Rich tradition of water conservation at Veling
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KERI: In olden days, Goa had a rich tradition of water conservation and harvesting which reflected ecological principles.
The sacred tanks locally known as Devachi tali indicated that our ancestors in Goa cultivated a philosophy and way of life in which water resources were conserved and protected for sustainable use.
Our predecessors raised small scale efficient irrigation systems for their plantations. For this, they made use of water bodies. The sacred tank in Veling, a village which lies about 5.2 km to the North-West of Ponda, has the temple of Laxmi-Narsinha, which stand testimony to the eco-cultural heritage.
There are more than 200 such sacred tanks situated in Goa. Many of these tanks have fallen into disrepair due to the apathy of locals. As water of these sacred tanks is hardly in use, in some places these tanks are degraded and use of water for washing clothes and bathing is done.
The sacred tank of Laxmi-Narsinha temple is situated at the foot of a hillock locally known as Sayamon dongor. It stands in the midst of fascinating surroundings, as nature has bestowed on it all her beauty. Such surroundings enhance religious meditation.
Kanta Gawade, the former deputy sarpanch of Veling-Priol, said, "The spacious water tank which lies in front of the temple is constantly fed by a perennial spring originating from Rathachipaz. During the annual fair the idols of Laxmi-Narsinha used for festive occasions are put into well decorated twin country boats and boating is done which mesmerizes the devotees."
Raju Nayak, president of Laxmi-Narsinha temple of Veling, speaking to TOI, said, "We take necesssary steps every year for the maintenance of sacred tank and hence since last 400 years this tank has been there and helping us to get required water for fulfilling various needs of our temple."
Today, besides using the water of the tank for washing clothes and other domestic purposes, villagers use it for drinking purposes. The necessary arrangements made during the construction of the tank help to keep the water of the tank clean. The fresh water of the spring enters into the tank through a carved stone which resembles the mouth of a cow called Gomukh. This water is used by the locals for drinking.
The sacred tank near the temple
The sacred tanks locally known as Devachi tali indicated that our ancestors in Goa cultivated a philosophy and way of life in which water resources were conserved and protected for sustainable use.
Our predecessors raised small scale efficient irrigation systems for their plantations. For this, they made use of water bodies. The sacred tank in Veling, a village which lies about 5.2 km to the North-West of Ponda, has the temple of Laxmi-Narsinha, which stand testimony to the eco-cultural heritage.
There are more than 200 such sacred tanks situated in Goa. Many of these tanks have fallen into disrepair due to the apathy of locals. As water of these sacred tanks is hardly in use, in some places these tanks are degraded and use of water for washing clothes and bathing is done.
The sacred tank of Laxmi-Narsinha temple is situated at the foot of a hillock locally known as Sayamon dongor. It stands in the midst of fascinating surroundings, as nature has bestowed on it all her beauty. Such surroundings enhance religious meditation.
Kanta Gawade, the former deputy sarpanch of Veling-Priol, said, "The spacious water tank which lies in front of the temple is constantly fed by a perennial spring originating from Rathachipaz. During the annual fair the idols of Laxmi-Narsinha used for festive occasions are put into well decorated twin country boats and boating is done which mesmerizes the devotees."
Raju Nayak, president of Laxmi-Narsinha temple of Veling, speaking to TOI, said, "We take necesssary steps every year for the maintenance of sacred tank and hence since last 400 years this tank has been there and helping us to get required water for fulfilling various needs of our temple."
Today, besides using the water of the tank for washing clothes and other domestic purposes, villagers use it for drinking purposes. The necessary arrangements made during the construction of the tank help to keep the water of the tank clean. The fresh water of the spring enters into the tank through a carved stone which resembles the mouth of a cow called Gomukh. This water is used by the locals for drinking.
The sacred tank near the temple
is an
excellent example of a water body protected and surrounded by temple
that helps devotees as well as locals to get water for drinking and
domestic purposes. Installing the sculpture of Hanuman god, succeeded in
creating feelings of sacredness and respect for the water tank.
Today, we have forgotten wisdom of our ancestors and have allowed the rich heritage to die by misuse and this has destroyed and degraded water bodies like sacred tanks. Many of these sacred tanks are full with numerous pollutants.
Today, we have forgotten wisdom of our ancestors and have allowed the rich heritage to die by misuse and this has destroyed and degraded water bodies like sacred tanks. Many of these sacred tanks are full with numerous pollutants.
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