NT KURIOCITY
The World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru, recently supported a research project on the Mother Goddesses of Goa undertaken by Rohit R. Phalgaonkar of the Department of History, Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College and Research Centre, Virnoda. The project was awarded to Phalgaonkar under the Vardhani Fellowship by the World Konkani Centre in 2023.
Phalgaonkar formally completed and submitted the project during an official function held in Mangaluru on December 20. Addressing the gathering, President of the World Konkani Centre, Nandgopal Shenoy said the Centre plans to publish the research as a book to make historical information on Goa’s Mother Goddesses accessible to the wider public. He also appreciated the meticulous and sustained effort put in by Phalgaonkar to successfully complete the project.
Photography for the project was provided by Annu Mangaluru. Both Phalgaonkar and Mangaluru were felicitated at the function.
As part of the event, Phalgaonkar delivered a detailed lecture outlining the scope and findings of his research. The work is divided into 16 chapters and is supported by an extensive bibliography. The initial chapters examine the concept of the Mother Goddess in ancient cultures across the world, with a focus on India and Goa and explore representations of Mother Goddess worship in Goan folklore and folk theatre traditions.
The study includes a detailed analysis of Goa’s Saanter traditions and iconography, along with a dedicated chapter on the worship of the seven Mother Goddesses of Bicholim and the Saptamatrika tradition prevalent across various talukas of Goa. Another significant chapter examines the impact of Portuguese rule on Mother Goddess worship, documenting the extinction of several local cults such as Nannabay and Mandoli of Cavellossim, Velbadevi of Velsao, and Vernadevi of Verna, due to iconoclastic laws and religious intolerance during the 16th century. This section draws extensively on archival records from the Goa Archives.
The project also discusses Mother Goddesses associated with childbirth, hygiene and justice, highlighting deities such as Mahalasa and Bhumika of Poriem, known for their role in dispensing justice. Goddesses worshipped for protection against epidemics, including Mammaari Devi and Shitala Devi, as well as Satee Devi, venerated on the sixth day after childbirth, and Manaadevi of Sadolshe, known for fulfilling wishes, are examined in detail.
Also, the research documents various forms of Mahishasuramardini sculptures found in Goa and sheds light on Durga and Navdurga worship across the State. The worship of deities such as Chamundeshwari, Kalika, Kamakshi, Mahalakshmi, Gajalakshmi and Gajgauri is also analysed as part of the comprehensive study.
