Photo Credits: pg 4- go here
Situated in Mapusa which is about 12 kilometres from Panaji, the temple has a small shrine dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar locally known as Bongini. Lord Bodgeshwar is considered as the guardian of Mapusa city. In fact it is believed that Mapusa owes it's importance as a market centre because if Lord Bodgeshwar's blessings. It is believed that the vows that a devottee makes here are fulfilled and hence Bodgeshwar is regarded as Angavani. Once these vows are fulfilled the people visit the shrine to offer presents in thanksgiving. Lord Bodgeshwar is also said to help lost people reach home. After that, as a sign of relief the Lord bangs the shaft on the floor and then disappears.
The festival of the God Kanakeshwar Baba is usually celebrated in December / January i.e. on Paush Shukla Paksha Chaturdasi or the fourteenth day during the waxing phase of moon as per Hindu lunar calendar followed in Goa. Special lighting is arranged during this festival. The celebration sees large number of locals and tourists flocking here for the annual fair or zatra which spans over five days.
Safa Masjid
Goa may not possess in its landscape the majesty of a Taj Mahal or the grandeur of New Delhi’s Jama Masjid, but it does have a treasure of Indo-Islamic architechture of its own in the form of the Safa Masjid situated in Ponda, which is located around 30 kms from the state capital of Panaji.
Safa masjid is also known as the Shifa Shahouri masjid and was built in the 16th century, which effectively makes it around 500 years old.
The Safa masjid stands solemn by an emerald green pool of water, neatly flanked by a rugged laterite bank and is the physical embodiment of the masjid’s name Safa, which means chaste, clean in the Arabic language.
The mosque is also flanked by several hamams with stylish archs, which are in sync with the principles of the Islamic architecture peppered with Indian influence.
The mosque was built by the rulers of the Adilshahi dynasty from Bijapur.
There is also a sense of mystery to the Safa masjid, which has not been unraveled yet. Tourist guides will regale you about the stories, of how there are mysterious tunnels which lead out from the mosque from under the water tanks. But that’s for you to find out, when you go check it out.
Adding the Safa masjid to your things to do list when you are taking a tour of temples in the Ponda area would be a great idea, especially considering it’s slightly off the mainstream tour grid.
Safa Masjid
Ponda
