Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: A rare religious tradition returned to Vasco’s historic Lord Damodar Temple after a gap of 17 years, with the traditional Chandan Gandha Pooja being performed amid the presence of a large number of devotees.
The Gandha Pooja, traditionally conducted during the holy month of Shravan, involves covering the idol of Lord Damodar with sandalwood (Chandan) paste. Devotees believe the sacred sandalwood application provides a cooling and soothing effect to the deity.
According to temple priest Bhushan Joshi, the Lord Damodar Temple has completed around 128 years of existence, while its 127th Saptah was held recently. He said the Gandha Pooja has been performed only three times in the temple’s history.
The first Gandha Pooja was conducted in 1991 by his late father, Ramesh Joshi, who served as the temple priest. The ritual was performed again by Ramesh Joshi in 2009, after a gap of 18 years.
After another 17-year gap, the tradition was revived with Bhushan Joshi performing the third Gandha Pooja, marking his first time conducting the sacred ceremony as the temple priest.
The religious programme was held along with Laghu Rudra Havan, Navagraha Pooja and Satyanarayan Pooja. A large number of devotees participated in the ceremonies and sought the blessings of Lord Damodar.
The revival of the rare ritual marked a significant continuation of the temple’s spiritual traditions and its longstanding religious association with the people of Vasco.
