Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus is located at Nine kilometers from Panaji, standing witness to a milestone event in the history of Christianity, is the world famous church of Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus.

It was the first church in India to be raised to the status of a minor Basilica in 1946. Construction work began in 1594 and the church was consecratedon 15th of May,1605 by the Archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes. Dedicated to infant Jesus, this church is most revered among the Goans. The mortal remains of Goa's patron St. Francis Xavier are kept here. Referred fondly as 'Goencho Saib' (Lord of Goa) by Goans, emotions of Goans run high when it comes to St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis was a member of society of Jesus who came to Goa in a 1542. Although his stay in Goa was short, just four months, but he kept coming back time and again since Goa housed the headquarters of Society of Jesuits in the East. He died enroute to China on December 3,1552. Though he was buried there, his body was brought back to Goa after two years in accordance with his wish. It was then discovered that the body was still intact. The body at that time was laid in St. Paul's church but after St. Francis Xavier was Canonized in 1662, it was shifted to Basilica of Bom Jesus where it remains till date. Public viewing is held every ten years. This event attracts lakhs of pilgrims from round the globe.

Declared a world heritage site, Basilica of Bom Jesus stands as a fine example of Jesuit architecture. The design was inspired from St. Paul church but that church stands in ruins now. In the same compound built by Jesuits, was their Professed house. The Professed house, a double storeyed structure is made of laterite and lime plastered. Facing west, this triple storeyed structure stands 75 3/5 feet wide and 78 ½ feet tall. The facade of Basilica of Bom Jesus is a visual delight flaunting a combination of Ionic, Doric and Corinthian styles in the columns. The ground floor has three portals, above them are three corresponding long windows and on the second floor are three circular windows. While the beautification is true Baroque style complete with curves and embellishments, the facade is adorned by pillars and carvings. But the layout is simplistic with a single nave inspired by Renaissance style. The top most part of the facade forming a quadrangle is carved in basalt to form a medallion illustrating the emblem of Society of Jesus.

Attached to the church is a modern art gallery, the Bom Jesus Church art gallery. It's the first and largest art gallery in Asia. A buttress wall on the northern side is a recent addition to the structure. Basilica also organizes a sound and light show based on the life of Christ, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Joseph Vaz and the feast is held every year on December 3. The basilica is open from 6 am to 6:30 pm. everyday

Inside Basilica of Bom Jesus

Crucified in form, interiors of the Basilica are Mosaic Corinthian style, but the Renaissance inspired simplicity is remarkable. One of the richest churches in Goa, the floor of the church is made of grand marble and inlaid with precious stones. The roof of the church was originally tiled. There is a choir above the entrance supported by columns. These columns hold slabs which inform in Portuguese and Latin that 'the construction of this church of Jesus began on November 24, 1594 and Fr. Alexia de Menezes, the Archbishop of Goa and Primate of India consecrated it on 15 May 1605, when it was completed.' Also within the domicile are a main altar, a sacristy, a belfry at the back and two chapels, at the either ends of the transept. Running 182 4\5 feet long and 55 ½ feet broad, on each side are three rows of windows, one above the other. A projecting gallery in the second row supported by columns meant for dignitaries runs on the sides. At the end of the nave is main altar rich with gilded work in gold dedicated to infant Jesus. It has a statue of infant Jesus under the protection of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the society of Jesus, his eyes on the medallion of Jesuits. Above the medallion are depicted the holy trinity- the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

On the either side of the main altar in the transept are the other two altars dedicated to Our Lady of Hope and St. Michael. All the altars are rich with guild work and Baroque in style. In the north of the transept is the chapel of the blessed sacrament or the Mausoleum of St. Francis Xavier. This chapel where St. Francis Xavier lies in a silver casket is lavishly decorated with wooden carvings and paintings depicting scenes from the life of the saint. The tomb of St. Francis made of rich marble of different colours took ten years to complete. A present to the church from the last Medici, the duke of Tuscany, Cosimi III, this tomb was designed by famous Florentine sculptor Giovanni Batista Foggini. In the centre of the nave of the church is the cenotaph, embellished with bronze guild, of the benefactor of the church Dom Jeronimus Mascarenhas, Captain of Cochin and Ormuz. An extensively carved wooden pulpit with a canopy is projecting from the southern wall. The pulpit is carved on its three sides with images of Jesus, four evangelists and four doctors of the church.

The church also has a rich collection of paintings relating to the life of St. Francis Xavier. On the Southern wall of the church are displayed paintings (Italian school) depicting various instances from the life of St. Francis Xavier.

