Temples of Goa

Temples of Goa are also known as Deul or Sausthan. These temples are mainly known for their unique architecture, which is a mixture of Nagari, Islamic and Portuguese architecture. The original Hindu temples of Goa were demolished by the Portuguese who shifted the original deities to new places. Usually the temples are divided into five sections which include Sabhamantapa, Antarala, Chowk, Garbhagriha and Sarvalli or Pradakshina Marg. While all the original temples were destroyed by the Portuguese, the temples which exist at present exhibit the Islamic, Nagari and Portuguese architecture. These temples look like either a church or a mosque or simply like a palace instead of usual Hindu temples.

A number of temples laces North Goa whilst enhancing the distinct feel of the place. Each of the temples with their rich heritage whispers the sighs of history. The sound of the holy bell, the very pulse of piousness that each of the temples provide makes North Goa a place to unwind. The important temples of North Goa are as follows:

Shanta Durga Temple Complex
The large Complex of Shri Shantadurga Temple is situated about 33 km (21 mi) from Panaji at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda taluka. Shantadurga, the Kuldevi or family deity of many Goud Saraswat Brahmans is worshipped in this temple. This temple was established in the 16th century. Major festivals celebrated in this temple are Magh Shuddha Panchmi (Jatrautsav) and Navaratri.

Shree Bhagavati temple, North Goa: This temple is located at 28 km from Panaji in Pernem Taluka. The temple is situated by the side of the main road. Another temple of Shree Bhagavati is situated at a distance of 7 kms from Pernem in Pernem Taluka. The total complex has five temples.

Shri Brahma Temple: This temple is placed at 7 kms. from Valpoi, which is in the village of Brahma Carambolim. This shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. It is one of the few important temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India.

Shree Chandranath : This temple is 45 kms away from the district headquarters. Shri Chandranath Temple is located on top of the Chandranath Hill. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also called Bhuthnath or Chandreshwar. Lord Chandreshwar is known to be the "Kul-Dev" (ancestral God) of Bhoja dynasty, which ruled south Goa till the middle of 8th century. This temple is known by the other name of Chandreshwar Temple.

Shree Damodar: This is placed at 22 kms. from Margao at Zambaulim-Sanguem. This is situated in picturesque surroundings on the banks of river Kushavati, popularly known as Panti. The river near the temple is regarded as holy and is said to have medicinal properties. The Hindus and Christians alike worship the deity. A weeklong celebration of Shigmo is done and it is always packed with programmes that include a colourful fair, exchange of gulal, collective meals and presentation of shows on popular legends and folk culture. The deity was originally in Margao.

Shree Datta Mandir: This temple is 37 km away located at Dattawadi, Sanquelim and 40 km from Margao. The century old temple of trimurthy or Hindu has an environment of a beautiful hillock covered with dense groves of areca palms. The most important festival, which is attended by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta Jayanti, which falls in the month of December. The deity is believed to have cured many people of unsound mind. The entire interior consists of white marble, which has a divine look.

Shree Devi Sharvani: Vithal Maharudra Panchayatan is the complex which is comprised of temples of Jagrut Swayambhu Goddess Sharvani, Mahadev and vetal with his life-size image of stone and other deities. It is situated in scenic surroundings at Advolpal in North Goa. This is 2.5 km from Assonora on Pirna main road. The Goddess worshipped at this temple is known for fulfilling the vows of her devotees through Kaul Prasad who also perform Tulbhar to propitiate her. Thousands of devotees throng on vardhapan day. Divja Zatra day and annual Zatra day in November-December is celebrated. At that time procession of Goddess is taken out in decorated chariot.

Shree Devkikrishna-Ravalnath: This temple is situated at 17 km. at Marcela, Ponda. This is popularly known as Pisso Ravalnath. The most important festival celebrated here is "Malni Pournima." This is mainly observed in the month of Pausa or January.

Shree Gomanteshwar Devasthan Brahmapur: It is situated near Ela farm at Old Goa. Mahadev was worshipped during the days of Kadamba Kingdom in Goa. Some of the places still remind the glory of the district. Madan Tirtha Goraksha Math, etc. are one such to be mentioned.

Shree Gomantak Tirupati Balaji Padmavati Temple: Jagadguru Shree Sanucharya Swamigal of Shree Kanchi in kamakoti Peetam and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is located in the temple Circuit of Ponda Taluka. This is 1 km away from Kundaim on NH 4A. Placed at Kunkuliem village in salubrious environment this temple is very beautiful and a visit to this place is spiritually refreshing.

