Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve –
Legends
Saptakoteshwar:
As per legend, Sapta Rishis
(Seven Sages) performed penance on Lord Shiva near the place where five holy
rivers met the sea. They prayed for seven crore years at the end of which, Lord
Shiva appeared to grant their wishes and agreed to stay at the place in one of
his incarnations. This incarnation is known as Saptakoteshwar (Sapta means seven and Koteshwar means lord of crores).
Gokul Ashtami:
It is said that the Lord
appeared before the Sapta Rishis on the day which in later years became the day
of the birth of the Vishnu Incarnation, Lord Krishna and hence since times
immemorial the festival of this incarnation of Shiva is celebrated on the day
which later became the day of the birth of Krishna – Gokul Ashtami. On this day
thousands of devotees gather at the site to bathe in the river alongside the
temple. The belief is that the river becomes Pancha Ganga (Panch – 5, Ganga –
holy river) on the Gokul Ashtami day and it is considered that a bath on this
day guarantees salvation.
Linga made of Seven metals:
The Saptakoteshwar Linga of Lord
Shiva is believed to be made of seven metals and hence the name Saptakoteshwar.
Lord Shiva battled demons with his army of seven
crores:
As per local folklore, it is
believed that Lord Shiva of this Temple battled with demons with his powerful
army of seven crores. Hence, he came to be called as Saptakoteshwar.
Konkan Kashi:
Goa is considered as Kashi of
the Konkan region or Konkan Kashi.
Puranic References:
References to Saptakoteshwar are
found in Sahyadri Khanda of Skanda Purana and also in Saura Purana.
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