Inside the Basilica of Bom Jesus Art Gallery

This modern art gallery is one of the largest and one of its kind in Asia. The gallery houses paintings of Italian art. The gallery has 36 oil paintings made between 1973 and 1976. The artist was paid only for the material used, his creativity being a gratis for the church, thus was commissioned by Fr. George D'Sa. The largest two are 'The Last Judgement' (6ft x 9ft) and 'Genesis' (4ft x 28ft).

Goa Churches

Goa is literally synonymous with churches. They are living testimonies of the rich historical past of Goa. During the early days of the Portuguese rule in India, church building was the primary concern and occupation in Goa. This was because of their zeal to spread Christianity and convert as many people as they can. The Goan churches still have that old world charm and are very popular with the tourists who visit India. The church in Goa had much importance in the social life of the people there. It helped in the spread of education, built hospitals and helped people in their day to day troubles of life. Check out our related sections about the famous churches of Goa.


Basilica of Bom Jesus

One of the most popular churches in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus truly deserves to be given the status of a World Heritage Site. It is located in Old Goa which was the capital city during the Portugal rule. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.


Mary Immaculate Conception

The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa. This church is supposed to be one of the earliest churches to be constructed in Goa. Tourists come to the Mary Immaculate Conception Church of India to feel blessed and to marvel at the magnitude of its construction.


Reis Magos Church

The Reis Magos church of Goa is one of the most famous landmarks of the Reis Magos village located in Goa. This famous church is visible from across the River Mandovi as a white monument that is stunningly beautiful to look at. The church is located on the road that passes the famous Calangute and Candolim beaches.


Se Cathedral

The Se Cathedral of Goa is located in old Goa, and is around 9 kilometers from the capital city Panaji. The Se Cathedral of Goa is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. This magnificent edifice was built in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule in India.


St. Anne Church

The church of St. Anne of Goa is noted for its remarkable architecture in India. The present day church was reconstructed by Mons Francisco do Rego with his own money. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, he could not complete the construction and Father Antonio Francisco Da Cunha was bestowed with the responsibility of completing the construction of the church.


Church of St. Augustine

The ruins of St. Augustine church is a very popular tourist attraction and one of the most spectacular monuments in Goa. The church was built in 1602 with the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians. They also built a convent besides the church.


St. Cajetan Church

The St. Cajetan church is located in Old Goa near the Se cathedral church. The church is visited by numerous tourists because of exquisite architecture. This vast and strikingly beautiful church has been constructed on the primary design of the Basilica of St. Peter located in Rome. spread


Church of St. Francis

A stunning and charming building, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi is located in Old Goa at a distance of some 10 kilometers from the capital city, Panaji. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is at the same complex in which Se Cathedral is located. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi of Goa was built during 1517-1521 AD.


St. Paul Church

The St. Paul Church is a ruined church that is a popular tourist attraction in Goa. It is located on the road that one takes from Old Goa to reach Ponda. One can always hire local transport to reach this lovely church. The church of St. Paul in Goa was set up because of the efforts of two priests namely Diogo de Borba and Miguel Vaz

Wildlife in Goa

Goa, a land of surprises does not disappoint anyone. Blessed by Mother Nature, its rich flora and fauna is a major tourist attraction. A break from the beaches and parties in the sanctuaries amidst the flora and fauna is a pleasant change. The beautiful jungles are well preserved by the environment concerned people and government. A trip along the Western Ghats will lay bare in front of you the secrets that Goa preserves within its thick green carpet.

Twenty percent of Goa is covered by wildlife protected areas, digging a little deep into the jungles or by estuaries will only reveal more. Not to forget the birds, Goa is a favourite of the wide species of birds and many avid bird watchers throng the river sides and jungles to catch glimpses.

So So it's not just the 'wild' parties but a rich wildlife that waits you in Goa. Whenever you feel like coming close to nature, just visit one of the wildlife sanctuaries. But if you are seriously interested in wildlife and it is not just a change you are seeking from the beaches, then patience is the key word for you. Take an accommodation in or around a sanctuary in nature's bounty and feel the communion with the nature.


Bhagwan Mahavir Bird sanctuary and Mollem National Park

Close to the eastern border of Goa near Karnataka, within the foothills of Western Ghats near the Molem village is Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary. In its heart lies the Mollem National Park (107sq km), together they reign on a green belt of 240sq km. Sixty kilometers away from the state capital Panjim, its evergreen forests and deciduous trees are a visual treat.

