific route in Mapusa at midnight, prompting residents to leave coconuts or beedis in his path. Astonishingly, these offerings vanish by the next morning, adding an element of mystique to the temple’s allure.
Lord Bodgeshwar, revered as the Rakhno or caretaker of the lost, once appeared to a small boy who had lost his way during the fair. Guiding the boy home, Lord Bodgeshwar manifested as a stranger, disappearing upon the boy’s safe return.
Bodgeshwar Jatra
The annual festival of God Bodgeshwar, celebrated in December/January on Paush Shukla Chaturdasi, draws both locals and tourists to the Shree Dev Bodgeshwar Temple. A vibrant fair or ‘Zatra’ accompanies the festivities, spanning five days of cultural and spiritual revelry.
People from diverse backgrounds visit the temple to seek blessings for various purposes. Students pray for exam success, the agriculture community offers fruits for a prosperous harvest, and the business community seeks good fortune.
The festival commences with a noon pooja, followed by mahaprasad, offering a spiritual feast to devotees. Various temples in Mapusa contribute fruits and flowers to Lord Bodgeshwar, creating a sense of community and devotion. The evening culminates in a cultural program, with diverse organizations coming together to perform Satya Narayan pooja and a grand fair in the field outside the temple.
In essence, Shri Bodgeshwar Temple offers a harmonious blend of spirituality, tradition, and community celebration, inviting all to partake in its sacred ambiance and festive grandeur.
When is Bodgeshwar Jatra 2025
10th January 2025