Located
17 km from state capital Panaji, Marcel in Ponda taluka is home to some
of the most sacred Hindu temples in Goa. Among these shrines, Sri Devaki
Krishna temple is of great religious significance. The uniqueness of the
Devki Krishna temple lies in the fact that it is the only temple in
India with the presiding deity of Devakikrishna, a confluence of Lord
Krishna and his mother Devaki. Apart from the chief deity of Devakikrishna, the temple enshrines the deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar. Originally located at the Chorao Island, all the deities were moved to Mayem in Bicholim to escape the wrath of the Portuguese rulers. They were finally established at the present location at Marcel.
The idol of Devaki and Lord Krishna is the main feature of the Garbha Griha or the inner sanctum of the temple. The idol of Devaki is depicted in a standing posture with child Krishna between her legs. Malni Purnima is the most important festival of the temple celebrated with great pomp and fervour during the January-February period.
