Early morning drives through rural Goa are among life’s great pleasures. Goan villages have a unique physical and aesthetic appeal. The template is more or less the same: life is anchored around the local temple or the church, a key village institution for matters spiritual as well as social. Then there is the village ‘tinto’ – a hive of activity dotted with a tavern, cafe, barber shop, store, and local gossips. This languid, bucolic world is now fast fading in the face of ‘development’ and out-of-control influx invasion from the rest of India.
At the end of a crepuscular photo excursion earlier this year, I stopped by the old temple of Ravalnath in the village of Mulgaon (Moolgaon). A lone figure in the courtyard greeted me, an elderly widow named Jayashree Gaonkar. When I inquired after her, she replied that hers’ had been a hard life but that she is now glad to have the opportunity to “sweep the courtyard for my God every morning.”
Jayashreebai Gaonkar
5D, 85L II
Temple courtyard
5D, 24-105L
Ravalnath at Moolgaon, Goa
5D, 85L II
Great pictures , Do you have photograph of Devi Mahalaxmi who’s temple is adjoining to Shree Rawalnath Moolgaon pls?
Great pics Rajan and wonderful description to go with it,Goan villages are indeed so beautiful and enchanting and your pics do full justice.
Dear Rajan
Strangely stirring. An almost superstitious feeling of awe. If this is indeed the murti worshipped by my forefathers that I am priveleged to have seen it, thanks to your lens. Unbelieveable.
Xanno Moidecar
I know this lady personnaly. I meet her when ever I go vacation not only this there was one more lady of same age who was sweeping for her god. her name called PERU BAI(PERTHE) she already passed away now.I would like to apreciate the photography that u have done thanks for that u rembered my village days with her.
Great descriptions and photos.
Excellent photography. Fitting description of Goan life at dawn.
Jayashree : A portrait of simplicity and humility. It touched me.
Excellent high-resolution portrait photo of Jayashree. Every minute detail is visible in vibrant colours. Keep it up Rajan, you are doing a wonderful job for all of us Goanetters!
What a lovely picture could be my grandmother
Does the Goa Govt.helps her out in anyway?
Look at Goa football team each gets 1lakh
for winning Santosh trophy.
Lovely pics. jayshree looks great !!
Salt of the Goan earth. Neither the Portuguese nor the Indians bettered her life.
Rajan, Good presentation of goan senior citizen.