ASI, govt could look at finding temple remains in Goa: Ramkrishna Dhavalikar

PANAJI: Goa power minister Ramkrishna ‘Sudin’ Dhavalikar said on Tuesday that remains of demolished temples will “100% be found” in Goa. His remarks come in the backdrop of the case of a Shivling that is said to have been found at the Gyanvapi masjid in Uttar Pradesh.
Responding to a question on whether such remains will also be found in Goa, he said, “The Archeological Survey of India and our archives and archeology department could look into this. In my personal opinion, there will be (remains)”.
Dhavalikar said that in the 15th century, temples were destroyed in Goa during the Portuguese regime. “I am not saying remains of only Hindu temples, but even of other religions may be there,” he said. “If a survey is conducted, 100% it will be found,” he said.
He also said that many people in Goa want the temples (that were destroyed during the colonial era) either to be restored or rebuilt.
Last month, CM Pramod Sawant said that work has already begun on the plans to restore and reconstruct these temples. In a first-of-its-kind provision, Sawant announced a budgetary provision of Rs 20 crore for this project.
“Our places of worship are symbols of our rich cultural heritage,” Sawant said in his budget speech. “At many places in Goa, we find several temples in a dilapidated and neglected condition. During the Portuguese regime, there was a systematic effort to destroy these cultural centres. Considering tourism development, we have made a provision of Rs 20 crore for reconstruction and restoration of these temples and sites.”
It was in December 2021 that Sawant had first said that in the 60th year of Goa’s Liberation, he wanted to initiate the reconstruction of temples that had been destroyed by the Portuguese.
The CM had also said that the state government will develop a spiritual tourism circuit that will enable tourists to visit temples and churches. The chief minister also said that the government will assist temple committees and churches to generate revenue.