The setting is perfect for a habitat of animals; some of the more common animals here are Deers and Guars, Malayan Giant Squirrels, Cobras and Pythons. You might even spot Sloth Beer, Flying Lizard, Leopard Cat, Elephants and Tigers but you have to be lucky enough for that and also have time and patience to keep your eyes hooked all the time.

You can climb up the watchtowers near the waterholes to get a good view of the animals who come to drink water. Do not to miss the birds. Some of the common birds in this area of the jungle are the Great Indian Black Woodpecker, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Paradise Flycatcher. To end the day perfectly visits the sunset point to treat your self to a golden Goan sunset.

Visit early morning or late evening for best results! The forest department organises jeep rides within the forest and while you are here don't forget the Dudhasagar Falls and the twelfth century Mahadev Temple


Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

A visit to Bondla wildlife sanctuary is more perfect for a family holiday rather than a serious wildlife expedition. Covering an area of 80 sq km Bondla sanctuary is rich with flora and fauna. However, with its mini zoo, elephant rides, deer park, botanical and rose gardens the sanctuary, it is a children's delight as well. Goans and tourists are present here all year through. In the foothills of Western ghats, its nature lovers' heaven. Comparatively small but it's the only sanctuary that has proper accommodation facilities, you have a choice between cottages and dorm.

Trail along the nature in Bondla into a world of unfettered beauty, there are good chances that you might spot a wild boar or sambar. There is also a Nature exhibition centre where you can check the exhibits.


Cotigao wildlife sanctuary

Spread within an area of 86.65 sq km and sixty kilometers from Panjim is Cotigao wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary has thick deciduous forest and trees as long as thirty metres high. The forest is not exactly as raw as other sanctuaries since there are dwellings around. Though it gets a fair number of visitors but it is not as developed for tourism as others are. You can spot here Wild Boars, Langur, Deer, Bison, Pangolin and Black Panther. To get better luck with spotting wild animals, mount a watchtower near the waterhole. The sanctuary has a lake also, Bela lake and a Nature Interpretation Centre which has botanical and faunal exhibits.


Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Situated on the western tip of Chorao Island, the sanctuary is small, just 1.78 sq km but it has much for bird watchers. Perfect for a picnic, one has to take a ferry to reach here. The mangroves here are filled with birds, enough to keep you hooked. 14 species of mangroves are here providing an ideal breeding ground for Planktons, Shrimps, tiny Crabs and small estuarine fish and they provide feeding ground for birds as well.

Migratory birds can be seen here from November to February; these include Pintail Ducks, Cormorants, Storks, Purplke Moorhen and Mallards.

Culture of Goa

The rich cultural heritage of Goa is a stark contrast to the rest of India. This is one quality that makes the culture of Goa truly unique. Goa is a place where you find people accepting the presence of all major religions without any ego or hesitation. This is the place where people follow tradition as well as remain ahead with time and trends. The Goan culture is very easy going and relaxed. You won't find people fighting or arguing over religious issues or dress codes. Everyone is free follow the kind of lifestyle they want to, unlike the rest of India where tradition and conservatism is an inseparable part of one's life.

The people of Goa have the essence of music in their culture. In fact music is quite dominant among people living there. Not just Indian, they take pleasure in Western music and listen to the likes of trance, western classic music, techno, jazz, blues, etc. They have a varied taste and choice when it comes to western music. Most Goans have music in their veins and know how to play a couple of instruments. You can find many Goans breaking into a peppy song on a hot afternoon without any particular reason. Most of the music that they sing has the typical Portugal tune and style. Due to the Portuguese rule in this place, the culture has invariably picked up on the Portugal cultural heritage.

Due to the Portugal rule, many people converted to Christianity at that time. Yet, they did not forget their Indian roots and Goa is one place where you will find people celebrating Diwali and Easter with equal zest and passion. Known as the Golden Goa to the Portuguese, this lovely state is the perfect example of the east meeting the west. Along with Portuguese churches, you find ancient Hindu temples where people of different religions come to pray. At the same time, you will find people enjoying themselves in playful abandon on the gorgeous beaches of Goa. The co existence of different religious, traditional and cultural sentiments is what makes Goa a heady place to visit.

The place has so much to offer apart from its rich cultural heritage. Large five star hotels co-exist harmoniously with roadside shacks. Both have their own charm and importance and form a part of the Goan culture. The Portugal elements have very beautifully blended with Indian elements thus giving us a unique kaleidoscope of its amazing culture. You find people wearing western clothes as well as performing Indian rituals and worshipping in the traditional way. There are fewer constraints on women and they can be seen as confident individuals who live life their way. This harmonious blend of Portuguese and Indian cultural elements has made Goa unique in its own way. Visit this lovely place to experience this feeling on your own.

