GOA, INDIA, November 3, 2003: In a function attended by prominent members of the RSS and VHP in Goa, Governor Kidar Nath Sahani said the reconstruction of temples destroyed by Portuguese colonizers in Goa was a matter of “national identity and heritage”. He said getting funds for the purpose would be no problem. An official government communique quotes Mr Sahani as having said, “The reconstruction of temples demolished by the Portuguese and erstwhile regimes has great importance in the nation-building and in bringing about national awakening among the people.” “People from all faiths should come together and extend cooperation in this mammoth task as it involves issues of national identity and heritage.” The governor’s comments on Friday, were made at the site of the Shree Mahalsa temple in Verna, where the demolished temple is being rebuilt. Four smaller temples, Shree Sateri, Ganesh, Mahalaxmi and Nagadevata are also to be constructed.The reconstruction will cost US$1,000,000. The government communique said that the old temple was demolished by the Portuguese in 1567. Goa was colonized by the proselytizing Portuguese in 1510 and liberated only 451 years later in 1961. Hundreds of temples were razed by the colonial power. At the same time the Portuguese destroyed temples across Sri Lanka, including the famed Nallur Temple of Jaffna.
