About Divar Island
Divar Island is a river island located in the Mandovi River in North Goa, approximately 10 km upriver from Panjim. Historically known as Piedade or Devawadi, it was once a significant Hindu pilgrimage site hosting ancient temples like Saptakoteshwar before Portuguese conquest in the 16th century. Today, it features Indo-Portuguese heritage homes, historic churches such as Our Lady of Compassion, archaeological ruins, and traditional villages including Piedade, Malar, and Naroa, accessible only by ferry.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a tranquil rural environment characterized by paddy fields, mangroves, and narrow roads best explored by bicycle or two-wheeler. The island offers cultural exploration opportunities including the Church of Our Lady of Compassion on a hillock with panoramic river views, the archaeological site of Porne Tirth with 108 carved niches, and remnants of the ancient Saptakoteshwar temple. Access is exclusively via government-operated ferries from Ribandar, Old Goa, or Naroa, providing a distinct transition from urban Goa to traditional village life.
Key highlights
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Accessible only by ferry across the Mandovi River
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Church of Our Lady of Compassion with panoramic views
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Porne Tirth archaeological site with 108 carved niches
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Ruins of ancient Saptakoteshwar Temple
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Traditional Indo-Portuguese heritage homes
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Bonderam Festival celebrated in August
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Historic sluice gates demonstrating traditional water management
History of Divar Island
Originally known as Devawadi (home of Gods), Divar was a major Hindu pilgrimage center housing the Saptakoteshwar Temple, patron deity of the Kadamba dynasty, constructed in the 12th century. The temple was destroyed by Bahmani kings in the 14th century, rebuilt by Vijayanagara rulers, and finally destroyed by the Portuguese in 1540 CE. It was among the first places in Goa where Portuguese established control and initiated Christian conversions in the mid-16th century.
Culture & Context
The island hosts the Bonderam Festival on the fourth Saturday of August, commemorating local protests against Portuguese land dispute resolution systems using flags. It also celebrates Potekar festival before Lent with traditional masks and costumes. Divar has been home to notable Goan figures including Dom Matheus de Castro, the first Indian Catholic Bishop, and renowned musicians like Anibal Castro. The island maintains distinct communidade traditions and Luso-Indian cultural heritage.