# Lairai Devi Temple

The Lairai Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Shirgaon, North Goa, India. It is dedicated to Lairai Devi, a significant deity within the regional folklore of the Seven Sisters and a Brother of Goa.
The temple is notable for its architectural synthesis of Nagara and Dravidian styles and its annual festival, the Shirgao Zatra, which features a fire-walking ritual.

## Architecture and iconography

The temple's architecture exhibits a confluence of Nagara and Dravidian influences, evident in its structural elements and decorative motifs. The exterior is characterized by its yellow and saffron coloration. Within the sanctum sanctorum, Lairai Devi is venerated in the form of a Kalash (sacred pot), symbolizing the Trigunatmaka Adishakti, the primordial, unmanifested energy from which creation is believed to originate. This representation emphasizes the deity's role as a source of life and cosmic power.
A historical painting, estimated to be approximately 240 years old, depicting Lairai Devi within a Kalash and adorned in a green sari, is preserved on the temple walls. The stylistic attributes of this artwork bear resemblance to the later works of Raja Ravi Varma, though it predates his period, suggesting potential shared artistic conventions.

## Shirgao Zatra

The Shirgao Zatra, held annually in early May, is the temple's principal festival. Thousands of devotees gather to participate in rituals and devotional observances dedicated to Lairai Devi.
The culmination of the Jatra is the fire-walking ritual. Commencing late at night, devotees engage in a ritualistic dance within the temple precincts. The dance, performed in a circular formation to percussive rhythms and the clashing of ritual sticks, intensifies as midnight approaches. Subsequently, a bonfire is ignited near the temple.
In the early morning, devotees undertake a procession across the embers of the extinguished bonfire, chanting the deity's name. This ritual is interpreted as a reenactment of Lairai Devi's legendary penance involving fire.
The festival is also symbolic of communal harmony, with Christian devotees also paying their respects to the goddess.

## Legend of the Seven Sisters and a Brother

The Lairai Devi Temple is central to the narrative cycle of the Seven Sisters and a Brother of Goa, a foundational element of Goan folklore. According to the tradition, seven sisters and their brother arrived in Goa and established settlements near Mayem village. The legend recounts the events that led to the sisters establishing individual places of worship, including Lairai's penance in Shirgaon.
The sisters are venerated at the following locations:
* Lairai – Shirgao
* Kelbai – Mulgaon
* Mahamaya (Maya-Kelbai) – Mayem
* Morjai – Morjim
* Mirabai (Mirabalis) – Mapusa
* Ajidipa – Anjidipa Island (no extant temple)
* Shitalai – Traditionally believed to have entered Pataal (no temple)
Their brother, Khetoba, is venerated in Vainguinim village. A laterite stone sculpture depicting the elephant that transported the siblings is located near the Mahamaya temple in Mayem.

## Ritual practices and cultural significance

Worship at the Lairai Devi Temple centers on the Kalash, representing the deity's divine essence. The Shirgao Zatra features the fire-walking ritual, a practice of spiritual significance.
The village of Shirgaon maintains traditional customs.
The temple also showcases the traditional Goan mural art form known as Kaavi art.