admin During the transfer of Shri Damodar idol from Madgaon to escape Portuguese authorities, the mahajans briefly halted at the house of Shri Purushottam Keni situated in Comba in Madgaon. Since the house was still in the precincts of the Portuguese rule, this stay was brief and the troupe set off further down South to cross … Read more
The Portuguese Arrival in Goa (1510) The Portuguese first conquered Goa in 1510. Their control was initially limited to five islands: Goa (also known as Tiswadi), Chorão, Divar, Vamsim, and Jua. Tiswadi alone consisted of thirty villages. These areas later became known as the Old Conquests (Velhas Conquistas). Expansion of the Old Conquests In 1543, … Read more
Among the many rituals that mark the arrival of a new life in a Goud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) family, one stands out for its quiet symbolism — the placing of Balabhadra in the cradle before the baby during the naming ceremony (palle ghalche) “Bala” means strength, and “Bhadra” means protection or auspiciousness. Together, Balabhadra is the bestower of strength … Read more
Along the quiet coastline of South Goa lies Varca (Varkā) — a small, peaceful town that carries a deep spiritual legacy.At its heart stands a humble temple dedicated to Śrī Dāmodar (Dambab) worshipped by generations of locals. How It All Started The story of this temple began on 19 September 1932, when a group of … Read more
The year was 1899. India was in the grip of terror — the Bubonic Plague had arrived, leaving no corner untouched. It was part of the Third Plague Pandemic, a deadly wave that had spread from China across the seas, reaching even the shores of Portugal. And in the small coastal town of Vasco in … Read more