Lairai Devi Temple
 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model. (March 2025) |
| Lairai Devi Temple | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | North Goa |
| Deity | Lairai Devi |
| Festivals | Shirgao Zatra |
| Location | |
| Location | Shirgao |
| State | Goa |
| Country | India |
  Location in Shirgao, Goa | |
| Geographic coordinates | 15°36′17″N 73°53′59″E / 15.60465577°N 73.899654°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Blend of Nagara and Dravidian styles |
The Lairai Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Shirgaon, North Goa, India. It is dedicated to Lairai Devi, a significant deity within the regional folklore of the Seven Sisters and a Brother of Goa.
The temple is notable for its architectural synthesis of Nagara and Dravidian styles and its annual festival, the Shirgao Zatra, which features a fire-walking ritual.[1]
Architecture and iconography
[edit]The temple's architecture exhibits a confluence of Nagara and Dravidian influences, evident in its structural elements and decorative motifs. The exterior is characterized by its yellow and saffron coloration. Within the sanctum sanctorum, Lairai Devi is venerated in the form of a Kalash (sacred pot), symbolizing the Trigunatmaka Adishakti, the primordial, unmanifested energy from which creation is believed to originate. This representation emphasizes the deity's role as a source of life and cosmic power.
A historical painting, estimated to be approximately 240 years old, depicting Lairai Devi within a Kalash and adorned in a green sari, is preserved on the temple walls. The stylistic attributes of this artwork bear resemblance to the later works of Raja Ravi Varma, though it predates his period, suggesting potential shared artistic conventions.[2]
Shirgao Zatra
[edit]The Shirgao Zatra, held annually in early May, is the temple's principal festival. Thousands of devotees gather to participate in rituals and devotional observances dedicated to Lairai Devi.[3]
The culmination of the Jatra is the fire-walking ritual. Commencing late at night, devotees engage in a ritualistic dance within the temple precincts. The dance, performed in a circular formation to percussive rhythms and the clashing of ritual sticks, intensifies as midnight approaches. Subsequently, a bonfire is ignited near the temple.[4]
In the early morning, devotees undertake a procession across the embers of the extinguished bonfire, chanting the deity's name. This ritual is interpreted as a reenactment of Lairai Devi's legendary penance involving fire.
The festival is also symbolic of communal harmony, with Christian devotees also paying their respects to the goddess.[5]
Legend of the Seven Sisters and a Brother
[edit]The Lairai Devi Temple is central to the narrative cycle of the Seven Sisters and a Brother of Goa, a foundational element of Goan folklore. According to the tradition, seven sisters and their brother arrived in Goa and established settlements near Mayem village. The legend recounts the events that led to the sisters establishing individual places of worship, including Lairai's penance in Shirgaon.[6]
The sisters are venerated at the following locations:
- Lairai – Shirgao
- Kelbai – Mulgaon
- Mahamaya (Maya-Kelbai) – Mayem
- Morjai – Morjim
- Mirabai (Mirabalis) – Mapusa
- Ajidipa – Anjidipa Island (no extant temple)
- Shitalai – Traditionally believed to have entered Pataal (no temple)
Their brother, Khetoba, is venerated in Vainguinim village. A laterite stone sculpture depicting the elephant that transported the siblings is located near the Mahamaya temple in Mayem.[7]
Ritual practices and cultural significance
[edit]Worship at the Lairai Devi Temple centers on the Kalash, representing the deity's divine essence. The Shirgao Zatra features the fire-walking ritual, a practice of spiritual significance.[8]
The village of Shirgaon maintains traditional customs.
The temple also showcases the traditional Goan mural art form known as Kaavi art.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "In Shirgao, dhonds ready to sustain the flames of faith at Lairai jatra". The Times of India. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
- ^ "The Lairai Mandir". Government of Goa - Official Portal. Government of Goa.
- ^ "Lairai jatra 2016: Date and traditional rituals of the festival | India.com". www.india.com. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
- ^ "lairai jatra Feature Photo An old man walking on hot co..." Times Of India. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
- ^ "In Shirgao, dhonds ready to sustain the flames of faith at Lairai jatra". The Times of India. 20 April 2023.
- ^ Goyal, Anuradha (26 January 2022). "शिरगाँव की लइराई देवी - गोवा की सात बहने और एक भाई के मंदिर". Inditales.
- ^ Team, Herald (23 April 2023). "Milagris and Lairai: fostering the bond of divine unity". Herald Goa.
- ^ "Goa Spiritual Festival: गोवा स्पिरिच्युअल फेस्टिवल 2025 में गूंजे मंत्र, लाखों श्रद्धालुओं ने की माँ लईराई देवी की आराधना, भक्तों का उमड़ा सैलाब". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 9 March 2025. Retrieved 11 March 2025.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Lairai Devi Temple at Wikimedia Commons- The Lairai Mandir – official Goa government page
