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JAINISM IN GOA
Gunvant Barvalia S.K.P.G.Jain Research Center - Mumbai
Even before Portuguese entered in Goa, the traders (merchants) from Gujarat were settled, already in Villages like 'Bandoda', 'Kudane', 'Kothambi' and 'Narve'.
It is presumed that Jains might have stayed first in Bandivade village of Ponda Taluka (Sub-District) of North Goa which is having a Jain Temple of 22nd Tirthankara Lord Neminathji, probably built up by them.
Nearby Kala Academy, Panaji-Goa, there is one spacious and beautiful Park which is named after Lord Mahavira, 24th Tirthankara of Jains. A gorgeous idol of Lord Mahavir is also located in this Park.
Besides from the source of information available from Heras Institute of India History & Culture at St. Xaviers College of Bombay, to have a park at Panaji-Goa dominated by Roman Catholic and Gomantak - Konkani population, having name of Jain Tirthankara Lord Mahavir itself, is obviously a subject matter of Research.
Hence, Oh Dear ones ! come with me and listen to my words, telling that relation of Goa & Gujarat (especially Sorath (Now Saurashtra) - Portion of then Kathiawad) are century old. A Jain temple with spire (Shikhar Bandhi) popularly known as Shikharbandhi "Derasar" of Lord Adinath, as old as 1400 century B.C. is located in Kundane village, 2 km away from Sankelim under Bikolam (In Konkani it is Divchal & in Marathi Decholi) sub-district of North Goa, built up by Gujaratis. Kudane is a village of Chalukya period. It is only at a 3 km distance from caver of Arvalem.
in an excavation made recently, relics of other Jain temples (Derasaras) are also found. A engraved stone found in Nagoshi has been placed in a Museum of Archeological Survey of India. In this context, Vijaynagar period is considered to remain important. Establishment of these Jain Derasars of Goa also attracts the attention. Kudane is at a distance of 24 kms from Panaji.
Before Portuguese went to Goa, Gujarati Traders were settled in Bandoda, Kudane, Kothambi and Narve Villages. In Bandivade Village under Ponda sub district of North Goa, Jains might have stayed and built up a Derasar of 22nd Tirthankara. Lord Neminath, as presumed. Ponda is 29 km. away from Panaji in South East, whereas it is at a distance of 18 kms from Madgaon (Margao) in North East. Another Two Derasaras are in Kudane and Jain coats of Narve. These three Derasaras are of the reign of Vijaynagar of 14th century period. The relics area of Narve temples (Derasars) of Bikolim Sub-District is called Jaincoat which is very near to Hindu Temple named Sapta Koteshwara.
Mainly Lime stone was being used to built up these Temples. There is a mention of the
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