Three Kings Chapel | Goa Haunted Church
The “Three Kings Chapel” is a lonely chapel located atop a hill in Cansaulim Cuelim in the South of Goa. The villagers have often confirmed that the chapel is a haunted place. It seems the spirits wander around the chapel.
The story goes like this:
This chapel was built during the Portuguese reign in the year 1599 by Fr. Gonzalo Carvalho S.J. It was governed by three kings along with Fr. Gonzalo he had two assistants namely, Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Francis D’Souza, and Deacon, Mr. Joseph Fernandes.
Now, let me explain their respective roles in detail: The Parish Priest is the head of the parish and is responsible for the overall spiritual and administrative well-being of the parish. The Assistant Parish Priest assists the Parish Priest in his duties and responsibilities. The Deacon is a lay minister who assists the priest in liturgical celebrations and other parish activities.
Moreover, the church is always known as the most haunted place because it seems 3 kings once ruled the land. Greed for power, one of them poisoned and killed the other two.
This made his people very angry who turned against the king. Unhappy by his deeds the king committed suicide by consuming poison. It has been said the bodies of these 3 kings are buried under the church. hence their spirits roam around the church. The story goes that their spirits still roam the place, quietly governing and protecting the kingdom.
Well, the ghost story runs for ages and still does. The real fact is, that visitors are always in doubt about whether to enter the place or not.
The Three Kings Chapel | A Haunted History and Festive Celebration
This chapel is dedicated to the biblical three wise men who visited Baby Jesus in the manger after his birth and presented him with gifts. The Wisemen statue is kept inside the church which is said to be over 500 years old. The church is beautiful with ancient architecture, it is a popular place for prayer and reflection.
The chapel celebrates the three kings’ feast with great pomp every year on January 6th to mark the end of the Christmas Season. Three young boys are selected to play the role of the three wise men.
The village heads select three boys for the role of three kings. Firstly, after selection their names are registered with the local Panchayat, the local Panchayat Sarpanch along with the Panch heads will do the final selection. Only local village boys are selected, outsiders are not allowed.
Also Read: Haunted Place of Goa | Camurlim – North Goa
The boys or the three kings are gathered at three different locations, hence they follow different paths or roads to reach the chapel compound. It has been said that the ceremonial activities are supposed to end before sunset or before 6 p.m. out of fear of so-called ghosts.
However, the village people celebrate weekly Sunday mass inside the chapel. They ensure that the chapel is locked before 6 pm
Therefore, whoever visits this church is told to vacate the place before sunset.
Moreover, the place gives a scenic view from the top. This church is surrounded by a forest from all sides with houses around. So, a wonderful panoramic view from the top of Three Kings Church.
Conclusion:
There have been numerous claims about the mysterious sounds, feelings and visions which people visiting the chapel have observed after 6 p.m. People who have walked around have claimed to have experienced a strong presence of sorts. But until now, no harm to anyone has been claimed by anyone
I visited this place and stayed just before 6 pm, as I was leaving I saw two lovers sitting in a romantic mood. I had no idea until what time they were there.
Also Read: The Mystery Of Three Kings Church