Basilica of Bom Jesus
Visitors from India and overseas flock to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old
Goa, built in 1605, and now declared a World Heritage Monument. The church
houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who
died while on a sea voyage to China on 2 December, 1552. The following year,
while transferring his remains to Goa, in accordance with his wishes, it was
found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried.
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This miraculous phenomenon
continues to attracts lakhs of pilgrims. The remains
of St Francis are brought out for public display every 10 years.
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The Se Cathedral
The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine, as it was on her feast
day, 25th November 1510 that Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. Believers
are awe-struck to hear of the Cross of Miracles, which is placed in the
cathedral, its earlier church having been destroyed. |
People have had a vision of Christ
on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water
while, today, the cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral
that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public.
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Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is situated in the same compound,
where Se Cathedral stands. The church is a beautiful building, constructed
during 1517-1521 AD. Initially a chapel, it got converted into a church in
1521 AD and was dedicated to the Holy Ghost in 1602 AD. There used to be a
convent in the church. The Portuguese government closed the convent in 1835
AD. The church has been converted into a museum by the Archaeological Survey
of India in 1964. The church displays artifacts, paintings and pieces of
Hindu temple sculptures from Goa.
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Fort Aguada
Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea,
bringing the seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada
Fort, which crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland, is the
best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa.
The fort, at present, houses the central jail. |
Built in 1612 to protect the
northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders, it is
home to several natural springs, the first source of drinking water
available to ships arriving in Goa after the long sea voyage from Lisbon. A 19th century built
lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.
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Mangeshi temple
In 1560, anticipating the onslaught of the Portuguese, the devotees had
moved Shri Mangesh Shivalinga from Kutthal to a safer place under a Hindu
prince. Surrounded by hillocks and covered by forests, the Shivalinga was
kept at a place, which now is known as Mangeshi. The temple of Shri Mangesh
is set amidst natural beauty and pleasant surroundings. |
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The temple is a modern piece of architecture blended with traditional Hindu
pattern.
In front of the entrance but slightly to the north stands the Deepa Stambha,
the column of lights. It is the tallest and most imposing column in Goa and
looks most beautiful on festival nights when illuminated with traditional
oil lamps.
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ShantaDurga Temple
Shantadurga temple is a large temple complex 33 kms from Panajim at the
foothill of Kavalem. The temple complex is on the slope of the foothills of
a mountain chain, surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a main temple and
three smaller temples of other deities which have been built on three sides
of the temple. The temple consists of a collection of pyramidal roofs with
an interesting dome. |
A distinctive six-storied deepstambha and ratha (chariot) with some gilt
work adorn the temple grounds. At the entrance of the temple there is 'Nagarkhana'
which is generally used for light music.
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Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The Dudhsagar Falls are amongst the top 100 highest waterfalls in world.
Situated on the border of Goa and Karnataka, the Dudhsagar Waterfalls takes
a steep plunge 2000 feet down in the wooded mountains of the western Ghats.
Believed to be amongst the highest falls in the country, these magnificent
falls are located in a blissful tropical jungle with crisscrossing streams.
The view from the top of the falls is breathtaking.
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