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| Shanta durga |
A common image of Shree Shantadurga seen in most Goan Hindu and Saraswat homes. |
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Shantadurga also known as Shanteri/Santeri is the form of the Goddess Durga, commonly worshipped in Goa,India .She is also called Saibini in Konkani as a mark of reverance. Legend tells of a celestial battle between Shiva and Vishnu and Santeri ("Peacemaker") acting as the mediator and solving the problem. The Goddess' temples in Goa were traditionally built over anthills. While most villages in Goa had a Shantadurga temple or at a least a shrine dedicated to Shanteri, a famous Shanta Durga temple was present at Quellossim in Salsette. This was destroyed by the portuguese and Jesuit missionaries and the idol was shifted to Kavalem in Ponda across the Zuari river. The Goddess is typically depicted as holding a snake in each hand, each metaphors for demoniac tendencies which are kept in check by her. She also has fish on her crown, as she is the patron Goddess of fisherfolk. Shree Shantadurga is the kuldevta of many Hindus including Saraswat and Karade Brahmins, Daivadnya Brahmins, Marathas,Kunbis and Kolis. Many Goan Catholic familes also continue to partake of worship in this temple due to their familial links with the temple and the Goddess.
