Reis Magos Church on Ruins of Hindu Temple Goa
Very close to the Reis Magos Fort is the Reis Magos Church. It is the first church of Bardez. Reis Magos is the Portuguese name for the Three Wise Men from the Bible. The fort and the church got named after the village Reis Magos. This church is well known for the colorful ‘Festa dos Reis Magos’ which is the Feast of the Three Wise Men. The feast is held on 6th of January every year.
Reis Magos Church on Ruins of Hindu Temple Goa
As I was stepping down and walking away from the church, I noticed two lion statues at either side of stone stairs. It surprised me a bit to see them at the entrance of a church. Much later after a good google search stumbled on the fact that the Reis Magos Church was built on the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple.
To put it quite bluntly – the Christian Portuguese rulers demolished the Hindu Temple and built their church on the same foundation. So these lions are evidences of that old temple. It is a sacred Hindu symbol that is typical of the Vijayanagar temple style. The church had much importance during the Portugal rule and in fact two Viceroys of Goa were buried over here and their tomb stones are still present.
Renovation of Reis Magos Church Goa
Massive repair work was on inside the church. It has some beautiful paintings. Probably the church is gearing up for the festival to be held on 6th Jan 2015. I took some quick snaps before somebody could appear and tell me ‘no photography here’. This church was built way back in 1555 and is dedicated to St. Jerome. The facade gets a beautiful white coating and the interiors are decorated well during the festival.
Church Timings
Open everyday – 6.00am to 11.00pm
Mass Timings
Weekdays – 7.30 am
Sundays – 7.30 am and 5.00pm
Goa is an amazing place and it is one of the biggest tourist states in India. People all across the globe visit Goa. It is perfect place to unwind from your hectic lifestyle. I always enjoy visiting Goa. I have visited it a couple of times but never got a chance to check out this Reis Magos Church.
Very interesting history Indrani ! Missed visiting this one on my recent trip to Goa..
It is nice they left the lions.
Its beautiful ! Missed it
Wow!What a beautiful church.
wow! lovely photos
Nice pictures…and the account too!
a beautiful church and skies as well.
A nice detailed account along with pics Indrani.. 🙂
Indrani , you have explored Goa ! Churches, forts, beaches… :). I was surprised to see the tiger sculptures , good explanation. Thank you for sharing.
lovely shots! reminded me of my Goa trip!
Lots of religious structures had been built atop other religious structures…
Nice observation & pics, Indrani!
how nice!
As usual… your posts make simple things interesting. 🙂 very nice
Beautiful pictures Indrani.
Thank you for sharing your fabulous photos
Awesome photos , Thanks for sharing.
I love this old church.
I like it that you were able to take a few shots without being discovered. :)) Looks like the renovations are quite extensive in the last photo.
Very interesting photos!
Enjoy the weekend:-)
Hey i missed this as i was unwell on that day, thanks for sharing, feels like i didnt miss out that day.
Beautiful church.
Interesting how the church has been built on a temple ruin! Fabulous photos and you captured great views there.
Beautiful church!
Nicely shown church.
Superb..!
Another wonderful and very interesting post. It is a magnificent church.
The older the church, the more beautiful to me. Beautiful shots.
Hazel
This was closed when we went… good to see in pictures
beautiful church and paintings are lovely too.
Much appreciated to see these treasures, Indrani
ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>
Wonderful old church and great captures as always, Indrani!! Love the clear skies, too!! Hope you have a great weekend!!
how nice!
nice church…