temple in goa

» Shri Manguesh Temple: Sri Manguesh temple at Mangueshi in Ponda Taluka, the most prominent among temples, is situated along the National Highway-4A about 23-km from Panaji. This temple is famous for its pristine glory, which attracts thousands of visitors every year and is gifted by the Welcome Gate, an elegant lamp tower, a "Noubatkhana" overlooking the temple tank and the "Agrashalas" on three sides.

Although the Sri Manguesh temple originally stood in a secret location in Cortalim, and was moved to its present site between Mardol and Priol during the 16th century, the structure visitors see today dates from the 1700s Shri Naguesh Temple Goa

» Shri Naguesh Temple: Around 25 kms from Panaji, in the village of Bandode, lies the temple of Lord Naguesh. The area surrounding the temple is known as Nagueshi and lies just 800 metres from Farmagudi on the way to Ponda.

There is a stone plaque near the temple, dating back to 1413, which describes the donation of surrounding lands to the temple by a local family. This was in the reign of Veer Pratap Devraya of the Vijayanagar kingdom. There are stone idols of Shiv-Paravati and Ganesh inside the temple which actually date back to the seventh and eight century which has led to the conjecture of the temple being in existence since that time.

Thus, unlike most temples in the area, the Naguesh Temple has been in existence in its original location for centuries. However, the present day building is a recent construction having been renovated and patched up around the year 1880.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Naguesh, who was known as Nagnath in ancient times. Lord Naguesh is another incarnation of Lord Shiva. Worth noting at the temple, are the colourful images of gods and goddesses around the base of the deepstambha (lamp tower).

The temple has a magnificent ancient tali (water reservoir) surrounded by palms. The reservoir is built in such a way that standing at a certain location around the tali, a person can view the reflection of the idol of Lord Naguesh and the lighted lamps in the inner sanctum.

» Shri Navdurga Saunsthan Temple: This temple is situated at Borim, 12km from Margao. The deity is Goddess Navdurga, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. The deity was brought by a group of Brahmins from Karad in Maharastra to Benaulim, in Salcette taluka and subsequently moved to its present site at Borim.

» Shri Navdurga at Madkai Temple: 28 kms. from Panaji.
The annual zatra is in November. The deity of Goddess Navdurga was originally brought by Brahmins of Karad to Goa. Shri Ramnath Temple Goa

» Shri Ramnath Temple: The second temple in the small village of Bandode or Bandivade as it is also known, is that of Lord Ramnath. Located about 22 kms from the capital city of Panaji, the temple is just a few minutes away from Farmagudi, off the main road to Ponda.

Legend has it that the name of Lord Ramnath comes from the place Rameshwar. It is said that Lord Rama, after slaying Ravana in the battle was filled with remorse at the killing. In order to seek redemption for his act, he installed a shivalinga (symbol of Lord Shiva), on the shores and hence came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath.

The idol of Lord Ramnath was initially housed in a temple at a settlement called Lotli (present-day Loutolim) which was set up by Gaud Saraswat Brahmins who had migrated from Rameshwar on the southern shores of India.

Lord Ramnath, like many other deities in Goa, was removed from the original temple at Loutolim and smuggled away to its present day abode of Bandivade, to avoid persecution by the Portuguese regime. Bandivade was under the control of Bijapur at the time.

The temple also houses other deities viz. Shri LaxmiNarayan, Shri Kamakshi, Shri Santeri and Shri Sidhanath. Unlike most temples in Goa, the sabhamandap (grand hall) of the temple has no pillars and yet has a special gallery for the ladies. There is a five-storied deepstambha (lamp tower) in the courtyard with images of Hindu saints carved on its base.

The door to the inner sanctum has some exceptionally beautiful scenes depicted on it in silver metal. Once scene depicts devotees worshipping a linga, and the other shows Lord Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi sitting on his couch of a coiled snake.

The annual festival or Jatra of the temple is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the devotees with the traditional palakhi (palanquin) parading around the temple carrying the idol of the deity.

» Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple: (37 kms. from Panaji at Narve-Bicholim)Was a favoured deity of Kadamba Kings. Its orginal temple was situated in the island of Diwar. It was destroyed by the Portuguese and the idol was shifted to its present site at Narve (Bichoh'm).

Many years afterwards in 1668 A. D. Chhatrapati Shivaji ordered renovation of this temple at the present site during one of his campaigns to oust the Portuguese. The linga worshipped in this temple is faceted and is known as 'Dharalinga'

» Sapteshwar-Bhagvati temple at Mandrem: Was a favoured deity of Kadamba Kings. Its orginal temple was situated in the island of Diwar.
It was destroyed by the Portuguese and the idol was shifted to its present site at Narve. Shri Shantadurga(Kavlem) Temple Goa

» Shri Shantadurga(Kavlem) Temple: The Shanta Durga or Shanteri Temple is at Kapilpura or Kavele. It is believed that the deity was carried by Loma Sharma of Kaushik Gotra Trihotrapuri, presently Trihut division, in the Mithila region of Bihar when Saraswats Brahmins came to Goa. A chapter in the Skandapurana speaks that after being defeated by his spouse Parvati in a game of dice, Lord Shiva left the Mount Kailash and went to Gomanchala near Kushasthali for penance. Here, he heard the cries of Loma Sharma, who was caught by a crocodile in the river Aghanashini and helped him. Loma Sharma prayed to the Lord to remain in Kushasthali. After sometime, Parvati came here looking for Shiva and she was also requested to stay at Keloshi or Kadalivana, a nearby village.

According to the local legends, a battle between Shiva and Vishnu took place at Mount Gomanchala, during which Shiva made the use of the Pashupati weapon. Witnessing the fierce form of the battle, Lord Brahma prayed to the Supreme Goddess, Adishakti, to intervene. She, in turn, sent Parvati in the form of Shanta Durga or Shanteri for intervention. Shanta Durga took Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on her left hand and resolved the fight between the two.

The deity of Shanta Durga is, therefore, portrayed holding two serpents, one in each hand, representing Vishnu and Shiva. Shanteri is then believed to have proceeded to Shankawali to kill the demons that were harassing the Brahmins there. For this good act, she also earned the name of Vijaya.

The trustees of the Shanta Durga temple decided to shift the idol to Atrunja Taluka during the Portuguese domination. A special feature of the Shanta Durga temple is that even the Harijans are allowed to enter the sanctum of the temple.

» Shri Shantadurga(Pemem) Temple: (14 kms from Mapusa at Dhargal, Pemem) When all the temples in Barde; were destroyed by the Portuguese, this Goddess was removed at Sanquelim. It was at the time of the notorious Portuguese inquisition in Goa.

Therefore, in 1550 A.D this Goddess was taken to Dhargal in Pemem Taluka which also formed part of Sewantwadi principality. The 'Zatra' of this Goddess is held in the month of December. The temple has beautiful natural surroundings.

» Shri Shantadurga (Kunkolienkarin) Temple: Shri Shantadurga (Kunkolienkarin): This Shri Shantadurga temple is located 18 kms from Margao, at Fatorpa (Quepem). Originally from Cuncolim village in Salcete Taluka, the Goddess was removed to Fatorpa in 16th Century during religious persecution by the Portuguese – in the era of the Portuguese inquisition. The annual ‘Zatra’ falls in the month of Pausha Shuddha Navami, and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world. Shri Vitthal Mandir Goa

» Shri Vitthal Mandir: From Kansarpal one can proceed to Sanquelim, the hometown of the Ranes of Satari who played key role in Goa's freedom struggle. The ancestors of the present Rane family, who are believed to have migrated to Goa from Udaipur about 600 years ago, built the famous Sri Vithal temple situated on the bank of Valvanta River.

The temple was reconstructed in 1942 AD, incorporating the North India style of temple architecture though sanctum-sanctorium was left untouched. The main festivities at the temple are held during the nine days preceding "Chairtra Purnima".

