Temples in Goa Have Unbeatable Architectural & Traditional Legacy
Before starting this topic, it is important to rewind a bit of flashback. Goa was home to Konkani, and then ruled by Maratha. Later, Portuguese claimed that they owned Goa. All of these resulted in the making of some spectacular temples, which gained immense popularity. They are the epitome of Hindu culture. For every believer of Hinduism, and even non-believers temples in North Goa and some of the temples in South Goa are visiting.
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Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalaxmi is an incarnation of a supreme power and energy, which is called ‘Adishakti’. The worshippers among Shaktas and Saraswats worshiped Adishakti as a linga. Many believe and accept this supporting deity was released while demons and gods were churning the ocean for nectar (amrita) of immortality. The Saraswats while arriving in Goa being worshippers of Shiva (represented as Linga) and Shakti (Goddess). Hence, Kadamba Kings of Goa and Shilahara rulers admired Goddess Mahalakshmi. The idol of Goddess in this temple is unique and has a linga on head.
Street View Map
- Located in: Mahalaxmi Residency, Ponda – Margao Hwy, Tiska, Yashwant Nagar, Bandoda, Goa, 403401
- Timing: 6:00 a.m – 8:30 p.m (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Tambdi Surla Temple
This Temple is 12th-century old Shaivite temple. Tambdi Surla temple located in Surla has survived the Cruel Portuguese rule. This happened because it was in a dense forest next to stream, which was hardly accessible. The temple adopted Hemadpanthi style which demandswell refined weather-resistant basalt in grey-black. It is an only exemplary of Kadamba-Yadav architecture. During Mahashivratri, hundreds of devotees round up here and it s believed that a huge King Cobra is permanent here.
Street View
- Located in: Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctury, Sanguem, Surla, Goa, 403406
- Timing: 8 AM – 8 PM (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Shantadurga Temple
Being one of the largest temple of Kavlem village in Ponda Taluka, it is considered a prominent ones. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Peace and Santeri is considered as an informal name for the Goddess. If we dig into the back-story, legends believe there was battle between Shiva and Vishnu where Goddess was asked to intervene. She happened to take the form of Shantadurga and placed both Shiva and Vishnu in each of her hands to resolve the fight. This scene is evident in the idol placed in this temple.
- Located in: Kapileswari – Kavlem Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa, 403401
- Timing: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Mahalasa Narayani Temple
The Mahalasa Temple in Mardol (Ponda) was created in the name of Goddess Mahalasa Narayani. She is an independent goddess who is worshipped in two distinct traditions and a form of Mohini (Female avatar of lord Vishnu). The history behind the making of this temple is quite intriguing. One should visit the temple personally to know the details and the story is worth your visit. It is said that the Goddess herself asked to construct the temple at the spot where she appeared once.
- Located in: Kapileswari – Kavlem Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa, 403404
- Timing: 07:00 am to 09:00 pm (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Mangeshi Temple
This holy temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and it is one of the most gorgeous temples in Goa. It has a typical blend of Goan and Hindu architecture. You will see white towers when you enter this temple. The Mangeshi temple lies amidst lush green and panoramic scenery on a Hillock at Proil (Ponda Taluka). This is one reason why tourists remain awe-struck when they visit this place. It is undoubtedly the most-visited and wealthiest temple in Goa.
- Located in: Mangeshi, Priol, Ponda, North Goa, 403001
- Timing: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Laxmi Narsimha Temple
This auspicious temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi who is his consort. The Laxmi Narsimha Temple was built 13th century during the rule of Hoysala Kings. It is a highly religious and historical spot, which makes it more desirable for history enthusiast. Due to its incredible architecture, the tourists are always thrilled when they visit this place.
History says, the Hoysala kings saw Lord Vishnu instructing in his dream on how to build this auspicious place. As soon as he woke up he ordered his ministers to start the work. There are more interesting plot to this story, and you should get yourself to this beauty to know more.
- Located in: Pharmacy College Road, National Highway 4A, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa, 403404
- Timing: 6:30 AM – 12:45 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Ramnath Temple
If we go back to history, Shree Ramnath is a result of the unity of Vishnu and Shiva. The name itself is a combination of Ram and Natha. It is said that, when the churning of ocean took place, Lord Shiva drank poison, which came from churning. This turned his throat blue with a burning sensation and only reciting Rana Nama could calm the sensation. Therefore, the temple is a divine creation, which is admired by devotees of both Vishnu and Shiva.
- Located in: Shree Ramnath Devasthan, Ramnathim, Ponda, Goa, 403401
- Timing: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Adinath Digambar Temple
This is the only Jain temple in Goa Devoted to 1st thrithankar Bhagavan Adhinath also known as Rishabh Dev according to Janisim he is the one who taught agriculture, animal tending, cooking and ahimsa to people. He also has 100 sons and his grandson became the last thritankar named Mahavir. The beautiful temple was building in just 15 months in year 2006-07 with donation and contribution from community.
- Located in: 2nd left from Rosary Chapel Davorlim, Swami Chinmayananda Road, Aquem Margao, Margao, Goa, 403601
- Timing: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Balaji Devasthan
Tirupathi Balaji temple is well renowned, and very less people are aware of the facts related to this temple. It signifies equality, love, and strictly prohibits animal sacrifice. In Tirumala, you will get to see idol of the Lord of Seven Hills, which is a true masterpiece. On the seventh peak, you will see an ancient temple of Sri Venkateshwara. The main temple complex is visited and worshipped by millions of devotees. This makes the temple most desirable to be on the list of the richest temples in India.
- Located in: Kumkaliem, Goa, 403115
- Timing: 8:00 am-8:00 pm (All days)
- Entry: Free
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Shri Chandreshwar Bhutnath Temple
The Ancient Chandranath Temple is dedicated to Shiva the Bhagwan Chandra situated on the roads of Quepem, 14km from Margo. Splendid beauty of the sunset, coastline and country side that too from heavily wooded hill at 350ft height is a must go.
You can go there by steps or simply drive up the hill. This temple was an integral part of Bhoja Dynasty ruler of 8th century. Beauty of this temple can be seen when Shivalinga is get bathed by moonlight on full moon night.
More Details about Temple Shri Chandreshwar Bhutnath Templeon tripraja.com
- Located in: Paroda, Goa, 403703
- Timing: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM (All days)
- Entry: Free
Wrap up:
If you visited Goa every time just for partying, then you must have missed a lot. It is the architecturally temples in Goa in this list which you need to visit. If you are looking for an offbeat travel plan to Goa, nothing can be more uncommon than temples in Goa. Therefore, if you are a history buff, devotee or photography enthusiast then you should take this list seriously.