Temples in Goa

About Popular Temples in Goa

A destination prejudiced as the ‘Party Capital of the Nation’ where people tend to explore the beaches, Portuguese colonies, remnants of European style churches and bungalows, Goa is much more than just that. Hidden waterfalls, jungles nestled amid the Western Ghats, Goa has so much more to wander and explore. For instance, its lesser-known temples. Yes, Goa has magnificent ancient Hindu temples with legends that speak of Gods. Who would believe that the destination they sort out as a perfect beach and party capital can have remnants of great history hidden inside? But, Goa surprises us with fascinating temples built in the architectural style of Portuguese, Mughal, Hindu and European.

Most Popular Temples in Goa

The architecture of the churches of Goa can be broadly divided into the following:

• Mangeshi Temple
• Shri Shantadurga Temple
• Mahadeva Temple
• Mahalasa Temple
• Mahalaxmi Temple
• Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple

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

Mahalaxmi Temple

As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the Indian goddess of wealth and strength. Originally, the main idol was made of black granite stone which was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1557 to eradicate Hinduism from Goa. The present-day idol is made from Panchloha which was carried by two non-brahmins, Sapta and Phato in 1557 itself. The key highlight of the temple is the 24 wooden panels that display scenes from the Bhagwat Gita. Mahalaxmi Temple is the most-visited Hindu temple of Goa.

Location : Yashwant Nagar, Bandivade, North Goa

Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple

Known for its magnificent architecture, Saptakoteshwar Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Goa. The temple’s dome is made in the Mughal style while the deepstambha is unlike any other in the temples of Goa. One can reach the temple by taking a ferry ride from the island of Divar. The origin of the temple dates back to the 12th century. According to the legend, seven sages prayed to Lord Shiva for seven crore years after which Lord Shiva agreed to their request of staying at the place in the form of a lingam.

Location : Narve, Bicholim, South Goa