GOA- The Tourist Paradise

GOA
That was my tremendous trip to Goa when I was enjoy the holidays with my family than I first time known the significance of Goa in India and the vast history of this little place. Really the history of Goa is a very interesting.Goa's known history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan Empire. It was later ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur; around 2000 years ago it was passed on to the Chalukya Dynasty, who controlled it between 580 to 750. Over the next few centuries Goa was successively ruled by the Silharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyas of Kalyani, rulers of Deccan India The Kadambas, a local Hindu dynasty based at Chandrapura, (present day Chandor - Salcete), laid an indelible mark on the course of Goa's pre-colonial history and culture.
In 1312, Goa came under the governance of the Delhi Sultanate. However, the kingdom's grip on the region was weak, and by 1370 they were forced to surrender it to Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara monarchs held on to the territory until 1469, when it was appropriated by the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga. After that dynasty crumbled, the area fell to the hands of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur who made Velha Goa their auxiliary capital.
Goa was ruled by the Muslims for about 60 years before they were removed by Harihara I, of Vijayanagar Empire. For about 100 years, Goa's ports were important for ships carrying Arabian horses for the Vijayanagar Cavalry. Around 1510, the Portuguese arrived.. Around 1542, missionaries started to arrive, lead by Francis Xavier. There was a brief occupation by the British, during the Napoleonic wars in Europe.

Portuguese in Goa
In 1498, Vasco da Gama became the first European to set foot in India through a sea route, landing in Calicut (Kozhikode) in Kerala, followed by an arrival in what is now known as Old Goa, then a term referring to the City of Goa on the southern bank of the River Mandovi, was the largest trading centre on India's western coast. The Portuguese arrived with the intention of setting up a colony and seizing control of the spice trade from other European powers after traditional land routes to India had been closed by the Ottoman Turks. Later, in 1510, Portuguese admiral Afonso de Albuquerque defeated the ruling Bijapur kings with the help of a local ally, Timayya, leading to the establishment of a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (or Old Goa). The Portuguese intended it to be a colony and a naval base, distinct from the fortified enclaves established elsewhere along India's coasts.
In 1668, Chatrapti Shivaji captured five towns in North Goa and ordered renovation of "Saptkotishwar" temple at the present site during one of his campaigns to oust the Portuguese. Even after repetitive attempts, he was not able to win Goa from the Portuguese. In 1685, Chatrapti Sambhaji captured capital Panaji and penetrated his Maratha army peacefully in entire Central and North Goa but could not retain Goa and again moved to the Deccan plateau to handle the situation arisen due to sudden attack of Mogul.
Ruins of Fort Aguada in north Goa; one of the defences that the Portuguese built during their reign.
With the imposition of the Inquisition (1560–1812), many of the local residents were forcibly converted to Christianity by missionaries, threatened by punishment or confiscation of land, titles or property. Many converts however retained parts of their Hindu heritage. To escape the Inquisition and harassment, thousands fled the state, settling down in the neighbouring towns of Mangalore and Karwar in Karnataka, and Savantwadi in Maharashtra.
With the arrival of the other European powers in India in the 16th century, most Portuguese possessions were surrounded by the British and the Dutch. Goa soon became Portugal's most important possession in India, and was granted the same civic privileges as Lisbon. In 1843 the capital was moved to Panjim from Velha Goa. By mid-18th century the area under occupation had expanded to most of Goa's present day state limits.
After India gained independence from the British in 1947, Portugal refused to accede to India's demand to relinquish control of the enclave. Resolution 1541 by the United Nations General Assembly in 1960 noted that Goa was non-self-governing and favoured self determination. Finally, on December 12, 1961, the Indian army moved 40,000 troops in as part of Operation Vijay Fighting lasted for twenty-six hours before the Portuguese garrison surrendered. The U.N. Security Council considered a resolution condemning the Indian move, but it was vetoed by the Soviet Union.
Newsreel footage of Goa, 1955
Most nations later recognised India's action, and Portugal recognised it after its Carnation Revolution in 1974. Goa, along with Daman and Diu (enclaves lying to the north of Maharashtra), was made into a centrally administered Union Territory of India. On May 30, 1987, the Union Territory was split, and Goa was elevated as India's twenty-fifth state, with Daman and Diu remaining Union Territories.

Tourist Paradise
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.
Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions
All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm.
The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.
Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.
Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi River and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors.