Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve – Legends

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.