Pilgrimages of India
Mt. Abu & Gujarat- 1987 Trivandrum - Goa - 1988 M-B-H-V-4Dham - 1989
   
 
 
We had gone to Goa first when I was 17 years to do the pooja of the first born child in our family after my birth - my nephew Hemant Shah. We had gone by sea and it was a great adventure as this was my first travel by sea. Later when the same child grew up, I took him for a holiday at the age of 33 years when I was more matured. Goa is famous for its churches and beaches.

Here we were fortunate to see the remains of St. Francis Xavier which is kept in the silver casket and opened once every ten years. Due to the Pope's visit this was an unscheduled display and we were fortunate to pay our homage to the great saint.
- RANI JAVA  

 
   
Trivandrum Guruvayhur Goa

 
Mangeshwar Temple
Mageshwar Temple is a Devi's temple and very old.

Old Goa
Old Goa gained height of fame during the Portuguese rein. Old Goa grew in size and splendor in the sixteenth century Old Goa was the capital of the Adil Shahis. During their time, also this place was alive and prosperous. The Churches, monasteries, convents, and temples remind of the administrative capital of the Portuguese who nearly lost the place to the British and the Dutch.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus has the tomb and remains of St. Francis Xavier. He came to Goa in 1541 with a task to preach Christianity. After his death on the coast of China, he was brought to India but his body did not decompose. Even the inner organs were intact. This is indeed a miracle particularly when no embalming of the body had been done. The body is kept in a silver casket, which is open to public once in ten years. An altar of the Basilica is richly gilded but rest of interior is very simple. The walls covering surrounding the casket depict the life and journey of St. Francis Xavier. A modern art gallery is attached with the Basilica.

Se Cathedral
This church was built for the Dominicans from the funds released by Royal treasury by sale of crown property. This is one of the largest churches in Goa. The building style is Portuguese - Gothic with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Initially there were two towers one of which collapsed in 1776. The other one boasts of having the 'Golden Bell' of Goa which is the largest bell in Goa. Th e sound of the bell has given the name golden bell. The main altar is dedicated to St. Catherine and walls are painted with the scenes from the life of Catherine.

Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
The building was built in 1661 on a place where the Franciscans built a small chapel, which was pulled down. This church is perhaps the most interesting building in Old Goa. It contains the gilded and carved woodwork, old murals depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis, and a floor substantially made of carved gravestones. The convent at back of the Church has been converted into an archaeological museum. This museum has a rich collection of Portraits of Portuguese viceroys, fragments of sculpture from Hindu sites; Vetal images from the animist cult, which flourished in this part of India.

Saint Cajetan Church
JesusThis church was build by the Theatines who were sent by Pope Urban III to preach Christianity in Golconda. However, they were not allowed in Golconda so they settled in old Goa. Here they build a church on the model of St. Peter's in Rome.

Church of Our Lady Rosary
One of the oldest Churches in Goa, it has some inscription of the re-conquest of Goa in 1510.

Nunnery of Saint Monica
Once known as the Royal monastery, this three storey was built in 1627 and was burnt down nine years later. After being reconstructed, it has withstood the test of time. At present, the building is being used by Mater Dei institute as a nunnery. The Western sidewalls have few fading murals.

Saint Augustine Tower
This initially was a church built by the Augustine Friars but was abandoned in the 19th century due to repressive policies of Portuguese. Today only, the Belltower remains intact.

Reis Magos Chruch, Verem, Bardez
Adjoining a fort this church was used as a residence for the dignitaries. It is dedicated to three Magi kings - Gasper, Melchior and Balthazar.

The church of Mae de Deus, Saligao, Bardez
Set in the picturesque surroundings, this church is a fine example of Gothic art. The church has the statue of Mother of God, which was brought from the convent at old Goa.

Church of Saint Alex, Curtorium, Salcete
It is one of the oldest churches in Goa.

Church of Saint Ana, Talaulim, Tiswadi
This is a unique church in Goa which had passages in hollow walls through which a person could go in for confessions in secrecy. It was built in 1695.
 

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