Main entrance and Deepa Sthamba (light tower) at the Ramnathi Devasthan
The Ramnathi Devasthan (place of God, or Temple) in Ponda, Goa is our family's ancestral temple. Millenia ago, groups of Konkani families settled in extended family-based communities in Goa. Each community had their own spirits, which protected them from evil and satisfied their spiritual curiosity. The spirits and associated deities also received gratitude for agricultural and female fertility. With time, these spirits evolved into a full-blown God. Ramnath was the benevolent God of our community. His two spouses (Shanteri & Kamakshi) probably represented the heightened fertility required for survival in those days. And we have our own ferocious spirit – Betal, who is responsible for ‘taking care’ of evil.
When members of the extended family leave the community in search of opportunities, they maintain connections to their family gods, also called the Kuladevata. “Kula” refers to the home-base of the extended family community, where the lineage of the family can be traced back to. Thus the Ramnath deity is our family’s Kuladevata. All members of the original community and their descendants are called Kulavis (core family members). All Konkanis will have a Kuladevata Devasthan and are in turn kulavis of that temple.
Ramnath Dev
Devi Shanteri at the Ramnath Devasthan, Goa
Devi Kamakshi at the Ramnath Devasthan, Phonda, Goa
When Madhvacharya’s fervor spread through Karnataka in the 12th and 13th century, the Ramnathi Devasthan became incorporated into the Vaishanava tradition and became part of the larger Hindu Dharma. Thus Ramnath Dev became a local incarnate of Vishnu, and his spouses Shanteri & Kamakshi became incarnates of “Lakshmi.”
During the Portugese Inquisition in the 1500’s, all Konkani (and Hindu) temples in Goa were destroyed, and churches built in their place. Many Hindus were forced to convert and many others sacrificed their lives for their faith. Libraries, scriptures and literature were systematically destroyed. Devotees smuggled temple deities to safe haven across the Zuari River in what was then part of Goa ruled by a Muslim Sultan from Bijapur. Many Konkanis escaped with few belongings to start new lives elsewhere. Some migrated north to Maharashtra, and most migrated south and settled along the Karnataka Coast. Konkani communities also settled in Cochin and other parts of Kerala.
Note: See this post on Revisionism of the Portuguese Inquisition
Devout Konkanis built small temples in each town they settled and kept their faith alive. With the literature destroyed, a dispersed and migrant community maintained the konkani language as an oral tradition. In the 1700s, the Portuguese ended the Inquisition under threat of the British taking over the colony. A status quo was maintained till 1961 when the Portuguese finally left Goa and it became an Indian state. Konkani is now a recognized distinct language in India.
Konkanis dispersed all over the world, thronged to the remote corners of Goa to pay their respects at their Kuladevata temples. Many maintained in wooden shacks were refurbished. Konkani temples are now thriving complexes, representing a symbol of a resilient people; hard working and god fearing.
Considering the circumstances, Konkani temples rebuilt over the decades are not architectural masterpieces. Further, all modern Konkani temples are not where their original communities grew, but clustered across the Zuari River, within 10 miles of each other.
Under the Portugese rule, devotees visited clandestinely from the surrounding states, often involving day-long walks through forests. Appropriately, Konkani temples provide basic accommodations to their devotees. Today, accommodations have been upgraded, but are still spartan. Devotees can get a very basic room at the temple for between $1-$2 per night. One of Goa’s best kept secrets, I’d say. The temples in Ponda are about an hour from Panji the capital, or from the airport near Madgao.
Every time I visit India, I make a beeline to our kuladevata Ramnathi Devasthan in Goa. It is the tradition at Ramnathi and other Konkani temples, for kulavis to visit the deity as soon as we arrive – even before we wash our feet. We leave our footwear at the door and with dusty feet rush inside to pay homage to our father protector, guardian and closest confidant. Akin to the return of a prodigal son (or daughter); our father wants to see us ASAP, even before we wash our feet. This first visit is thus called “dhool bhaet” (dusty meeting). Only after we have visited the temple, do we visit the office, rent a room, freshen up and come back into the temple for a proper service.
Due to the remoteness of the area, there are no restaurants around, but for a small shack serving bananas and cold drinks (see pic of shack in this post). We usually ask and are invited to the priest’s house for a delicious konkani vegetarian meal – served on a banana leaf. Per tradition, we leave a small donation for the priest’s family. On many occasions, temple has open meals sponsored by devotees.
I usually spend a few days resting in divine grace, before heading south to visit our relatives and friends.
After learning the history of the Konkani temples, my visits to our kuladevata have more fervor and passion. A recognition of the sacrifices made by our ancestors, so that we may live with their chosen faith; A re-affirmation of my own faith and importantly courage ~ courage to defend my faith. Never again will our homes and places of worship be ransacked, and we be forced to choose between the sword or the cross.
Never Again!
