PANJIM, JAN 7
Shri Sai Seva Dham temple dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi located at Canca, Mapusa has an interesting history. The first stirrings of construction of the temple date back to some time in 1980 when few people moving around in hilly area experienced divine feelings and subsequently a small stone located on the top of the hill was located as source of such feelings.
Few people started worship of Shri Sai Baba on this spot and later, a small structure was built there and later in 1988 it was decided to construct a shrine on the hill rock at Canca, Mapusa. Gradually a small hut was constructed and a photo frame of Sri Sai Baba was installed there and regular worship was conducted, according to a press release issued here.
The 1992 the devotees of Sai Baba were inspired to construct a spacious and majestic temple of Shri Sai Baba at the holy spot. The foundation stone was laid down on April 21, 1992 by his Holiness OM Chaitanya Shri Gagangiri Maharaj of Gaganbawda. Despite paucity of necessary funds temple was completed in the year 2002 and the idol of Shri Sai Baba was installed in April 2003. The idol is made of white Makrana Marble of size similar to that of Shirdi Sai Baba.
Today devotees visiting and attending the religious rituals from different parts of Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, and other places state that Prati Shirdi (Atmosphere Similar-to that of Shirdi) and sanctity is created in Canca, Mapusa temple dedicated to Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi.
The trust has also constructed Dwarka Mai building adjacent to the temple where in the idol of Shri Ganesh is installed. The annual programmes/festivals celebrated here are: Anniversary day (Prati sthapana) of Shri Sai Baba and Shri Ganesh on chaitra shudha Astarni, Ramnavami Utsava, Guru Pumima, Shravani Guruwars(Thusdays), Dussera and Palaki utsava with procession through Mapusa City.