Verne is a town in Salcette district of South Goa particularly famous in GSB culture because that is where our Kuldevi Mahalasa was originally situated. The place was then called Varunapur. We have seen a number of webresources say it was Varenyapur but not found any classical references. Given the text from a Purana itself, we are more inclined to accept Varunapur as the original name.
Varunapur
The reference to Varunapur appears in the Sahyadrikhand of Skandapurana. In this when Rishi Shaunak requested Suta to narrate to him the greatness of Varunapur.
Suta said, “The city of Varunapur is abundant with jewels and is truly enchanting. O Shaunaka, the glory of that sacred place is singular. The pious inhabitants there were scholars of the Vedas and devotees of Lord Rama. Once, for the welfare of the world, they performed the Jyotishtoma sacrifice.”
“During that sacrifice, everyone was blessed with the divine vision of Lord Bhargavrama (Parashurama). All the gods and sages were satiated. Pleased, Rama said to Varuna, ‘O mighty Lord of the Waters, build a jewel-encrusted abode for me here. Let this place be fit for celestial sages to reside.'”
Hearing Rama’s words and consenting, Varuna constructed a temple there, as magnificent as his own abode. He stood before the great Parashurama with folded hands and prayed for him to inspect the temple. Then, Bhargavrama said to the devoted Varuna:
“O noble Varuna, you have crafted this temple, adorned with gold and precious gems, making it as enchanting as your own. Therefore, let this place become renowned by the name ‘Varunapur’ (वरूणापुर) (currently known as Vairane वैरणे).”
Since then, that sacred land became famous as “Varunapur” and flourished with righteousness, wealth, and prosperity. The chanting of the Vedas, sacrifices, acts of charity, and the honouring of guests became daily occurrences here. A divine canopy, adorned with golden pinnacles and studded with gems, reaching toward the sky and flowing with sacred waters, shall remain here.
Bestowing this blessing upon the Brahmins, Parashurama departed from there. Whoever meditates upon Parashurama, the greatest of the Bhrigu lineage, shall behold the Lord himself.
Verne
When the Portuguese took over, the village was named Verna in Latin means springtime, verdant or fresh. It matches with the Portuguese nickname for Verna (Sanctuary of La Verna in Italy), ‘ terra de frescura ‘ (land of freshness).
Reference: ‘Devbhumi Gomantak’ – Vinayak Narayan Shenvi Dhume