Historic Babareshwar Temple Khobrawada, Calangute, T. Bardesh, North Goa

In Konkan and Goa, the Rakhandar is an integral part of religious, cultural, spiritual, and daily life. The Rakhandar is a companion, friend, guide, nurturer, protector, and deity. He protects the village, homes, agriculture, livestock, and people from evil forces and natural calamities. That is why, before beginning any task, the Rakhandar’s counsel is sought, and he is honored. In villages across Konkan and Goa, there are shrines dedicated to the Rakhandar under various names. One such ancient and famous temple is the Babareshwar Temple in the village of Khobrawada, Goa. Devotees believe that the awakened deity Babareshwar here fulfills their vows. The Banana Jatra of Babareshwar is famous throughout the surrounding region.

It is said that this temple is approximately three hundred years old. According to the legend regarding the temple, it was previously located on Bagha Hill. During the period of religious intolerance under Portuguese rule, when the temple faced a threat, the Koli community known as Calangutkars brought the deity’s idol with them and installed it here in Khobrawada. Since then, this shrine has been a place of faith for all the people of Goa. In recent times, a new, larger idol has been installed in this temple. According to another legend, the original idol of Lord Babareshwar was found by fishermen in the sea, and they built this temple here.
This temple is situated near the seashore, at a short distance from the village.

The temple is surrounded by a boundary wall, and the temple courtyard is accessed through an entrance gate. Since the entrance is slightly elevated from the road, one must climb a few steps. The temple courtyard is covered with silvery sand from the seashore. A few years ago, the temple was renovated and reconstructed using lustrous black stone. The temple stands on a high plinth and is structured with a Sabhamandapa (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Being higher than the courtyard, the entrance to the Sabhamandapa has three steps. There are safety railings on both sides of the steps. The semicircular entrance of the Sabhamandapa is an open, doorless archway. The door frames are adorned with floral and leaf carvings, and there is a Kirtimukha on the lintel. The semi-open Sabhamandapa is small, with two additional doors on its left and right sides.

The entrance to the Garbhagriha is elevated above the Sabhamandapa, requiring three steps to enter. There are safety railings on both sides of these steps. This semicircular entrance features floral and leaf carvings, with an idol of Lord Ganesha on the lintel. The entrance has ornate wooden doors. Inside the Garbhagriha, on a Vajrapitha (diamond pedestal), sits the two-armed, throne-seated idol of Shri Babareshwar Deva. In the deity’s right hand is a torch, and in the left hand is a staff with bells. The idol wears a turban on its head and a dhoti around its waist. The deity has a sharp mustache, a stern gaze, and earrings in its ears.

The exterior of the temple features windows and pillars decorated with floral and leaf carvings. Above the roof of the Sabhamandapa is a square, pyramid-shaped stepped Shikhara (spire). At the apex of the Shikhara, in place of a Kalasha, there is a replica of a torch. Above the roof of the Garbhagriha is an eight-layered square Shikhara. The final square layer of the Shikhara has a descending design. There are replicas of torches on all four sides, with a Kalasha at the very top.

The annual Jatrotsav of Babareshwar is celebrated in the last week of February. This festival, famous as the Banana Fair, lasts for seven days. During this time, a temporary pavilion is erected in front of the temple by tying wooden poles. Over these seven days, thousands of devotees arrive to seek the blessings of the deity and to fulfill their vows. As an offering for the fulfillment of their vows, devotees hang bunches of bananas brought for the deity from the roof of this pavilion. The sight of thousands of banana bunches hanging from the ceiling is enchanting. During this period, shops selling various items are set up in the temple premises, giving the area the appearance of a marketplace. These include bunches of bananas, items for deity worship, food items, clothing, toys, and entertainment facilities. All other festivals and celebrations throughout the year are also observed in the temple. During the festival period, programs such as Bhajans, Kirtans, and Dashavatar are organized in the temple.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery