Goa's Lost War Goddess: Gajagauri Unearthed

Evidence of a unique war goddess, Gajagauri, has been uncovered in ancient sculptures found in Goa. Researcher Rohit R Phalgaonkar identified these artifacts, noting that Gajagauri's worship has not been recorded elsewhere in India. The goddess is depicted seated on a lion, armed with weapons, and flanked by elephants in aggressive stances, distinguishing her from Gajalaxmi, who represents prosperity.

Phalgaonkar presented his findings, highlighting that Gajagauri symbolizes wealth acquired through warfare, unlike Gajalaxmi's association with general prosperity. Mentions of her during the traditional Musell khel performance and references to fortifications in ancient capitals like Chandor and Shiroda point to a history of conflict and control struggles in the region. A third sculpture found in Dharbandora shows a blend of Gajagauri and Gajalaxmi features.

Intriguingly, Gajagauri is not mentioned in ancient texts, suggesting she was a localized deity adapted to regional needs, similar to Sateri. This unique worship highlights a specific aspect of Goa's historical and cultural landscape, linked to a period of potential warfare and territorial disputes.