SHREE SAPTAKOTESHWAR TEMPLE (NARVE)
A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Saptakoteshwar is situated in Narve near Bicholim, almost 37 km from Panaji. A dip in the waters here is considered to wash away all of ones sins. It is the Kashi of Goa and was built by the Shivaji after it was relocated from the island of Divar.
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SHREE RUDRESHWAR TEMPLE, ARAVALEM
This temple is situated at Aravalem, just by the scenic Aravalem waterfalls. it is dedicated to lord Rudreshwar, an incarnation of lord Shiva, where devotees go to seek blessings for themselves and their ancestors. There is an annual “Shivaratri Jatra” where thousands of people come from all over Goa and surroundings. Near by is the archeologically important ‘Pandava Caves’.
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SHREE MAHALASA NARAYANI TEMPLE, MARDOL
This temple is situated at Mardol about 1 km from Shree Mangueshi Temple. The temple deity here is Mohini an female form of Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed in early 16th century. In the front of the temple lies a unique lamp tower and during the annual Jatra in February and on special festival days like the Navratri, a special 12.5 m brass lamp is lit. It is thought to be the largest lamp of its kind in Goa and India. The pillars outside the temple are also exquisitely carved. |
SHREE MANGUESHI TEMPLE, MANGUESHI - PRIOL
This temple is situated at Priol, on a hillock surrounded by green hills. It is dedicated to Lord Mangueshi an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity is originally from Cortalim and was moved to Priol to avoid the Portuguese destruction in the early days of its rule. It has undergone many renovations and today its style is uniquely Goan. The oldest part of the temple complex is the water tank in front of the temple. At the entrance to the temple is a majestic lamp tower, one of the special architectural features of many Goan temples. There are about 12 " Agrashalas" or residences for pilgrims around the temple. In last week of January there is a temple festival held where the deities are taken out in chariot procession. |
SHREE NAGUESHI TEMPLE, BANDODE
This temple is situated at Bandode, 4km east of Ponda. It is dedicated to Lord Naguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. According to local legend it was renovated by King Shahu, grandson of Shivaji the Great. The " Sabha Mantap " or the main hall has a gallery on either side with images carved in wood depicting scenes from the epic "Ramayana". In the inner shrine is a "Lingam" a symbol of Lord Shiva. In front of the shrine is an image of "Nandi" the bull, carved in black stone. There is 5 storey lamp tower decorated with nagas snakes. The lower half of the tower has brightly painted deities.
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SHREE GOPAL GANAPATHI FARMAGUDI
This is the most modern temple in the area, situated at Farmagudi, near the village of Bandivade, at Ponda. It's idol, the stone image of Lord Ganapathi, son of Lord Shiva, was discovered by cowherds and later on a small temple was built to house the deity. The present Temple was constructed by The Late Dayanand Bandodkar, Goa's first chief minister and the new metallic alloy idol of "Gopal Ganapathi" was consecrated on April 24th,1966.
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SHREE SHANTADURGA TEMPLE, KAVLEM
This famous shrine is situated at Kavlem and is dedicated to the goddess Shantadurga, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. It is also known as Santeri temple among Goans. The temple was built in 1738 by Naro Ram Mantri one of the ministers of King Shahu of Satara, grandson of Shivaji the Great. The main shrine contains an image of Goddess Shantadurga flanked on either side by Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
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SHREE RAMNATH TEMPLE, BANDODE
This temple is situated at Bandode near Ponda and is dedicated to Lord Ramnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. After entering the main door of the temple, one enters the "Sabha Mantap" or the hall of worship. This structure was renovated in 1951. There are other deities of lord Shree Laxminarayan, Kamakshi, Shateri, Kalbhairav, Betal, and Shree Sidhnath. The shrine together known as Ramnath Panchayatan. The main festival centered around this temple is the "Maha Shivratri".
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SHREE CHANDRANATH TEMPLE, PARODA
This temple is situated at Paroda, on top of a 359mtr high hill in Quepem taluka. The deity is Lord Chandranath or Lord of the Moon; an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is so designed that the main deity, the Lingam receives moonlight on every full moon. It is also said that whenever moonlight shines on the Lingam, it oozes water. From the base the temple is approached by a steep flight of steps. Another attraction is the ancient chariot with its exquisite wooden carvings.
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SHREE MALLIKARJUN TEMPLE, CANACONA
This temple is situated at Canacona in Canacona taluk. It is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It was built in the 16th century and renovated in 1778. The temple is spacious and lies below the level of the town. It contains more than 60 deities of different gods and goddesses inside. It has massive wooden pillars that are exquisitely carved. The main festivals celebrated are "Rathasaptami" or the chariot festival is celebrated in February and "Shigmo" in April.
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