SHRI LAKSHMI RAVALNATH TEMPLE
Pilgrimage
Distance (From Kadamba Bus Terminus): 17 Kms
Commonly Visited From: Basilica of Bom Jesus (8.8 kms)
Trip Duration (From Basilica of Bom Jesus , Including Travel): 1 Hour
Place Location: Marcela
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: This place is usually visited from Basilica of Bom Jesus (8.8 kms)
At a distance of 17 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 34 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 31 km from Mapusa, Shri Lakshmi Ravalnath Temple (also known as Shri Devaki Krishna Ravalnath Temple) is situated in Marcela of Ponda Taluka.
This temple is also known as Pisso Ravalnath and is known to be the only temple in India where Lord Krishna is worshipped along with his mother Devaki as Devaki Krishna.
The original temple of Devaki Krishna was on the island of Chodan (Chorao) in the Mandovi River. It was destroyed by the Portuguese rulers and relocated first at Maem between 1530 and 1540 AD and then shifted to its present location at Marcel between 1540 and 1567. There was a small shrine to the deity earlier and the present temple was built in the year 1842.
The inner sanctum of the temple has the beautiful idol of Devaki and Lord Krishna. The idol of Devaki is in standing posture with a child Krishna between her legs. This particular posture is considered to be unique. The idols are beautifully carved with black stone. Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar are the other deities in this temple.
The major festival is Malni Purnima from Paush Vadya is celebrated over here with great fervour and excitement during January-February. This is the main festival of this temple that attracts the devotees from everywhere. Other festivals and events celebrated at the temple include the Navarathri festival, the anniversaries of the temple as well as the Shri Chandika Yajna.
