From Chorla to Shirgao, Lairai’s journey shapes Goa’s faith

Keri: The folk goddess Lairai and her seven siblings have long enriched Goa’s socio-religious life, though few are aware that they are believed to have migrated from the Chorla Ghat region in Karnataka. Sateri is the presiding deity of Shirgao in Bicholim, where goddess Lairai holds a place of immense socio-cultural and religious importance not only in the village but across Goa and beyond.

According to mythology, Lairai and her seven siblings travelled from Chorla Ghat on the back of the Airavat elephant, reaching Morle and then entering Maulingem in Bicholim via Girode.

Sagar Parwar from Maulinge told TOI, “At the entrance of our village via Kudchire from Maharashtra, there is a sacred tank where Lairai and her siblings took refuge before proceeding to Bicholim. When they approached Shantadurga, the presiding deity of Bicholim town, she directed them to go to Vandyar in Mayem. The elephant on which they travelled breathed its last at Vandyar, where a laterite-carved sculpture of the elephant has since become a sacred shrine.”

At Kelbaiwada in Mayem, devotees established the Kelbai temple, while a nearby shrine is dedicated to Shitaladevi. Mulgao has the temple of Kelbai (Mhamai), Morjim houses the Morjai temple, and Our Lady of Milagres in Mapusa is believed to be Mirabai. Ajadeepa’s temple is said to have been located on Anjadiv island in Canacona, while Lairai is worshipped in Shirgao. Their only brother, Khetoba, has a temple at Vaiguinim in Bicholim.

Sarojini Gaonkar, a folklorist from Sanquelim, told TOI, “Today, these seven sisters and their brother command respect and honour across Goa and beyond as benevolent deities, blessing devotees with peace, prosperity and happiness in their lives and livelihoods.”

Shubhda Chari, a folk researcher from Sal in Bicholim, said, “As per prevailing folk tradition, Lairai and her siblings migrated from the Chorla Ghat region and have played a significant role in enriching the cultural and socio-religious life of Goans from the pre-Portuguese period to this day. At present, tribal and non-tribal devotees, setting aside their differences, participate in religious and cultural practices leading up to the annual fair on April 21, which attracts one of the largest gatherings of devotees.”