Famous temples in Goa

The temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, based around a deity which is worshipped. The architecture of Goan temples is a little different mostly because of historical reasons.

The Basic Hindu Temple Architecture

The fundamental design of any Hindu temple is organized around the central shrine or the “Garbagriha” or the “sanctum sanctorum” that houses the main deity. A tower or “Shikara” arises from the main shrine and is traditionally pyramidal shaped. There are usually two or more smaller shrines housing other deities known as “Parivar Devatas” around the entrance to the Garbagriha.

There is always a surrounding free area or a passage around the Garbagriha that is kept free for an essential Puja ritual known as “Pradakshina” performed by almost every devotee. This is the ritualistic left sided circum-ambulation around the shrine usually an odd number of times.

The Goan Hindu Temple Architecture

The Goan modification lies in the assimilation of local building traditions into this rigid architectural style giving it a special local flavor. One of the special features of Goan temples is the Lamp Tower or “Deepmal” or the “Deepa Stambha” rising anywhere from two to six storied high. This is said to be a Maratha influence.

On festival days the “Deepmal” or the “Deepa Stambha” or the Lamp tower is decorated with hundreds of oil lamps and the effect is spectacular.

Goan temples today are more modern as compared to most of India’s ancient temples, mostly because these are second homes to most deities that were re-established outside of Portuguese controlled areas during the early days of Portuguese invasion and the dreaded Inquisition.

Tambdi Surla Temple 
The temple itself is built in Jain style in the twelfth century

 The most ancient temple in the whole of Goa is located at a place called Tambi Surla which is approximately 65 kms from the capital city of Panaji and 12 kilometers from the border crossing post of Mollem. Tambdi Surla itself is in the midst of a forested area accessible via a 22 kilometers route from the main town of Valpoi in Sattari Taluka.

The temple itself is built in Jain style in the twelfth century. There are some interesting details about the construction itself which has led to debates about the actual origins of the temple. The temple is built in a place which is quite inaccessible and away from the main settlements of the time. The size of the temple is quite small as compared to the size of the average Goan temple. And finally the top part of the temple has never been completed.

Shri Chandranath Temple 
The temple is so designed that the Linga receives moonlight on every full moon

 Situated on the 350-metre high hill of Chandranath at Paroda, Quepem, Chandreshwar was the titular deity of the Bhoja kings who ruled South Goa till the middle of the 8th century. They had named their capital Chandrapur after the deity. The temple is so designed that the Linga receives moonlight on every full moon. The temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting.

Brahma Temple 
It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India

7 kms from Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim, this shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India.

Shri Vasudeva Saraswati Datta Mandir

This is a unique temple in whole of Goa

The temple is located at Ambirna ward of Socorro village 1½ Km. from the N.H.17 and 7 Kms. from Mapusa and Panaji city.

This is a unique temple in whole of Goa. The temple house two deities. One idol of Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati, popularly known as Tembe Swami, which is only temple in Goa. The chief deity of the temple is Lord Dattatreya along with Panchayatan on the 1st floor of the temple and on the ground floor there is a temple of Godess Bhuvaneshwari. There is special Maha Aarati on every Thursday at 7.30 p.m.

Shree Shantadurga Temple

      There is Shantadurga, one of the forms of goddess Durga

Mangueshi Temple 
It is located at Priol in Ponda taluka, about 21 kilometers from the capital city of Panaji. The surrounding area is known as Mangueshi

Mahalaxmi Temple, Panaji 
The Mahalaxmi deity is the chief object of veneration for all Panjimites, irrespective of caste, class, sex or creed

Mahalasa Temple 
The temple of Mahalsa Narayani is located at the small village of Mardol, just about a km from the famous Mangueshi temple.