AS NEWS of Lata Mangeshkar’s death reached Mangeshi, a pall of gloom enveloped the tiny village in Ponda, Goa. The Mangeshkars hailed from Mangeshi and Lord Mangesh is their family deity.
Prasad Mangeshkar, a resident of the village, said the Mangeshkars lived close to the temple as Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar’s father was a priest. “Deenanath ji also worked in the temple for a few years before he left to pursue a career in music and theatre,” he said. “The Mangeshkar family has made our village famous across the globe.”
Mahesh Karande, a priest, said the family members regularly visit the temple. “Lata didi came to the temple last nearly a decade ago. But other family members visit regularly,” he said.
The picturesque village and the beautiful temple are around 20km from Panjim. The road leading to the temple is named after Deenanath. The family house does not exist anymore. There are a few relatives in the village, though.
Raju Nayak, editorial director of Gomantak newspaper, said Lata had contributed to the liberation of Goa. “Music composer Sudhir Phadke and Lata didi organised a concert for Goa liberation fund raising. The concert was in Pune and Lata didi was the main performer,” he said.
One of the famous songs in praise of Lord Mangesh is sung by Asha Bhosle, Lata’s younger sister. The Marathi song ‘Mage Ubha Mangesh, Pudhe Ubha Mangesh, Majhya Kade Dev Majha Pahato Aahe (Lord Mangesh is behind me and Lord Mangesh is in front of me, My Lord is blessing me through his eyes)’ is part of the album Mahananda.
All political parties immediately stopped election campaigns when the news of Lata’s death was announced, and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant rushed to Mumbai to pay respects.