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Shree Saunsthan Nagesh Maharudra

 

History

"Dhyaye Nityam Mahesham Rajat Girinibham Charuchandravatansam
Ratnakalpojjwalang Parashu Mrugavara Bhitihastam Prasannam
Padmasinan Samantastutamamaraganaivyaghra Kritin Vasanam
Vshwadyam Vishwavandyam Nikhil Bhayaharam Panchvaktram Trinetram."

  
Connection with the Naga People

 

As the spot where the temple stands is known as 'Nagzar' and a stone depicting the 'Cobra' image is lying at the foot of the Pipal tree in front of the temple, doubt is voiced by some investigators whether this deity belonged to the Naga people. Nagas were non-Aryans and were residing near the Himalayas. The struggle between the Aryans and Nagas is a mythological as well as historical fact. According to the Mythology, Nagas were born from kashyap Muni by his wife Kadru while the Garudas were his sons by his wife Vanita. The rivalry between them is well known. The Garudas were assimilated by the Aryans. The carrier of Lord Vishnu is Garuda. Out of the Naga's stock , vasuki, Shesh, Anant joined the Aryans. Arjun, third son of the King Pandoo, married two Naga Princesses viz. Ulupi and Chitrangada, states the Mahabharat. It is not known whether the Naga people were worshippers of 'cobra' or 'Shiva'.

Some historians say that the 'Cobracult' was spread out from India to the other parts of the world and it orignated out of the fear of man for cobra. The cobra is also looked as a symbol of 'Thirsty-soul'. The cult of 'Naga-bali' is derived out of it. The Aryans had respect for cobra and all their deities are adorned with them. The bed of 'Shesh-shayee Vishnoo' is the king of cobra - Shesh, Shri Ganesh and Shri Siva are carrying cobras on their bodies. the cobra is also looked as a symbol of wealth. The cobra being called 'Naga', confusion has taken place regarding its correct meaning. In some languages of the Tibet-Burmese group, there is a work called 'nok' which means people and the word 'Naga' has derived from it, says one investigator. Under the circumstances, the impression that this deity belonged to the 'Naga' community or had any relation to them is not correct.

 
 

Shri Mahalaxmi of Bandivadem

Shri Mahalaxmi is adored by the worshippers of Shri Nagesh as their coordinating or protecting deity (Palavi). In fact, the Saraswats, at the time of their arrival in Goa, were worshippers of 'Shiva-Shakti'. While Shiva was represented by the 'Linga', Shakti was a Goddess. Thus Shri Mahalaxmi was their Goddess. However, some people believe that this Goddess was migrated from Kolvem village in Salcete taluka, during the persecution of hindu temples by Portuguese rulers in the year1540 to Bandivadem. The inscription of 1413 A.D. above referred makes the mention of this Goddess and it means that at that time she was existing there. In fact, Shri Mahalaxmi of Colva was migrated from there first to Talaulim in Ponda taluka along with other deities and later on to Bandivadem where the fusion of both the deities took place. Even today one can see the original stone idol at the centre of 'Garbhagar', while the small metal idol brought from Kolva is placed in the corner. The festival of Mahashivratra is dedicated to the original deity, while of the Ram-navami is performed in honour of the deity from Colva. In the way, she is placed in the maharath and taken into procession.