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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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