Description

Context:

In a terrible incident, at least six individuals perished. In contrast, more than 70 others sustained injuries following a stampede in the early hours of Saturday in Shirgaon village, Bicholim, North Goa, during the annual Lairai Jatra procession at the Shree Lairai Devi shrine.

Lairai Devi Temple

The Lairai Devi Temple, located in Shirgaon village of Bicholim Taluka, North Goa, is a revered spiritual centre and a vital part of Goa's socio-religious fabric. Dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the temple is known for its unique customs, community discipline, and the iconic Shirgao Jatra or Lairai Jatra.

Location Overview

The Lairai Devi Temple is located in Shirgaon village of Bicholim Taluka, North Goa.

About Lairai Devi and Temple Significance

Religious Significance

Form of Worship: Goddess Lairai is worshipped as a Kalash (Pot), symbolising Trigunatmika Adishakti, the unmanifest source of all creation.
Sacred Symbolism: The Kalash in the Garbhagriha represents the womb – the origin of existence.
Ritual Practice: Mogra (Jasmine) flowers are traditionally offered to the Devi.

Temple Architecture

Constructed in traditional Goan style with a simple structure.
A yellow temple with saffron hue stands prominently in the village centre.
A huge Mandapam was added later as an expansion.
A 240-year-old painting of Devi adorns the temple wall, portraying her in a green saree within a Kalash—an artistic style that predates Raja Ravi Varma.

Key Festivals and Rituals

Lairai Devi Jatra (Shirgao Jatra)

Aspect	Details
Occasion	Vaishakh Shukla Panchami
Ritual Highlight	Fire-walking ritual (Agnidivya) performed by devotees known as Dhonds
Sequence	Starts with processions, dances, drumming → Bonfire at midnight → Fire walk
Belief System	The righteous will remain unharmed when walking over fire
Audience	Attracts devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka

During Sharad Navaratri, daily Chandi Path happens.
Temple priests and villagers emphasise devotion, discipline, and daily rituals.

Symbolism and Syncretism

The temple stands as a symbol of religious harmony.
Hindus and Catholics in the region consider Lairai Devi and the Virgin Mary of Mapusa as sisters, indicating deep cultural integration and mutual respect.

Heritage and Artistic Legacy

The 240-year-old painting inside the temple is a valuable cultural artefact.
It shows Goddess Lairai in Raja Ravi Varma-like style but predates his works.
Represents the early evolution of divine feminine iconography in Goan culture.