Divar is one of the few places in Goa which has retained its architectural identity without being affected by the modern aesthetic trends of high-rise buildings, retaining a sublime old world charm!
A colourful history, the fascinating diversity of people, their moral and spiritual fibre and the unbelievable tolerance towards each other’s views, their unquestioning acceptance of age old beliefs and superstitions and the inflexible views of right and wrong – all these and other traits make this island a delightfully unique abode of peace, joy and warmth.
The island comprises of four villages – Navelim, Goltim, Naroa and Malar (also called Sao Matias).
Navelim
The village of Navelim once hosted the temple of Ganesha up on the hill, some ruins of which are still visible. Legend goes that the idol was relocated to the village of Khandola near Marcel. It is also widely believed that the foundation of the temple of Mahadevaat Tambdi Surea, Sanguem in Goa hails from Navelim.
Navelim also houses the Church of Our Lady of Compassion.
Goltim
It is widely believed that Goltim was once home to the temples of Khaprideva, Gram Purusha, Ravalnath and Santevi. The temple of Ravalnath was constructed during the 19th century by the Gaunkars of the same village. This deity is stated to have been transferred to the temple of Naroa of Bicholim.
Also located in the village is the majestic Our Lady of Piety Church, believed to be the first Christian structure in Divar. It boasts of a pleasing New Roman style architecture with baroque features. On the front walls of the church are portraits of Goan men who went from Goa to Jaffna in Srilanka for missionary work.
Next to the church is a graveyard. It is widely believed that the graveyard Graveyard was once the Ganesh temple. One can see a temple arch inside the graveyard, which was a part of the Garhbhgriha. One can also see the ruins of some structures belonging to the Kadamba era towards the south of the Church.
Just opposite the Church is a promenade that boasts of some brilliant views.
Shree Shakti Vinayak Devasthan, a simple yet beautiful structures situated just before the Our Lady of Piety Church, also offers lovely views of Mandovi and the island.
Naroa
The village of Naroa, located on the eastern tip of the Island, has a population of barely a thousand people, with less than 100 houses dotting the tiny village. The village is home to Porne Tirth, meaning an old pilgrimage place. This was the original site of Saptakoteshwar Temple, the Kul Devta or family deity of Kadamba kings. Built in 10-12th CE, the temple was first destroyed in 14th CE by the Bahmani kings who followed Islam. It was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings by the end of 14th CE. In 1540 CE, the Portuguese completely destroyed the temple. Now, it is an archaeological site.
A few yards walk from the Porne Tirth is located the small temple of Hatkeshwar Mahadev standing on an edge of the river. Next to the temple is an unused cremation ground. The cremation ground was relocated across the river. Here, once a year a Jatra, the festival of ghosts is held.
Built in 1563, the Chapel of Our Lady of Candelaria, dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Candelaria, is located in this village.
To the North of the Our Lady of Candelaria Chapel is a huge rectangular depression which could possibly have been, at one time, the temple lake.
The ruins of Naroa Fort are evident in the northern part of the village. The fort was erected in the year 1710 under the guidance of Diogo Da Silveira. However, it was abandoned in the year 1834. The black-textured outer walls of the fort are around 15 feet in height. However, the monument inside the fort is tinted in pure white, which further provides a scenic view of the fort from far for tourists.
Not far from the site are small caves believed to be the Jain caves.
Malar
Malar is the most picturesque village of the island. According to legend, the original inhabitants of this island were people who once lived in Old Goa. They had to abandon Old Goa during a disastrous pestilence and relocate to the safety of the island.
The village of Malar houses a small temple to the deity Bhauka Devi which was constructed some years before 1961. It once also housed the original temples of Gram Purusha Narayan, Bhalrav, Ravinath and several others.
St. Mathias Church, dedicated to St. Mathias, located in Malar is around 400 years old. The village Malar, derives its name from it. The Church has alluring architecture and is also quite well known for its artistic graves. Due to the lack of space in those times, graves were built in walls. This system is still visible in other Churches in Divar too.