Shree Gopal Ganapati: The stone image of Gopal Ganapati was discovered by herdsmen while grazing cattle near the hill and later installed in a small memorial with a thatched roof. The temple built by late Shri Dayanand Bandodkar, who was the first Chief Minister of Goa had the idol, made of metal alloy, consecrated on April 24, 1966.

Shree Kalikadevi: This is placed at 14 kms distance from Mapusa at Kansarpal. It is said to be about hundred years old. This temple is divided into outer halls and is supported with seven rows of four pillars. It has a stage to perform dramas on festive occasion. The inner side of the temple contains the reserved image of Goddess `Kali` a fierce form of Devi. Agrashalas or Rest House surrounding the temple provides facilities for lodging to the devotees. Thus there are all facilities available for the tourists.

Shree Kamakshi Saunsthan Shiroda: This temple is placed at the distance of 40 kms away from Panaji. According to mythology, Shri Kamakshi, was brought from Kaurang or Kanchi.

Shree Lairai Temple: The temple of Shree Lairai is situated at Sirigao, which is about 2 kms. from Panaji-Valpoi Highway. This temple is unique in North Goa, the combination of northern and southern art and design of temples have been applied in constructing the temple. It is one of the important attractions to the tourists on religious visits. Shree Lairai Saunsthan of Sirigao, Goa is one of the oldest and most famous Devasthans in Goa. The deity Lairai is famous all over Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, for her unique "HOMAKUND". Every year thousands of devotees attend annual feast of this deity to witness the walking of "DHOND" through sacred fire called "HOMAKUND".

Temple of Shree Mahadev at Tambdi Surla: This is placed at 66 Kms. from Panaji in Sanguem Taluka at the foot of the Ghats. This is the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture, which is preserved and available in Goa. This is made of besalt stone on 13th century. A motorable road connects Sancordem to this temple complex.

Shree Mahadeo Bhumika at Sal, Bicholim: This temple is situated at a distance of 25 Kms from Mapusa. The temple complex has beautiful natural surroundings. The three-day festival of `Gades` that begins on Phalgun Purnima draws big crowds. The devotees believe that people can have the darshan of `Devchars` during the Gade festival.

Shree Maha Ganapati temple: This temple is located at Madel in Tivim Village Panchayat area of Bardez in North Goa. On the northern side of this temple there is a backdrop of a high peaked hill. To the south there is a small rivulet whose waters used by the people for bathing are believed to be medicinal. To the West the land slopes away and a meandering pathway used by the villagers can be seen. To the East there are the picturesque houses of the villagers. During the month of August i.e. Shravan the temple is being illuminated and beautifully decorated. Some Singing Competitions are also being organized at that place.

Shri Mahalsa : This temple bedecks a place called Mardol in Ponda. This temple is devoted to Goddess Mahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The noteworthy aspect of this temple is the six-storied ornamental lamp pillar called "deepstambha". This stambha has a height of about 40 feet and has 21 rings of 150 small lamps. Jatra, Jaiyanchi Puja and Kojagiri Pornima are the festivals celebrated in this temple. Main festivals that are celebrated at this temple are Zatra in February and Navaratra as well. 

Shree Mahalaxmi: This temple is situated in the village of Bandode. The distance is about 4 kms from Ponda. It is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. The Sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect. This is considered as one of the few galleries of wooden images of Vishnu in India. The image of Mahalakshmi has a close resemblance to that of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, the main center of worship. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and is considered a peaceful or Satvik form of the Devi. The early Kadamba Kings as well as Shilahara rulers worshiped the Goddess Mahalakshmi at the time of 750 - 1030 A.D.

Shri Mallikarjun Temple : It exists in Shristhal village in Canacona taluka of South Goa. It is believed that Lord Shiva united with Goddess Parvati after a long period of separation where this temple is situated. Devotees visit this temple to worship Lord Mallikarjun, who is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Shiva.This is located at 40 kms from Margao at Canacona, which is the southernmost Taluka of Goa. Ancestors of the Kshatriya Samaj construct it during the middle of 16th Century. It was renovated in the year 1778. The temple has massive wooden pillars with intricate carvings. There are 60 deities around the temple; Rathasaptami in February and Shigmotsav in March-April are the festivals, which draw large crowds every year.

