Hindu & Catholic Influence

Like so many seaports on this planet, Portugal brought Catholicism to Goa. But this is India, so the influence of Hinduism is prevalent, too.

In the first photo, the trident and crescent moon means this statue is somehow related to the Hindu god, Shiva. Beyond that, I don’t know.

The swastika you see in the next photo has absolutely nothing to do with Nazism. For millennia, this has been a spiritual symbol in this Hindu religion. It represents the sun and is believed to bring good luck. (Here, it is being used as a decorative element on someone’s patio.)

We passed several roadside altars that reflect the Catholic influence in Goa. I’ve shared a couple here.

And lastly, even though photography was forbidden in the Cathedral of Bom Jesus, I really had to show you the bloodiest crucifix I’ve ever seen!

I also thought the saint wearing a typical marigold garland, an item used by Hindis and Catholics alike, was a good way to sum up the mix of beliefs here.Læs mere