Then the church in Mapusa (I forget the name) occupies the place where a temple for Shantadurga once stood. The idols were locate just outside Mapusa. And, I have seen that one of the churches in the Old Goa complex has a deep-stumbh as part of its wall in the back.
But then all this is history, and I think that the Hindus in Goa have learnt to accept it, even as they will not forget that their temples were destroyed in the past.
I had raised this issue not in this context, but because of a statement posted on this list that the BJP in Goa is asking for the return of the destroyed sites. I had not heard of such statements, and I wanted to have a confirmation.
Gilbert's observation seem strange particularly considering what he has said about the establishment of the Office of the Holy Inquisition in Goa. In his message which came in the Goanet Digest along with the enclosed message he said: "Why are you or others being so defensive about sharing and backing your opinions or editorials with actual facts?"
If I have read Gilbert wrongly in the enclosed message, I would appreciate if he could clarify.
Sachin Phadte
From: "Gilbert Lawrence" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2004 20:47:16 -0500 Subject: [Goanet]Church built on Temple? Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sachin's question still stands on whether Catholic churches were built over Hindu Temples in Goa. It is very unfortunate that individuals who made the original statement and those who repeated it cannot (once again) back up their statements with specific examples or numbers.
Most religious leaders in their agitated and provoked state look down on another religion with scorn. Hence to build one's sacred place on top of a 'damned place' would be unusual. Logic would suggest the motive one religious establishment would be built on top of another religion's building would be in an over-crowded place like in the middle of a big city or on a prized possession like on top of an auspicious hill or an island. My guess in Goa including Goa Velha, there was plenty of land for the colonialist to build their buildings.
I have read reports of Hindu temples being destroyed during the colonial period. I have not read of any reports of churches being built on destroyed temples. In Goa where there are a limited number of churches and where the history of many of the churches are known, individuals who made the above statement should be able to back their statements with at least one example. I am not saying this event did not occur but logic would point to the contrary. Those who make the statements have the responsibility to prove their assertion. Or else it is one of those "off the cuff" Goan remarks.
Gilbert
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