An exquisitely carved wooden chariot symbolising the chariot of Arjuna of Mahabharata and driven by Lord Krishna is an important attraction of the temple complex.
General Information( Location: Sanquelim, Goa.
Origin: 1942 AD.)

» Shri Devi Sharvani Temple:Complex comprises of temples of Jagrut Swayambhu, Goddess Sharvani, Mahadev and Vetal with his life image of stone and other deities. Situated in scenic surroundings at Advolpale in North Goa, 2?-km from Assonora on the Pirna main road. The temple was shifted from Salgaon, Bardez, first to Ajgaon, Sawantwadi at the end of the 16th century and then to this place during Portuguese regime.

Salgaonkars, both Brahmin and Non-Brahmin Petkar families are 'Mahajans'. Goddess is known for fulfilling vows of her devotees through 'Kaul Prasad'. Devotees also perform "Tulabhar" to propitiate her.

Thousands of devotees throng on "Vardhpan Day", "Divja Jatra Day" and annual Jatra Day on Margashirsh Shukla, 3 in November/ December when procession of Goddesses is taken out in decorated chariots.
General Information( Location: Advolpale, North Goa.
Deity, Goddess Shravani.)

» Shri Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevolam Math:Born under the divine inspiration of his Holiness Haturii Mathadhish Shrinad Brahmanand Swamiji, the Tapobhoomi Complex at Kundai has no/v become a cnitre_ of pilgrimage to the students of Hindu culture and religion, spread over an are of 10,000 sq. mts.

His Holiness Brahmanand Swamiji, who is the head of Haturii Muth has rendered yeomen service to uplift poor, downtrodden people in the last two decades. While propagating the Bhakti movement in this holy land, he has salvaged poor and middle class from falling into the clutches of vices such as drinking, gambling, drug-abuse etc. It is solely because of Swamiji's guidance that thousands of young people have been able to-walk in the right direction.

Tapobhoomi has been set up to educate mankind about its duties and responsibilities. Tapobhoomi has been set up to spread the message of divine love and compassion. Tapobhoomi is indeed a temple of humanity, standing firm on the foundation of devotion i.e. Bhakti.

» Shri Saunsthan Gondpaddchaiya Kavie Math:Goddess 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 am annual zatra day in November/December when procession of Goddess is taken out ii decorated chariot.

Vithal Maharudra Panchayatan the complex comprise 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, 2.5 kms. from Assonora on Pirna main road.

» Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem: Located in Bicholim Taluka at a distance of 45 kms from PanajiHarvalem where the ancient linga of Rudreshwar is venerated. The idyllic Harvalem water fall is close by.The image of Rudreshwar is facing the water fall. The festival of Mahashivaratri draws big crowd. However, the temple assumes importance as Hindus perform rites for the dead here .

» Topobhoomi: Born under the divine inspiration of his Holiness Haturii Mathadhish Shrinad Brahmanand Swamiji, the Tapobhoomi Complex at Kundai has now become a center of pilgrimage to the students of Hindu culture and religion, spread over an are of 10,000 sq. mts.

This centre of Param Pujya Padmanabh Shishya Sampradaya harbaurs a number of projects, a unique Datta mandir, Sanskrit pathshala, Dhyaan Gumfa (Chamber for meditation), Ayurveda Centre, Yoga Anusandhan Kendra, Bhajani Vidyalayi Bhaktoddhar Library, etc. His Holiness Brahmanand Swamiji, who is the head of Haturii Muth has rendered yeomen service to uplift poor, downtrodden people in the last two decades.

Goddess is known for fulfilling the vows of her devotees through Kaul Prasad who also perform Tulbhar to propitiate her. While propagating the Bhakti movement in this holy land, he has salvaged poor and middle class from falling into the clutches of vices such as drinking, gambling, drug-abuse etc. It is solely because of Swamiji's guidance that thousands of young people have been able to-walk in the right direction.

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