Temples in Goa


Goa Temples

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Goa Temples
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The temples in Goa are like most Hindu temples in India. Each of the temples in Goa is based around a deity which is the centre of worship. However, the architecture of the temples in Goa is a little different because of historical reasons.

The basic design of all Hindu temples is organized around the central shrine or the 'Garbagriha' (the 'sanctum sanctorum') that houses the main deity. A 'Shikara' (tower) arises from the main shrine and is traditionally pyramidal shaped. There are usually two or more smaller shrines enshrining other deities known as 'Parivar Devatas' around the entrance to the Garbagriha.

A list of the temples in Goa is given below:
  • Shri Bhagavati
  • Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem
  • Shri Mahadeo Bhumika at Sal, Bicholim
  • Morjaee Temple at Morjim
  • Shri Bhagavati Temple at Parshem
  • Brahma Temple
  • Shri Chandranath
  • Shri Damodar Temple
  • Shri Datta Mandir
  • Shri Devkikrishna-Ravalnath
  • Shri Gomanteshwar Devasthan Brahmapur
  • Shri Gopal Ganapati Temple
  • Shri Kalikadevi Temple
  • Shri Kamakshi Saunsthan Shiroda
  • Temple of Shri Mahadev at Tambdi Suria
  • Shri Mahalaxmi Temple
  • Shri Mahalsa Temple
  • Shri Mallikarjun Temple
  • Shri Manguesh Temple
  • Shri Naguesh Temple
  • Shri Navdurga Saunsthan Temple
  • Shri Navdurga at Madkai Temple
  • Shri Ramnath Temple
  • Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple
  • Sapteshwar-Bhagvati temple at Mandrem
  • Shri Shantadurga(Kavlem) Temple
  • Shri Shantadurga(Pemem) Temple
  • Shri Shantadurga (Kunkolienkarin) Temple
  • Shri Vitthal Mandir
  • Shri Devi Sharvani Temple
  • Shri Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevolam Math
  • Shri Saunsthan Gondpaddchaiya Kavie Math
  • Topobhoomi
Goa gives place to a number of temples and pilgrimage spots. Among these the most popular ones that one should visit when on a a visit to goa are as follows:

Shri Bhagvati Temple



Not far from Morjim are located two temples -the Shri Bhagavati temple at Parshem and Sapteshwar Bhagamati at Mandrem in Pernem Taluka. The Shri Bhagavati Temple at Parshem is situated at a distance of 7 kms from Pemem in Pemem Taluka.

  • Location: Goa
  • Deity: Goddess Lakshmi

  • Shri Mahalsa Temple



    The Shri Mahalsa Temple is located hardly 1 km away from the Shri Mangueshi temple, in the village of Mardol.While it is commonly understood that Mahalasa is a form of 'Shakti', 'Madalasa' or 'Narayani', the deity is also worshipped as the manifestation and attribute of the Lord Vishnu as 'Mohini' (the image Lord Vishnu adopted during the fight between Devas and Asuras).

    A huge 'Deep Stambha' made of five metals, which was built in the 17th century is the first thing that greets the visitors at the entrance of the Shri Mahalsa temple.The Shri Mahalsa Temple has some exquisite wooden carvings of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

    Massive round pillars provide support to the 'Sabha Mandap' at the entrance - it is being reconstructed to reflect the glorious past of the original temple situated at Verna in Salcete Taluka.

    Shri Mangueshi Temple



    The Shri Mangueshi temple is located at Mangueshi in Ponda Taluka. It is the most prominent among temples and is situated along the National Highway-4A about 23-km from Panaji. The Shri Mangueshi Temple 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. The structure of the Shri Mangueshi Temple dates from 1700's. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Lore has it that Parvati - the consort of Lord Shiva - came to Goa in search of Shiva who had disappeared from Kailasa following an altercation between them. Parvati beseeched Shiva to protect her in these terms: 'Trahi Mam Girisha' (protect me the Lord of mountains). 'Mam Girisha' subsequently became 'Mangirisha' or 'Manguesh'.

    A gateway at the roadside leads to a paved path and courtyard. This courtyard leads to a water tank, overlooked by the white temple building, raised on a plinth. In the courtyard stands a seven-storey 'Deepmal' (tower for oil lamps). The floor of the Shri Mangueshi Temple is paved with marble, and bands of decorative tiles adorn the white walls. The sanctum houses a Shiva Lingam. A golden 'Shesha', the Linga and an image of Shiva constitute the main altar. When entering the complex, one finds our Hindu traditional gods and their accommodation according to Shastric injunctions. The deity is worshiped by both its citizens and tourists. Festivals and periodical devotional activities are conducted with great zeal.

    Quick Facts:
    • Location: Mangueshi, Ponda Taluka, 23-km From Panaji, Goa
    • Deity: Lord Shiva
    • Main Attraction: A Lamp Tower, A Welcome Gate, A Noubatkhana & Agarshalas.

    Shri Naguesh Temple



    Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Shri Naguesh Temple is situated in the village of Bandode, 4 kms east of Ponda.

    The temple Sabhamandap has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimen of intricate wood carvings of the events of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva on the other. The Shri Naguesh temple has inscriptions of the old scriptures on stone. The deity in the Shri Naguesh temple is that of the Lord Ganesh.

    The Shri Naguesh temple has been bequeathed to posterity but the temple was subsequently renovated in the days of Chatrapati Shahu, the Maratha ruler of Satara.

    Shri Shantadurga Temple



    The Zatra of Shantadurga being a major festival in Goa, the temples that house the Goddess are equally renowned. There are three temples of Shri Shantadurga - one at Kavlem, one at Pemem and the third at Fatorpa (Quepem). Given below are the details of the three Shri Shantadurga Temple.
    • Shri Shantadurga (Kavlem): Located 33 kms from Panaji, and sumptuously built, this Shri Shantadurga temple is dedicated to Shantadurga. Shantadurga is the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The Shri Shantadurga temple has a rich and beautiful 'Garbhakuda' (the holy of holies) where the deity is kept. The deity was shifted from Kelsi. The 'Agrashalas' provide lodging facilities to the devotees.

    • Shri Shantadurga (Pemem): This Shri Shantadurga Temple is located 14 kms from Mapusa at Dhargal, Pemem. The Goddess of this Shri Shantaduega temple was removed at Sanquelim when all the temples in Barde were destroyed by the Portuguese. 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 is set in the midst of extremely beautiful natural surroundings.

    • 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.


    Last Updated on: 8/06/2013