The village of Verna features a predominantly hilly landscape interspersed with low-lying plains. Although it lacks dense forests, the slopes are dotted with wild growths of teak, cashew, and other trees. Spanning an area of about 1,490 hectares, Verna has a population of roughly 9,400 residents.
Traditionally an agricultural settlement, farming—particularly paddy cultivation—remains a common activity despite many villagers now being employed in the private and public sectors. Pottery, the village’s traditional craft, still survives in about half a dozen households. Artisans here skillfully create kitchenware, vases, flower pots, and lavani (used in distilleries) using locally sourced clay. The process involves shaping the clay on a chak (wheel) and refining it with a patnem (wooden bat).
Besides pottery, Verna also supports a variety of small-scale occupations such as poultry farming, tailoring, rice and flour milling, and the manufacture of iron grills, furniture, and cement blocks—reflecting the village’s blend of tradition and modern enterprise.
Verna is a predominantly Catholic village, home to a small Hindu community and a handful of Muslim families. A large section of its Christian population belongs to the Gauda community. According to Oriente Conquistado, during the tenure of the Portuguese Governor Diogo Lopes de Sequeira, the Portuguese entered Salcete through Madol in 1519. The first Mass in Salcete was celebrated that same year in Verna, an event commemorated by a simple white cross that still stands adjacent to the church.
Historical records note that the Jesuits built the first church in Verna in 1568—a humble structure of mud walls and a thatched roof—dedicated to the Holy Cross. The present Igreja de Santa Cruz, constructed in 1812 in the ward of Provoação, stands as a graceful monument of faith. Its whitewashed façade and spacious open yard lend it a quiet grandeur. The church square, often alive with the sounds of football, serves as a vibrant community space.
In addition to liturgical feasts such as Christmas and Easter, the feasts of St Michael and Our Lady of Guia are among the most cherished celebrations in the village. The parish also tends to two chapels: Our Lady of Necessities at Senaulim and Our Lady of Lume at Mongrupoim—each a testament to the enduring devotion and spiritual heritage of Verna.
Embraced by history, the temple of Goddess Mahalasa Narayani (Kalimata) on the Mardol plateau of Verna whispers timeless tales of faith and heritage, inviting devotees on a spiritual journey through Goa’s rich cultural landscape. The temple, nestled on the plateau of Verna in Salcete taluka, is believed to have existed since ancient times—long before the advent of Portuguese rule in the region. Close to the shrine lies an eight-foot-long laterite image of the Mother Goddess. This sacred image was originally located near the ancient temple of Mahadev on the banks of the River Selaulim, which was relocated to Verna when the village of Selaulim was submerged during the construction of the dam.
Mythological references to the Goddess Mahalasa are found in the Skanda Purana—the largest of all Puranas—believed to have been composed between the 7th and 9th centuries CE. Two chapters, Varunapur Mahatmya, recount the legend of Shri Mahalasa of Varyenapur, linking her divine presence to this sacred land.
According to local folklore, many centuries ago, Devi Mahalasa journeyed to Goa and chose to reside in Veranyapura, known today as Verna. Upon her arrival, the villagers informed her of the scarcity of water. Moved by their plight, the Goddess pressed her toe into the earth, and from that spot, a spring of pure, flowing water emerged. This sacred source came to be known as Nupur Tirth, Nupur referring to the toe ring worn by the Goddess. Another legend connects this hallowed site to Lord Parashurama, further enriching Verna’s spiritual tapestry with divine grace and mythic depth.
The River Sal, often hailed as the lifeline of Salcete, originates from the Uddear spring in Verna. One of the village’s main attractions is the picturesque Vernechem Tollem, a serene waterbody nestled between the wards of Ambulor and Poriebhat. Another notable feature is the tranquil pond at Mardol, adding to Verna’s natural charm.
Verna is home to some of Goa’s prominent educational institutions, including the Agnel Technical Education Complex and the Padre Conceição College of Engineering, which stand as symbols of learning and progress. The village is home to several natural springs, many famed for their medicinal qualities, including Kesarval Spring near the Verna Cliffs, Senaulim Spring, Udear Spring, and others. The Portuguese, captivated by its refreshing landscape and abundance of cool, clear waters, aptly referred to Verna as Terra de Frescura—the Land of Coolness.
Adding to its charm, Verna showcases the distinctive Indo-Portuguese architecture typical of Salcete. Whether tucked away amid teak groves in the village’s heart or lining the main roads, these elegantly designed homes—graced with arches, balconies, and pastel façades—never fail to captivate the eye.
Verna has produced notable talents in arts and social service. Miguel Santana Dourado excelled in Konkani theatre as a singer, composer, and actor. Ulhas Tari, a tiatrist has greatly contributed to Konkani theatre and received the Yuva Srujan Puraskar in 2013 for his creativity. Calado de Verna, a modern tiatrist, is known for contemporary Konkani plays that blend tradition with modern themes, often addressing social issues and performed during the Lenten season. Liane da Gama, through her vocational centre Atmavishwas, has significantly empowered Goa’s young adults with disabilities.
