Goa is one of the most secular states, this is very evident with the equal amount of churches and temples. The temples in Goa are dedicated to various deities. Some of the existing temples date back to the 13th centuary when the kadamba dynasty ruled Goa before the Portuguese. Among the most famous are Shri Mangueshi Temple, Shri Santadurga, Shri Nagueshi and Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla.


 
Shri Manguesh temple located in Mangueshi close to Ponda, is dedicated to Lord Manguesh, a form of Shiva, which is recognised only in Goa. Though small, it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark of the countryside.
 
Shri Naguesh temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most ancient temples in Goa. It was established in 1413, years before Alfonso de Albuquerque arrived in Goa.
The temple has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimens of intricate woodcarvings of the events of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva on the other.

Shri Shantadurga temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. King Shahu of Satara built this temple in 1738. This temple is the largest and most famous in Goa. The goddess here is also referred as Durga.
The actual meaning of Shanta in Sanskrit language, means peace. Thus by combining the two names, we get the name Shantadurga, which thus means the Goddess of Peace.

Built in the 13th century and situated in Tambdi Surla, this is the only temple belonging to the Kadamba architecture that has stood the test of time. The temple has been built with black basalt, which was probably brought from across the borders, as this rock is not found in Goa. The intricate carvings that have been made on the pillars and walls of the temple are noteworthy.

The temple has a simple façade with a tower or a shikhara right above the sanctum. This tower has the images of the gods of the Hindu trinity along with their respective consorts beautifully carved on it. Lord Shiva facing the north, Lord Vishnu facing the west and Lord Brahma, the south.


 
Login
Password
 
 
 
 
 
    Designed by Team Inertia
  Legal Information | Suggest this Site | Contact Us