Divar Island, Indian Island - Goa


Divar boatThe Divar Island lies in the state of Goa in India. The name of Divar Island is derived from the word Dipavati or `Small Island` in Konkani. Divar Island is located approximately 10 km from Panaji (Panjim), and is approachable by ferry. The Island is connected to Old Goa on the south-east side, Ribandar,on the south-west side and Narve on the north side, all by ferry . A launch also connects Divar to the city of Panaji from further northwest, in the village of Vanxim. The Konkan Railway passes through the Divar Island and the nearest stop to the island is the train station at Karmali.

The drive to the Divar Island is scenic, with paddy fields and wooded hills lacing the roadway, very typical of the Goan countryside. Though in a manner equally typical of modern Goa, of late the paddy fields lie fallow and overrun with weeds.

The Divar Island was a famous site of Hindu pilgrimage and hosted the ancient temples of Shree Saptakoteshwar, Shree Ganesh and Shree Dwarkeshwar besides others. Portuguese zealots irreversibly destroyed these in the 16th century in their drive for Christianisation of Goa. The Current Cemetery near Church at hilltop once housed at Ganesh Temple, which was razed by the Portuguese and the Hindus had to take the Ganesh Idol and rehabilitate it in village of Khandola near Marcel. The ancient site of Hindu pilgrimage is called Porne Tirth (Old pilgrim spot-in Konkani) even today. Rui Gomez Pereira in his book Goan temples and deities writes, " The native temple (Of Shree Saptakoteshwar) was constructed in the 12th century by the kings of Kadamba dynasty. Shree Saptakoteshwar was the patron Deity of the Kadambas, however it was destroyed by the sultan of the Deccan in the middle of the 14th century and reconstructed at the same locality by Madhav Mantri of Vijaynagar at the close of the same century.

A Jesuit priest Fr Francisco Sousa documented the religious importance of "Divar Island" in his book Oriente Conquistado (Conquest of the orient) around the latter years of the 16th or early 17th century. Divar Island was as much venerated by the Hindu Brahmins as the Holy land, on account of a temple of many indulgences and pilgrimages. The linga of the temple is made of five metals, namely gold, silver, copper, iron and bronze was later relocated in Bicholim. And on the foundations of the same temple a prayer and catechism house was constructed in 1563.

The original inhabitants of Divar Island were people who once lived in Old Goa but had to desert during a disastrous plague that greatly reduced the population of Old Goa. Piedade is a small village is spread at the bottom of a small-forested hillock on Divar Island. There is the Church of Our Lady of Compassion. The island is dotted with well-maintained, elegant Portuguese villas. From the top of the hill, superb panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Old Goa, the capital of Goa, Panaji, the meandering Mandovi River, and the bridges across can be seen.

Indian Navy boat, Divar Island, Indian IslandThe famous Bonderam festival is celebrated in Divar Island on the fourth Saturday of August during the monsoon season with great fanfare and attended by thousands of tourists and locals. Bonderam Festival is a memoir to the dispute and the fury of the Villagers over the Portuguese system of resolving the disputes. The villagers on the Divar Island often indulged in some kind of fight over the matter of ownership of their lands. To terminate the disputes the Portuguese, put up flags at the boundaries. The villagers did not like this system. So they protested against the Portuguese by throwing stones at the flags. On this day a carnival ambience is created. Each section of the village has a float at the parade. Melodious music could be heard throughout the village. The gaily-colored floats accompanied by colorfully dressed youngsters make a lovely picture.

The huge bell which today adorns the Se Cathedral in Old Goa was actually donated by the master of a sinking ship who`d made a vow that, were he to survive his fate, he would donate the ship`s bell to the first church village, town, or city his boat touched. It so happened that that the island was Divar Island. In keeping with his promise, he donated the bell to the Church of Divar Island, which is located on a high hillock. Unfortunately though, every time the bell was struck, it shattered the windows of the church and the houses in the vicinity, so a deal was struck and the bell was exchanged with that of the Se Cathedral.

