The temple is uniquely located at the confluence of three rivers ” the Zuari, Mainapi and Uguem ” making it a spiritually significant place for devotees across Goa. The Shiva Lingam of Lord Shiva is situated at the centre of this sacred Sangam, which has been revered for generations.
Due to the tidal influence of the Arabian Sea through the Zuari River, the water level in the river rises and falls twice daily. During high tide, the rising river water naturally reaches the Shiva Lingam and performs a natural Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva. This rare phenomenon has been taking place for centuries, where nature itself performs the sacred ritual twice every day.
During low tide, when the water recedes, local devotees and priests perform various religious rituals at the Sangam. These include Abhishek, Aarti, distribution of Prasad and Asthi Visarjan (immersion of ashes) as part of final rites rituals. The Sangam has long been regarded as a sacred place where families perform the final rites of their loved ones.
Briefing media persons, Supraj Naik Tari, President of the Sangameshwar Devasthan Committee, expressed serious concern that the proposed bandhara could disturb the natural tidal flow of the river system.
He also warned that any obstruction to the tidal movement could affect the unique natural Abhishek and disrupt the traditional rituals performed by devotees during low tide.
Executive Member of the Devasthan Committee, Vinay Naik, highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the temple, stating that Shri Sangameshwar Devasthan is an important spiritual and heritage landmark of Goa with deep historical roots and religious traditions associated with the sacred confluence of the three rivers.
Members of the Sangameshwar Devasthan Committee along with villagers from nearby areas were also present at the news conference and expressed their support for protecting the religious and cultural heritage of the Sangam.
On behalf of the committee and local residents, President Supraj S. Naik Tari appealed to the government and authorities concerned to conduct a detailed environmental, hydrological and heritage impact assessment before proceeding with the bandhara project so that the centuries-old traditions and natural phenomenon associated with Shri Sangameshwar Devasthan are preserved.
