Goa Temples
Beautiful Temples of Goa are worth a visit
Goa Temples
Most people have the misconception that Goa is largely Christian. Goa has a Hindu population comprising 65 percent, and its diversity shows up across various parts of the region, particularly the temple heartland of Ponda.
Amid the dense woodland and areca groves are brightly painted Hindu temples. Though quite far from the coastal resorts, these temples are worth a visit.
In their detailing and embellishments, some temples display Christian and Muslim architectural influence, making for a unique Goan blend. Some temples, influenced by St. Cajetan's Church, have octagonal drums, crowned by tapering copper domes. Artisans and craftsmen, who were building temples at that time, incorporated these various styles, giving rise to a unique style of Indo-Christian temples.
Shri Mangueshi Temple in Goa
This temple is dedicated to Manguesh, the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Manguesh is worshipped only in Goa. Before the Portuguese captured the state, the temple was located on the south side of the Zuari River. However, after their invasion, the image was brought to Priol and a new temple was constructed. The temple is located on a hillock, amidst hills that look lush and verdant even today.The temple is a perfect example of the mixed architectural styles partly influenced by the Christians and Muslims. The octagonal tower above the sanctum, the facade and the roof's balustrade design show the Christian influence. The domed roofs show a Muslim influence. At the entrance, a brightly coloured elephant on wheels welcomes you.
In the middle of the 18th century, the grounds of the temple were extended. During the temple festival, which generally takes place in the last week of January or the first week of February, the deities are taken out in a chariot in a procession. The chariot is kept on the right side of the temple is worth seeing.
Timings: 6am to 10pmLocation: In Priol, 22km away from Panaji.
Main Zatras: Manguirish Zatra in mid-February and Mahashivratri.
Sri Mahalsa Temple in Goa
This temple, located in Mardol village, is dedicated to Mohini, the female form of Vishnu. There was an ancient shrine in the Salcette taluka at the village of Verna where the deity was originally kept. Going by folklore, the building was so beautiful that the Portuguese priest, who was given the task of overseeing its destruction, requested that it be preserved and converted to a church. However, his request was turned down and the deity was smuggled to a safe place. However, the historical authenticity of the story remains to be verified.The temple site is pleasant and peaceful. There is an ornamented silver frame surrounding the doorway. It has huge impressive wooden pillars. What makes this temple exceptional is its 21-tiered deepmal (lamp tower) which is perched atop Kurma, the tortoise incarnation of Vishnu. The 12.5 metre-high brass oil lamp is believed to be the world's largest. It is lit during all major festivals and is beautiful.
Timings: 6am to 9pmLocation: In Mardol, and just 1km from the Mangueshi Temple.
Main Zatras: Its annual festival is held in February, Zaiyanchi Puja in August or September and Kojagiri Purnima in September.
Shri Laxmi Narasimha in Goa
Built in the 18th century and located in Ponda, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Laxmi. Like many others, the deities were also moved from the Old Conquests area in the 16th century.The landscape of the temple adds to its attraction. The paintings and carvings in the temple chowka, depicting Sri Narasimha Purana, are worth seeing.
There is a tank in the temple compound. Fringed with coconut palms, the ancient tank is worth seeing. Unfortunately, entry to the temple is restricted to believers and devotees. However, the priest sometimes allows non-believers to have a darshan (look). There is a palkhi (palanquin) of Sri Laxmi Narasimha that can be seen on every Shukla Chaturdashi.
Timings: 7am to 8:30pmLocation: Nagueshi in Velinga
Main Zatras: Manguirish Zatra in mid-February, Sri Ramanavami and Navaratri
Shantadurga Temple in Goa
Dedicated to Parvati, the goddess of peace, Shantadurga Temple was built in 1738 during the reign of Shahu Maharaja of Satara. Located in Kavlem, the temple is known as Santeri Temple among Goans. Sri Shantadurga is worshipped all over Goa and there are many temples dedicated to the deity. Legend has it that Shantadurga is the combination of two forms of Parvati - Shanta and Durga - the violent form is Durga and the peaceful form is Shanta.The temple is remarkably well decorated. The roof is made of stone slabs and there is a five-storey lamp inside the complex. The main shrine contains an image of goddess Shantadurga flanked by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple also has a huge tank, a Dipa Stambha and Agrashalas.
Timings: 7am to 9pm.Location: It is located in Kavlem. To reach there, you have to take the route along the NH4A from Velinga to Farmagudi, from there, take right till a T-point, then take left.
Main Zatras: An eight-day Zatra is celebrated every year in February. Navratri is also an important festival here.
Shri Naguesh Temple in Goa
Located in the village of Bandora, 4km east of Ponda, Naguesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Naguesh is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Built in 1413, the temple was renovated by King Shahu, grandson of Shivaji. The temple is one of the few that still retains its original site. It closely resembles the Shantadurga Temple.Scenes from Ramayana are carved in wood in the gallery of the main hall. There is a five-storey lamp tower decorated with nagas (snakes). The lower half of the tower has brightly painted deities. The temple also houses a century-old water tank, surrounded by palms and weathered stones.
In the inner shrines is a lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva, and in front of the shrine is an image of Nandi, the bull, carved in black stone. The temple's most important festival is Anguish Starap, celebrated in November.
Timings: 8.30am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 8.30pmLocation: Village of Bandora, which is 4km east of Ponda
Main Zatras: Eight-day Kartik Poornima, eight-day Chaitra Poornima and Mahashivratri.
Ramnath Temple in Goa
A short walk away from the Shantadurga Temple is the Ramnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Ramnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Also worshipped in the temple are deities of Laxmi Narayan, Santeri, Kamaxi, Siddhanath, Betal and Kal Bhairav. These shrines together are known as Sri Ramnath Panchyatan.The temple's lingam and the deity came from the village of Loutolim, in the Salcette taluka, in 1566. There is an unusual scene depicting kneeling devotees worshiping a lingam. A striking feature of the temple is a silver screen embossed with animal and floral motifs.
Timings: 5.30am to 10pmLocation: It is in Ponda taluka, 33km from Panaji, and 14km from Mapusa. It is near the Shantadurga Temple.
Main Zatras: Mahashivratri, Navratri and Dussehra.
Mahadev Temple in Goa
In the far east of Goa, is the oldest surviving Mahadev Temple. Located in Sanguem taluka, it was built in the 13th century. The temple dates back to the time of Kadamba dynasty. The intricate carvings on its pillars and walls are striking. The temple has a tower with the image of the Hindu trinity - Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma - carved on it.Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple's entrance faces east so that the sunrays at dawn fall directly on the deity. At the centre of the temple is the state of Nandi, Lord Shiva's mount. The Surla River flows near the temple and many devotees take a dip in it before entering the temple premises. The entrance has ten pillars and the ceiling is decorated with floral motifs.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Location: Near Mollem National Park in Sanguem, 73km from Panaji, and 40km from Ponda.