Shree Manguesh: This temple is placed at a distance of 22 kms from Panaji that is 26 kms away from Margao. This is at Priol-Ponda Taluka. It is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills. Though small it has an air of distinctive elegance. At the entrance its lofty white tower is a landmark of the countryside. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Shree Morjee Temple of Morjim: This temple is situated at Morjim in Pernem Taluka. This ancient historical temple complex is situated amidst natural surroundings. The main festival that is celebrated here is "Kalas Utsav" which is organized once in every three, five, seven or nine years. The duration of the festival is nearly a month beginning from Phalgun Shuddha Pachami. The concluding seven days is a big religious and cultural affair when people not only from Goa but also from Sindhudurg to Karwar assemble in large number. Other important festivals of this place can be mentioned are Gudi Padwa, Dussehra, annual Zatra, "divzam" and ghodemodni.

Shree Naguesh: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva that is situated in the village of Bandora. This temple is placed at about 4 kms to the east of Ponda. The temple Sabhamandap has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimen of intricate woodcarvings. These are of the event of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva on the other side as well.

Shree Navdurga Saunsthan: This temple is situated at 34 kms from Panaji at Borim. Borim is placed at the distance of 12 kms from Margao. Brahmins of Karad originally brought the deity of Goddess Navdurga to Goa. The deity was later transferred from Benaulim in Salcete to its present site at Borim.

Shree Navdurga at Madkai: This temple is situated at 28 kms from Panaji. The annual function is celebrated in the form of zatra in the month of November. The audience enjoys the festival very much.

Shree Ramnath: this temple is 33 kms away from Panaji in Ponda Taluka. Besides the place of worship of the main Ramnath deity it has four small temples of Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Shantadurga or Sateri, Shri Betal and Shri Sidhanath. Thus in this way the five together, constitute Shri Ramnath Panchayatan. The legend in mythology says that Rameshwar is the original abode of Lord Ramnath and worshipped by all.

Shree Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem: This is located in Bicholim Taluka at a distance of 45 kms from Panaji. The temple of Rudreshwar is half a km away from the rock-cut caves of Harvalem where the ancient linga of Rudreshwar is acclaimed everywhere. The idyllic Harvalem waterfall is situated near by. The image of Rudreshwar is facing the waterfall and that gives a divine feeling to all. The festival of Mahashivaratri draws big crowds here. However, the temple assumes importance as Hindus perform rites for the dead at this temple. They think it as the sacred one.

Shree Saptakoteshwar: This is placed at 37 kms from Panaji at Narve-Bicholim. This was a favored deity of Kadamba kings. Its original temple was situated in the island of Diwar. At the time when it was destroyed by the Portuguese and the idol was shifted to its present site at Narve Bicholim. After many years in 1668 A.D. Chhatrapati Shivaji ordered renovation of this temple at the present site during one of his campaigns to throw out the Portuguese. The linga worshipped in this temple is known as `Dharalinga`.

Sapteshwar-Bhagvati Temple at Mandrem: This temple is situated at the distance of 17 kms from Mapusa in Pernem Taluka. The whole complex has five temples, main temples being of Shri Sapteshwar and Bhagavati. Other temples are Narayan, Ravalnath and Satpurush. Dassehra, Zatra, Bhajani Saptah are the main festivals that are celebrated here. The temples were renovated some years ago.

Shree Shantadurga: This temple is situated at 33 kms away. This temple has built up magnificently at Kavlem and is dedicated to Shantadurga. This Goddess often mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. This has a rich and beautiful Garbhakuda or the holy of holies where the deity is kept. The deity was shifted from kelsi. Agrashalas provide lodging facilities to the devotees so there is as such no problem in staying there and to offer puja.

Shree Shantadurga: This temple is placed at 14 kms away from Mapusa at Dhargal, Pernem. When the Portuguese destroyed all the temples in Bardez, this Goddess was removed at Sanquelim. It was at the time of the Portuguese inquest in Goa. Therefore, in 1550 A.D. this Goddess was taken to Dhargal in Pernem Taluka, which also formed part of Sawantwadi principality. The `Zatra` of this Goddess is held in the month of December every year. The temple has beautiful natural surroundings around it that attracts a lot of tourists.

