A Juggernaut in Goa

 

“A massive force which crushes everything in its advancing path” – Juggernauts are common place in temple towns in the Country, especially down coastal South and also towards Goa. The most famous Juggernaut in India is the Puri Jagannanth, which has become an institution in itself and draws a huge flock of crowd every year. 

 

 Goa, though famed for its beaches also has a potential tourism in its Temples and each has its own Juggernaut constructed decades ago which is brought out once a year on specific ceremonies. One such Juggernaut is in the Mahalaxmi Temple located   . The Yatra or Festival typically takes place in the month of April, though it is not as popular as in Puri and the crowd is mostly local. The Ratha or Chariot of the local Goddess Mahalaxmi is an enormous construction 2 storied high, made entirely of wood finished with intricate wooden carvings and massive wheels.  

 

The decoration begins a day before the actual day of procession with locals contributing in terms of labor and material. The materials used for decoration are locally available flowers and fruits.  Bright Red, Orange and Yellow Marigold are seen adorning the spire and pillars. The choicest locally available fruits and vegetables are put to use - chief amongst them being Coconuts, Pumpkins, Papaya, Custard Apples, Bananas, Jackfruits, Pineapple, Mangoes and Gourds. The Spire of the Chariot is adorned with Colored paper reflecting the colors of the National flag adding a patriotic fervor to the proceedings. The procession begins within the Courtyard of the Temple and is typically drawn by the Temple Trustees, Priests and people of prominence, ladies and children are best kept away to prevent mishaps. As the giant chariot starts circumambulating the deity in the temple, people are seen scurrying to get a chance to pull the ropes. 

As the procession circles the Temple 4 times, it is accompanied by devotional songs and occasional bursting of fire crackers. The procession culminates by oblations to the Goddess in the Temple followed by a ceremonial dinner for all present at no cost.

The next day is reserved for auctioning the fruits used for decoration. A typical Pumpkin which may not cost more than Rs.50 under normal circumstances gets sold for 10 times this value with many locals fighting for its possession.