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- Main entrance and Deepa Sthamba (light tower) at the Ramnathi Devasthan
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- Side entrance of the main hall at the Ramnathi Devasthan, Goa
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- Tulsi Vrindavan at the Ramnathi Devasthan
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- Linga representing the Niraakaar roopa of Ramnath Dev at Ramnathi Devasthan
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- Ramnath Dev
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- Ramnath Dev
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- Devi Shanteri at the Ramnath Devasthan, Goa
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- Devi Kamakshi at the Ramnath Devasthan, Phonda, Goa
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- Every Monday evening Ramnath Dev is taken out in a hand carried palki (palanquin); here it is decorated with flowers for the evening festivities
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- Palki for Ramnath Dev ready to leave the temple
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- Ramnath Dev sitting in the Palki
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- Palki of Ramnath Dev going around the temple
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- Devotees follow the palki around the temple. The deepa sthamba is beautifully lit
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- Deepa Sthamba (light tower) at the Ramnath Devasthan, Goa
Contact Details for Shree Ramnath Devasthan
Ramnathi, Ponda, Goa 403401
Tel: (0832) 2335281; 2335041; 2335174
Email: inquiry AT Ramnathi DOT org
www.Ramnathi.org
My Posts Related to Ramnathi Devasthan and other Konkani Temples:
- Flower sellers at the Ramnathi Devasthan
- Blue Skies: Ramnathi Devasthan
- Chai Time
- Mangeshi Devasthan
- Cucumber seller at the Mangeshi Devasthan
- Mahalakshmi Devasthan, Goa
- Portuguese Inquisition and Revisionism
- Sacred Places: Christian Aid Flowing to India
Marathoner, Professor, Author, Citizen Journalist, Fitness Nut, Foodie, Meera's father, Hindu, Scientist, Photographer.
dear arun shanbhag Ramnath shanteri kamkshi temple belongs to sraswat or daivadnya brahmins (both), my gotra is vacha my father, grand father cmg ramnathi more than 50 yaers. now som people says our kuldevta shiroda kamkshi, if posible pls clarfiy. suresh shet
Suresh,
You gotra is likely “Vatsya”, same as ours, and we are certainly devotees of Shanteri Kamakshi Ramnath muLa-devasthan in Ponda, Goa. Some time in the past, ‘a’ Kamakshi devi came and joined Ramnath; it is likely that might have been the Shiroda Kamakshi. Many families accept the Shiroda Kamakshi as their leading Shakti, there is nothing improper about that.
I would suggest you ask the elders in your family, or your Purohit (Bhatmaam). He would be the best person to know for sure. Also, if you go to the Ramnathi or the Shiroda Kamakshi temples and ask the priests, they would be able to tell you correctly.
BTW, I have been to the Shiroda Kamakshi temple and it is beautiful.
Dev barae karo.
Arun
..nice photos..GOOD JOB……
Hi everyone, If there is any Ullal Kini family members here, please join “Ullal kini family ” in http://www.myheritage.com
Just a humble try to bring all family members under one roof and get conected to their roots…
Shanbhag I had been to Ramnathi last week, a massive master plan has been prepared. The plan may get approval. The pictures of the plan and other details i have uploaded in GOOGLE+
(at emails2rajesh@gmail.com)
Rajesh,
During my last visit to Ramnathi in September, I had seen the posters displayed in the Maha Mandapa, but did not get a chance to study them carefully, nor did I get a chance to chat with any of the bhat-maams on this.
Thank you for posting these. Will check them out. Arun
Hi Arun, can u please email ur number to my personal email address kirksanchez@yahoo.in .
I wanted to talk to u regarding the travel from madgao railway station to our temple. als, want to visit other temples like malshi ,etc.
Thanks!
Uday
Hi Uday,
From Madgao train station, the temples are about an hour ride away and could cost about Rs 800 (USD 16). Since the temples are part of the tourist circuit, any of the cabbies at the Train will be able to take you there. You only need to say, you want to visit all the Konkani temples in “PONDA,” and they will bring you there and back.
Have a great trip.
Arun
If you want more info, send me mail to arunshanbhag at gmail
Thanks sir, i got the blessings from my kuldevat.
Awesome Savita. That is such a great feeling.
I am due for a visit and hoping to get darshan and blessings in September.
Dev bara karo.
Arun
hi
arun jii
plz upload ramnath bhagwan clear pic
thanks and regards
Good point Veena,
I do have several pics and will post something soon.
Thank you,
Arun
dear kuladevata…SHANTERI KAMAKSHI RAMNATHI….thanks for your blessings …..bless my son and our family….and arun shanbhag thanks for posting those spiritually uplifting photos!
Thank you Shruti for your kindness.
Out Konkani Temples are amazing and we are all blessed by our Kuladevata’s blessing on all of us.
Do visit.
Dev Bare Karo.
Arun
Dear Mr. Arun Shanbhag,
Can you please inform the contact tel nos / Contact Person of Ramnathi Temple for booking of the rooms and e-mail id if any, Plannning to visit in First week of April
Hi Sumanth:
I have listed the contact telephone numbers and email at the end of the post.
There is also a link to their site.
Have a great visit.
