Who is Goddess Lairai?
Goddess Lairai is one of the revered deities of Goa with a significant following of devotees. While most Goans are familiar with her, those who have moved to Goa for work or tourists eager to explore its temples often wonder, ‘Who is Goddess Lairai?’ The story of Goddess Lairai is truly fascinating and extraordinary.
The Tale of Goddess Lairai and Her Siblings
The Divine Siblings’ Journey to Goa: A Tale Rooted in Mayem
Around 700-800 years ago, eight siblings, while journeying from the holy land of Kashi, traveled southward and eventually arrived in Bicholim, Goa, through the mountain ranges of the south. They halted at the temple of Goddess Shantadurga for hospitality. Recognizing their divine essence through her divine powers, Shantadurga advised them to proceed to Mayem. Following her guidance, the siblings stopped to rest at Vaddane, a place now famous as the ‘Sat Mayechi Vaska’ in Mayem.
In this picturesque village blessed by nature, the seven sisters and one brother captivated the attention of the locals with their charm and grace. However, this loving tale of these siblings was destined to take an unexpected turn. It seemed as though fate was about to test the bonds of love among these divine siblings.
Sacred Firewalks: The Legends Behind Shirgao and Mulgaon
Among the seven siblings, the eldest, Kelbai, sent the youngest, Khetoba, to fetch fire from the village to prepare a meal. However, young Khetoba became engrossed in watching a group of children playing in the village. As time passed and Khetoba did not return, Kelbai asked Lairai to go and look for him.
Lairai reached the village and found her brother Khetoba engrossed in watching a game. Angered by this, Lairai kicked him in the waist. Upset by her actions, Khetoba refused to return and left for Vaiginim. Lairai returned alone, but after some time, her anger subsided, and she regretted her actions. Filled with remorse, she departed for Shirgao.
As an act of penance, Lairai walked over fire in a ritual known as agnidivya. To this day, thousands of her devotees, known as dhonds, perform this fire-walking ritual during her fair (jatra).
Kelbai, feeling responsible for all that had transpired, left for Mulgaon. There, she too performed her penance by carrying a pot of fire (agate) on her head and walking over flames. This tradition is preserved in the Mulgaon festival, where devotees dance with fire pots on their heads as an act of devotion and penance.
The Eight Siblings and Their Temples
In Goa, these sisters are revered as Gramdevata (village deities) and are regarded as the primal maternal figures (Maya).
Following the eldest sister’s guidance, the siblings eventually settled in different locations, which are now their sacred abodes:
- Lairai: Shirgao
- Kelbai: Mulgaon
- Mahamai: Maye
- Mirabai (Milagres): Mapusa
- Morzai: Morjim
- Ajadipa: Anjediva Island near Karwar
- Sheetalai: On the Arabian Sea coast
- Dev Khetoba: Vaiguinim
Devotees in Goa believe that these siblings reunite once a year, exchanging gifts during their annual festivals.
Mirabai: The Transformation into Our Lady of Miracles
One of the seven sisters, Mirabai, is now venerated as Our Lady of Miracles (Milagres) in Mapusa. During the Portuguese era, Mirabai’s original temple was destroyed. It is believed that she later took the form of Milagres, continuing to bless devotees in her new identity.
The Harmony of Two Cultures
During the feast of Milagres Saibinn, a tradition is upheld where oil is offered from the Shirgao temple of Goddess Lairai. Similarly, during the Shirgao Jatra, jasmine flowers—dear to Goddess Lairai—are sent from the Milagres Church. As per tradition, the Milagres feast is celebrated on the third Monday after Easter, while Goddess Lairai’s Jatra is observed on Vaishakh Shuddha Panchami. Occasionally, these two festivals coincide, bringing a rare and beautiful convergence of faiths.
During such times, both Hindus and Catholics come together with devotion and enthusiasm to worship the goddess and the saint. The bond between the two deities symbolizes the harmonious blending of two distinct cultures.
This is the fascinating story of Goddess Lairai and her siblings, steeped in tradition and unity.
