Goan Temples- One Two Nine

Goan Temples

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 :

1. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple – A Famous Hindu Temple

Dedicated to Saptakoteshwar, another form of Shiva, this temple was built in the twelfth century under the rule of the King of Kadamba dynasty who founded it for his very religious wife. Situated in Maem village in Goa, one of the best parts about this temple is its unique architecture which sports a Moghal dome mounted over octagonal tiled roofs, a large lamp tower, assembly hall, and European style designed Mandapa .

Location: Temple Road, Narve, Maem, Goa 

Major attractions: European architecture

2.Shri Shantadurga Temple – Synonymous To Peace

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 deepstambh and a big lake.

Location: Kavalem Village, Ponda Goa 

Major attractions: Jatra Utsav festival

3. Mangeshi Temple – Fusion Of Art

Shri Mangueshi Temple is built in the honor of Bhagwan Manguesh, the Kuldevata of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins. The deity is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, whose name was derived from "Mam Girisha" the words used by Goddess Parvati when Lord Shiva made a successful attempt to scare her by taking the form of a Tiger. This temple is known for the Deep Stambha to the North of the structure which is at its best when lit with hundreds of diyas in the evening. A beautiful combination of modern day art and traditional Hindu pattern.

Location:, Mangeshi Village Priol Ponda,Goa 

Major attractions: Celebration of Ram Navami, and Maha Shivratri

4. Mahalasa  Narayani Temple – A Bizarre Temple

Shri Mahalsa Temple is a half a century old temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa located in Mardol in North Goa.A Bizarre Temple with a sack full of various beliefs, the Mahalsa Temple is among other famous temples in Goa. Some say that the small pool of water inside the temple was sprouted by the Goddess when she struck it with her toe. And to no surprise, an idol was found at that same place with hundreds of stories behind it.

Location: Mardol, Ponda, Goa

Major attractions: Water pool

5.Maruti Temple – For Lord Hanuman 's Blessings

Located on the Altinho Hill, the majestic Maruti Temple was built after the decline of the Portuguese reign. A refreshing stream of the same name also flows beside the temple, lending it a calming and yet refreshing aura. The idol of Lord Hanuman was hidden when the Portuguese destroyed all the Hindu temples in Goa to promote Christianity. It was at this location that the devotees would offer their prayers secretly till the end of the Portuguese reign.

Location: Nanu Tarkar Pednekar Rd, Altinho, Panaji, Goa

Major attractions: Splendid architecture