Arun
beautiful
thank you! It is a beautiful temple of a beautiful people who went through a lot! Arun
Mr, Arun Shanbhag and my dear community memebrs, kindly note that the temples in Goa belong to “Saraswat Community” and their devotees are “Saraswat”
Therefore, I request you, not to use “Konkani temples”. You may call Saraswat Temples.
I am “Saraswat” too! Lord Shri Ramnath is our family’s Kuladevata. I am proud of my Lord Shri Ramnath.
Hi
I would require the contact number of Shanteri Kamakshi Ramnathi Temple in Kumta. Please arrange to forward the same on the captioned email id.
Thanks and Regards
Ganesh S
Even though I visit the Shanteri Kamakshi Temple in Kumta often, I do not have their telephone number. Perhaps, I will be able to get one for you.
Do you want to perform a puja/ or do you want to contact any of the management?
I am visiting Ramnathi Temple with family on September 26 during Navratri. As usual, the rooms are alloted on lottery system, i have applied for the same. In case i am not alloted room by lottery system can u suggest me where i would be to arrange my family accomodation near by to temple.
Navratri is a difficult time to get a room in Ramnathi.
I can recommend several things. You can always contact the nearby Konkani Temples; ShantaDurga (next to Ramnathi), or Mangeshi, Mahalakshmi, Narayani, or even Kamakshi at Shirado and see if you can get rooms at those temples. From them you could just take a rickshaw to Ramnathi. I know it is not convenient, but prolly the best alternative.
Sorry, I don’t have any contact info for these temples. Wishing you the best and have a wonderful visit.
Dev Baro Karo.
Arun
hi kaka i m rajiv from bhandup i like your words for our ramnathi devasthan means konkani temple and i also proud that you are my kaka. thanks …….
Hi Rajiv:
Glad you are enjoyed the site. We have a rich heritage that we should proudly share with others; and that too using the latest tools of communications.
Also, I am moderating a Konkani Community blog
konkanikesari.wordpress.com
if you want to write, or know others who want to share articles or announcements with the Konkani community, please let me know.
Arun
Hi we are planning to visit our kuldevtta at Nageshi temple Ponda.. can you please mail me the temple ph number…
thanks
medhashenoy.
Medha:
I apologize for the delay in replying to your post.
Sorry, I do not have the contact details for the Nageshi Temple.
If you do visit, will you please forward me the contact details?
Many thanks and have a great trip.
Arun
sir, very well written sir thanks
Ramnath – Thank you for your kind words!
Please visit my other posts and let me know what you think.
Arun Ji,
I have been to these temples(Ramnathi,Mangeshi and Nageshi) quite many times.
I just loved it there !!
On one of those trips to Goa my ‘Kaka’ (My Mavashi’s husband )who happens to be utmost religious, took us to all these temples one by one ….by evening we were left with very little time to visit the beach (which was my brother’s and my primary plan) aah !! My kid brother was nearly in tears by the end of the day. Ofcourse ! we did have a real ‘dhammal’ time, at the beach next day!!
But these temples are really appealing.Doesn’t one of these mandirs have an ‘khanaval’(eatery) where the prasad is served ?(I am trying to trust my memory but may be I am wrong)
Manasi.
Seattle,WA
Hi Manasi:
)
Sorry for the delay i replying to your kind note! Yes, as kids, temples were boring, except if they served delicious “prasad!” I can empathize with your brother
yes, all the temples have a khanavaLi which serves food to all devotees on functions or if an Anna Daan is sponsored by devotees! In most Goa temples, you can always go to the priest’s house for a nice delicious home cooked meal – you are expected to pay about 10-15 rupees for a meal! if you have a large party, it is important to info the priest in advance, so they don’t run out of food!
Awesome temples, no?
Thank you Manasi!
priest who gives excellent lunch is Prakash Bhatt right?
You are absolutely right, Shrikanth!
The meals are Prakash Bhat’s house are the best.
They have Puri-bhaji and else for breakfast WoW!
and a proper lunch. The Bestest!
Ravindra:
I don’t know that address of that temple (though I have visited it). If I find out, will get back to you.
And a great suggestion to include the address and contact info for each of the temples.
Namaskar!
i want address of Devakikrishna Ravalnath Temple. goa. can u help me?. and i request u that, just put all konkani temples address and contact no in your achievement if u know.
Thanking u
RAVINDRA
Hi Ranjan:
Thank you for your kind words. I was recently in Kumta and Herwatta.
you can send me mail at
arun AT shanbhag dot org
or ask Murli Prabhu
hi,
I am ranjan kini staying in herwatta of Kumta taluk. I saw u r collection about kumta in website. thank you for your valueable work done in the website about kumta. I want u r present and parmanent address.
thanking you,
ranjan r kini
hi Arun,
very good details u have given about our temple.. it is indeed good to know about our devasthan… very well done once again..
quick question.. are u from victoria high school in mahim..
Thank you Manohar for your kind words.
I do want to visit Lotli, the original location of our temple. If you have specific directions, please let me know.
Sorry, I did not go to Vic. high School. Best Wishes Arun