|
|
As one tries to return to Panaji
from Harvalem, one can visit the famous temple of Sri Saptakoteshwar
Naroa, Bicholim. Sri Saptakoteshwara was the patron deity of the Kadambas
who had built a beautiful temple dedicated to this deity at the Diwar
Island.
The invading foreign rulers destroyed the temple and built a chapel
dedicated to Candelaria in 1641 AD. The image of Sri Saptakoteshwara was
shifted to Naroa by the devotees then. It was Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
who ordered renovation of the temple in 1668.
An Abode Of Shavaite Worshippers
The Kadamba kings were staunch Shaivaites and patronised the arts to a
commendable degree that deserves emulation more than appreciation. Their
gigantic temples adorned with superb sculpture and architectural
excellences, though built some seven centuries back, are still beckoning
the attention of the theists and tourists.
Despite their external grandeur and magnificence being tested by the
vagaries of time; their spiritual effulgence is still illumining the paths
of the earnest seekers. The Shiva temples built at Tambdisurla and
Naven-Bicholim are testifying to the rulers' devotional zeal and their
care for public zeal.
An Example Of Medieval Architecture
The famous Saptakoteshwara temple is a standing specimen of medieval
architectural style and mirrors the rulers' refinement and artists,
superior craftsmanship. It is elegantly beautified with sculptural
adornments.
It is a big temple with imposing tower, vast courtyards and several
mini-shrines for all the premier Shaivate gods. The Archamurti- Shivalinga
is called "Dhara-Linga". Its majesty and glistening polish
forces one to raise his hands and fills the souls with bliss. It was the
favoured deity of the kings.