Shri Damodar Temple, Loliem

Shri Damodar Temple is a Hindu temple nestled in the village of Loliem located in southern Goa, India.

History

The temple was established by the Prabhudesais, who arrived in the hamlet of Loliem in 1500A.D. History says that the Prabhudesais once ruled the kingdom of Kudal, a village located in the present day Maharashtra. The temple houses the deity Shri Damodar as the main one while Shri Kshetri and Shri Raudri also occupy their positions in the temple sanctum. The working of this temple occurs as per the rules set by The Gokarna Partagali Jeevottam Math. In the year 1910, the small temple was replaced by a huge one, which stands today in the present place. This temple has certain special features. Outside the temple one can see the huge 'sabhamandap'. Special sangamarvari chowk has been created for 'pradakshina' around the God. Along with the creation of 'Tulsi Vrindavan' , a Deepstambh or lamp tower has also been erected. Many dramas and plays are performed in this temple. The lighting of the temple by numerous lamps attracts tourists during festivals. In the year 1910, a new idol of Lord Vyankatesh was also installed in this temple. In front of the idol, a shaligrama is also kept. The Swamis of the Gokarna Partagali Math blessed the occasion. In the year 1924, the temple started Shri Damodar Vidyalaya in the 4000 sq. metre area, which was donated by the devotees. The walls and pillars of the temple have beautiful carvings as well as inscriptions from The Bhagvad Gita. Some pillars depict scenes from the Mahabharata as well as paintings of the other Hindu Gods. Recently the villagers of Loliem installed 'suvarna shikar kalash' , which has increased the beauty of the temple. The Mahajans of this temple are the Prabhudesais. The villagers having Shri Damodar as their 'Gramdevta'(Village God) worship Shri Aryadurga Devi as their 'kuldevta'(Family God).

Observances

The temple celebrates festivals like Rathotsava, Diwali, Vanabhojan and Shigmo. Shri Damodar is the 'Gramdevta' or the village god of the entire village of Loliem. Probably this is the only temple in Goa where guns are worshipped as God.

Hindu Temples in Goa

Betal Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla Mahalasa Mahamaya Kalika Devasthan Kasarpal Mandodari Temple, Betki Mangueshi Temple Nagueshi Ramnathi Ravalnath Saptakoteshwar Shantadurga Shanta Durga Temple Shri Damodar Temple, Loliem Vijayadurga Vimleshwar Temple, Rivona

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