Divar Island boasts a plethora of fine temples; most prominent amongst them is Shri Ganesh Sateri Temple at Sateri Bhat which also houses Khapro Ravalnath along with Sateri Mahamaya. There are two more Temples of Ganesh one at Navelim and other at Hilltop near the Church. Divar Island is a peaceful retreat and an excellent place for bird watching. There are many elegant villas with Goan balconies and deep verandahs, which add to the picturesque look of this island. The famous Bonderam festival on the 4th Saturday of August is celebrated in Divar Island with great pomp and festivity. On this day, this quiet island is filled with festivities. Ferries reach every half hour to Divar Island from Old Goa. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, the Crocodile Habitat and the world heritage monuments at Old Goa are nearby attractions of this popular Divar Island.

22 comments:

  1. Goa is an ancient city of Portuguese influence. It is a home to many gothic churches and historical and religious edifices. Situated in India’s west region it is known for its distinctive cultural heritage with that adopted from its invaders. Book Flights to Goa with Crystal Travel and make your trip memorable.

    Cheapest Air Tickets
    Cheap Flight Tickets

    ReplyDelete
  2. Famously known as the party capital of India, Goa is a famous tourist destination. Layered with beautiful beaches and many religious churches, there are plenty of places to visit in Goa defining its cultural heritage. Thanks for the informative blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for this information. Lovely beach. The sea beaches and hills were gifted by nature here. I would also like to share something. Check out best new year party places in Goa.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi this is very useful post for everyone. Thank you so much this post. Just about everything looks good displayed. Goa tour packages

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about goa, it was really helpful. i came back few days ago from goa and it was mindblowing trip as we were there for the first time. we loved all beautiful places to visit in goa .

    ReplyDelete
  6. Very nice blog of yours. It is great appreciated. Here are popular Everest base camp trek we mentioned. Everst base camp trek one of the best popular trek in Nepal where is Everest Himalayan Ranges as well as beautiful mountain in the world Amadabalam and highest mountain called Mt. Everest visible. Due to this exciting climbers village and popular mountain climbing destination it is famous in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's really a much valuable and informative post.I have a desire to visit Goa and I will be there very soon.
    Kullu Manali Holiday Packages

    ReplyDelete
  8. Golden Triangle Tour with Goa awesome tourist place for the tourist, It provide the nice experience.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for sharing such a valuable information about Goa. I really glad to read this article. Find best Goa Tour Packages .

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great blog thanks for sharing this information it's very helpful.
    Same Day Agra Tour
    Day trip to Agra
    Agra Day Tour


    ReplyDelete
  11. Goa is a city which attracts lots of tourists every year. This place is mostly famous for beaches, church's , food, and bear. Its good to travel Goa with friends and family. The blog is good well written and represented. Travelling Goa by car rental services or taxi services is good.

    ReplyDelete
  12. nice post thanks for sharing this blog we at valley trip planner best travel agents based in srinagar kashmir we offer best kashmir tour and travels packages best leh ladakh tour packages

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for providing such informative article.
    Visit: Pawna Lake Camping

    ReplyDelete
  14. Really nice post. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Benaulim Beach South Goa

    ReplyDelete
  15. Great information, one must also visit Lonavala for adventure experience. There are Villas in lonavala by Leestays where the stay is provided in cheaper cost. The villas provided are private with pool

    ReplyDelete
  16. Nice blog with informative content, Everyone must also visit Pawna Lake camping for lakeside camping experience.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very informative post, thank you for sharing.
    Please visit Paragliding services in kamshet

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey,
    I really enjoyed reading this article, Thank you for sharing.
    Please visitParagliding services in kamshet for adventure activity.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very Nice Information, It Is Valuable and Useful To So Many People. Thanks for Sharing This Topic. Ladakh Photography Tour

    ReplyDelete