An Eternal Witness to Goa’s Rich History
Vimleshwar Mandir
Dedicated to Vimaleshwar, a form of Lord Shiva
Introduction :
Vimleshwar Temple, nestled in the serene village of Rivona in Sanguem taluka, Goa, is a revered shrine dedicated to Vimaleshwar, a form of Lord Shiva, worshipped in the divine form of a Swayambhu Shivlinga. This temple has a unique and intricate history deeply interwoven with the multifaceted historical tapestry of Goa. In this in-depth research article, we explore the captivating journey of the Vimleshwar Temple, from its ancient origins to its role as a living testament to Goa’s cultural evolution.
Unearthing Ancient Goa: The Stone Ages and Aboriginal Tribes
The history of Goa reaches back into the annals of the Stone Ages, with the Usgalimal rock carvings discovered in 1993. These remarkable rock art engravings, found about 16 kilometers south of Rivona, are a pivotal discovery. The petroglyphs depict motifs of bulls, spirals, lines, and human figures, providing evidence of a thriving population of hunter-gatherers long before the advent of agriculture.
Goa’s ancient history is also associated with aboriginal tribes living in the dense forests and mountains. These tribes venerated Mother Earth in the form of anthills, a practice that has evolved into the worship of deities like Shri Santeri in contemporary Goan culture.
The worship of the shivalinga, a form of Lord Shiva, has deep roots, and it is believed that the Mahabaleshwara of Gokarn and Valkeshwara of Mumbai were first established by the Kol community, early settlers in the region. However, over time, this ancient shivalinga was lost to nature’s ravages.
Rediscovery of Vimleshwar: A Farmer’s Divine Encounter
As the aboriginal tribes transitioned into a Neolithic society, agriculture began to shape their way of life. On a fateful day, during ploughing, a Kunbi farmer unearthed a shivalinga. Excited by his discovery, the villagers gathered to witness this momentous find. It was decided that the shivalinga would be consecrated on its current site and named Shri Vimleshwara, a composite of “Vimal” (pure) and “Ishwara” (God).
The ancient shivalinga bears marks from where the farmer’s plough struck it. To this day, the farmers in Rivona abstain from ploughing their fields on the auspicious Ekadashi day when the shivalinga was rediscovered.
Goa’s Historical Evolution: An Intricate Tapestry
Goa’s history is marked by the influence of various dynasties and religious transformations. The Sumerians, Sumerians, Kadambas, Silharas, Mauryan Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, and Bahamani Sultans all left their imprints on Goa’s cultural landscape.
The Kadambas, in particular, played a crucial role in the resurgence of ancient Vedic traditions, and their influence extended to the renovation of the Vimleshwar temple. Records from the 6th century mention the temple’s presence.
Vimleshwar Temple through the Ages :
Vimleshwar Temple remained steadfast throughout the Portuguese Inquisition, as it fell under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Sonde. The temple underwent significant renovations in 1620 and later in 1920, taking on its present form.
Finally, in 1961, the Indian Army liberated Goa from Portuguese rule, leading to the state’s evolution into the 25th state of India. Throughout this tumultuous history, Goan society remained resilient, and the principle of “Sarva Dharma SamaBhava,” which signifies equal respect for all religions, continues to thrive.
Conclusion :
The Vimleshwar Temple stands as an eternal witness to the transformation and resilience of Goan culture through the ages. Its remarkable history, from the prehistoric era to the present, is a testament to the enduring spirit of Goa. This sacred site is not only a place of worship but also a living archive of the state’s cultural evolution.
Vimleshwar Temple invites visitors and devotees to explore its rich history, from the Stone Ages to the modern era. In doing so, it embodies the timeless spirit of Goa and the idea that, even in the face of constant change, certain things endure and stand the test of time.
Editor – Kaalchakra Team
[ Note – Before Concluding anything as a Finale, Please Go through Original Scriptures of Vaidik Literature Written in Sanskrit and Also with Meaning of That time of Language. Because English is a Limited language to Explaining the Deeper Knowledge of Vaidik Kaal. ]