Bicholim: The ‘zar’ or natural waterbody located at Kasarpal, attached to Shree Mahamaya Kalika Sansthan in Bicholim taluka, is turning out to be a boon for the village. The water not only holds devotional value for the locals, but provides water through the year to the entire village, especially helping cater to their needs during summer months.The waterbody is also known as ‘Bhagirathi tirtha’ and attracts thousands of devotees for not just religious purposes, but because the water is believed to be medicinal by them.Pinak Chodankar, a temple committeemember, said that ‘ganga poojan’ is performed here on Bhivari celebration, a day before Gudi Padwa. He said the devasthan is taking due care to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of this natural waterbody as it provides water throughout the year.“This water has several medicinal values and hence the devotees visiting Zarikade consume this water directly, ” said Sudesh Nagvekar, another devasthan member.This natural waterbody situated in the vicinity of the temple is visited by hundreds of devotees during Shishirotsav celebration.“The water from this spring is brought in the form of teertha and sprinkled in the temple. The anointing of goddess Kalika is done through the same water,” said Deepak Shirodkar, temple president.