Shree Shantadurga or Kunkolienkarin: This place is situated at 18 kms from Margao, at Fatorpa or Quepem. Originally this temple was at Cuncolim village in Salcete Taluka, the Portuguese removed the Goddess to Fatorpa in 16th century during religious harassment. The annual Zatra, which comes in the month of Pausha Shuddha Navami, attracts thousands of devotees from all over Goa.

Shree Vithal Mandir: This temple is placed at 41 kms from Panaji and mainly situated at Vithalwadi, Sanquelim. Shri Vitthal is the ancestral God of `Ranes` who had put up prolonged memorable resistance to Portuguese rule. The main festival is Chaitri or April. This is celebrated as a huge event and all people enjoy a lot at this time.

Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple
Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple is housed in Narve in Bicholim taluka of North Goa. This temple is dedicated to Lord Saptakeshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to have been built around 13th or 14th century. A plethora of devotees visit this temple during Gokulashtami festival or Mahashivaratri.

Shri Vitthal Mandir
Shri Vitthal Mandir was established amidst the lush green areas on the banks of river Valvanta in Sanquelim. This temple is visited by devotees to worship Shri Vitthal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Shri Vitthal is the ancestral lord of a community called `Rane`. The Rane community is credited with the establishment of this Mandir. Some of the noteworthy aspects of this temple are the intricately carved wooden chariot of Arjuna in Mahabharata driven by Lord Krishna, idols of the temple and its architecture. The festival of Chaitri is celebrated in this temple in the month of April.

Temples of South Goa district are ancient religious structures located in the southern portion of the Indian state of Goa. Such temples display marvellous specimens of temple art and architecture. Numerous devotees visit these significant temples, which are interesting tourist spots based in this part of the country. Shree Mallikarjun Temple and Shree Saunsthan Gokern Partagali Jeevotam Math are amongst the temples of South Goa.

Shree Mallikarjun Temple
This temple is existent at a distance of nearly 40 kms from Margao, Canacona, at the southernmost `Taluka` of the state of Goa. Historians believe that it had been erected during the 16th century by the predecessors of Kshatriya Samaj. During 1778, modifications were introduced at this ancient temple, which is embellished with elaborate carvings, on the wooden pillars. As many as 60 Hindu deities are present inside the premises of the temple. Pilgrims throng the Mallikarjun Temple particularly during `Shigmotsav` during the period from March till April and also `Rathasaptami` which is observed during February.

Shree Saunsthan Gokern Partagali Jeevotam Math
Constructed during 1475 A.D. Shree Saunsthan Gokern Partagali Village is situated at Partagali Village, on the banks of Kushavati rivulet. It is said to have been built by Shreemad Narayanateertha Swamiji. This Math belongs to the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Vaishnav Community. An ancient Banyan Tree or `vata-vriksha` stands tall in the compound of this sacred Math, which is over 500 years of age is one of the major attractions of this religious place. This banyan tree is revered as a `Tapasya Kshetra` and measures about 200 feet x 225 feet. This tree and a `Ishwar Linga` is worshipped by devotees and the area is respected as a `Bramhasthan`.

Shri Mangueshi Temple
Shri Mangueshi Temple is situated in Mangeshi village in Priol in Ponda taluk of Goa. The primary deity of this temple is Manguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Lord Manguesh is represented in this temple in the form of Shiva Linga. It is regarded as one of the largest and frequently visited temples in Goa. The annual festivals celebrated in this temple are Rama Navami, Akshaya Tritiya, Anant Vritotsava, Navaratri, Dussera, Diwali, Magha Poornima Festival (Jatrotsav) and Mahashivratri.

Mahadev Temple
Near a small village called Tambdi Surla a temple called the Mahadev Temple is situated. Devotees visit this temple to worship Lord Mahadeva. This 12th-century Shaivite temple was established by Hemadri, who is recognized as the minister of the Yadava King, Ramachandra. Mahadev Temple is regarded as the only existing temple of Kadamba-Yadava style of architecture in Goa. This temple is made up of basalt stone.

Vimaleshwar Temple
Vimaleshwar Temple is situated in Rivona village of Sanguem taluka of Goa. This temple is devoted to Vimaleshwar, an aspect of Lord Shiva. Lord Vimaleshwar is represented in this temple in the form of Shiva Linga. The Shiva Linga is called the Swayambhu Shivlinga. The mahajans of this temple are Prabhu Dessai family of Rivona (GSBs) and the Daivajna Brahmins with surname `Rivonkar` or `Revankar`.