5 Famous Temples In Goa

 Fives Famous Temples In Goa

Goan temple is known as a dēvūḷ (देवूळ) or sansthān (संस्थान) in the Konkani language. These temples were once the centres of villages, cities, and all the other social, cultural and economic gatherings in Goa. These were known as grāmasansthās (ग्रामसंस्था) in Konkani.

Mangeshi Temple

One of the oldest and most-visited temples of Goa, Mangeshi Temple is dedicated to Lord Mangesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is worshipped in the form of a shiva lingam which was brought to Goa by the Saraswat Brahmins. In 1560, the Christianisation of Salsette Taluka led to the transfer of the deity to the present-day Priol in Atrunja Talika. The key highlight of the temple is the seven-storey deepstambha which is a sight to behold when lit with earthen lamps at night.

Location : Priol, Ponda, North Goa

Shri Shantadurga Temple

This temple stands for peace and harmony among people. Dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga, an incarnation of Goddess Durga who acts as a messenger between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Initially, the temple was a small mud hut that was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 18th century. Now, one of the largest temple complexes in Goa, Shantadurga Temple provides lodging to devotees as well. The temple is built in the Indo-Portuguese style of architecture with a deepstambha and a big lake.

Location : Kavalem Village, Ponda

Mahadeva Temple

Nestled in the jungles of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahadev Temple is the oldest Hindu temple of Goa. The temple is believed to have been constructed in Jain architectural style during the 12th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the entire temple is built from the finest basalt stones with intricate carvings on the wall. The structure has survived the destruction of Hindu temples by the Mughals and Portuguese because of its hidden location. One of the most scenic temples in Goa, it is believed that a large black cobra resides inside the main sanctum of the temple at night.

Location : Sanguem, Surla, Goa

Brahma Temple

Brahma Karmali Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe as per Hindu mythology. Many people do not know of its existence as Pushkar is known to house the only Brahma Temple in the world. A simply designed architecture, the main sanctum of the temple houses an intricately carved idol of Lord Brahma along with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Dating back to the 12th century, this temple was an important centre of freedom struggle where Mr P.P. Shirodkar of the National Congress took many sessions.

Location : Valpoi, Satari District, Goa

Mahalasa Temple

Earning a place in the list of unique temples of India, Mahalasa Narayani Temple is a must-visit religious place in Goa. Dedicated to Mahalasa or Mohini, a female incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is unique as it worships Lord Vishnu both in male and female form. The temple houses a large brass oil lamp and a large brass bell which was used as a tool to testify someone’s crime. According to the local lores, whoever lied while the bell was being rung died within three days. The temple’s origin is dated back to the 17th century.

Location : Mardol, Ponda Taluka, Goa

Sources:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goan_temple

https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/goa/temples.html

Date: 08/04/2022