Temples
Shri Bhagavati: It is
28kms. in Pernem. The temple, situated by the
side of the main road, is said to be more than 500 years old. Two life size
images of elephants in standing position, made of blackstone, on either side at
the entrance, welcome visitors. The Goddess Bhagavati Ashtabhuja in a sanding
position on a high pedestal, is very imposing. The Dusshera is celebrated with
gaiety from Asvin Shuddha Pratipada to Poornima, when over 25 thousand devotees
assemble at the temple.
Shri Bhagatvati Temple at Parshem: Situated at a distance of
7kms. from
Pernem in Pernem Taluka, the complex has five temples, main temple being Shri
Bhagavati, other temples are of Shri Sateri, Shridev Ravalnath, Shri Dev
Bhivangi Panchakshari & Bhrama (Shri Vishnu, Shri Ganapati, Shri
Shankar), Devi Bhagavati Temple has two Deepstambha unique of its kind. Main
festival Dusshera & annual Zatra.
Brahma Temple: It is 7kms. from Valpoi, in the village of Carambolim
Brahma. This Shrine belongs to the 5ht century A.D. It is one of the few temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India.
Shri Chandranath: It is 45kms, it is situated on the top of 350m high
hill of Chandranath at Paroda, Quepem. Chandreshwar was titular deity of Bhoja
Kings who ruled south Goa before the Christian era till the middle of 8th
century. They had named their capital Chandrapur after their deity. Shivalinga
is carved out from the rock which oozes water whenever rays of moon fall on it.
The temple is so designed that Linga receives moon light on every full moon. The
temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting. Temple's
ancient chariot is well known for its wood carvings.
Shri Damodar : It is 22kms, from Margoa at Zambaulim -- Sanguem, situated in
picturesque surroundings on the banks of the Kushavati river, popular known as
Panti. Near the temple the river is regarded particularly holy and is said
to have medicinal properties. The deity is worshipped by the Hindus and
Christians alike. A weeklong celebration of Shimoga is packed with programmes
which includes a colourful fair, exchange of GULAL, collective meals and
presentation of shown on popular legends and folk culture. The deity was
originally in Margoa.
Shri Datta Mandir : It is 37kms, at Sanquelim. The century old temple of
Trimurthy (Hindu triad) has a backdrop of a beautiful hillock covered with dense
groves of areca palms. The most important festival, which is attended by
devotees from allover Goa, is Datta Jayanti which falls in the month of
December. The deity is believed to have cured many people of unsound mind.
Shri Gopal Ganapati : It is 26kms. At Farmagudi, Ponda, amidst beautiful
natural surroundings near Bandora. The Portuguese Viceroy attacked the
fort of Ponda in October, 1683 but had to beat a hasty retreat at sudden
appearance of the Maratha image of Gopal Ganapati was discovered by herdsmen
while grazing the cattle near the hill and Later installed in small shrine with
a thatched roof. The temple was built by late Shri Dayanand Balkrishna Bandodkar,
an inhabitant of the place and the Chief Minister of Goa. The idol, made of
metal alloy, was consecrated on April 24, 1966. It is a good specimen of Indian
temple architecture synthesising both ancient and modern.
Shri Kalikadevi : It is 14kms. from the Mapusa at Kansarpal. It is
said to be about eight hundred year old. Divided into outer halls,
supported on seven rows of four pillars, has a stage to perform dramas on
festive occasions. The inner shrine contains the revered image of the Goddess
'Kali', a fierce form of Devi. Agrashalas (Rest Houses) surrounding
the temple provide facilities for lodging to the devotees.
Temple of Shri Mahadeva at Tambdi Surla : 66kms, in Sanguem Taluka at the
foot of the Ghats, is the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava architecture (13th
century) in basalt stone preserved and available in Goa. A motorable road
connects Sancordem to this temple complex.
Shri Mahalakshmi : Situated in village of Bandode, about 4kms. from Ponda.
It is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult. The
Sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of
Bhagvata sect, which is considered one of the rare galleries of wooden images of
Vishnu in India. The image of Mahalakshmi has a close resemblance to that of
Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, the main centre of worship. Her special feature id that
she wear a linga on her head, and considered a peaceful or satvika form of the
Devi. The Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshipped by Shilahara rulers (750-1030
A.D.) and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa.
Shri Mahalsa : At Mardol, one km. from Shri Manguesh temple. The deity
worshipped is an attribute of Vishnu (Mohini during the fight between Devas and
Asuras). Main Festivals: Zatra (February) and Navaratra.
Shri
Mallikarjuna : 40kms. from Margoa at Canacona, the southern most taluka
of Goa, is believed to have been constructed during the Middle of the 16th
century by ancestors of the Kshatriya Samaj. It was renovated in the year 1778.
The temple has massive wooden pillars with intricate carvings. There are deities
around the temple. Rathasaptami in February and Shigmotsav in April are the
Festivals of note, which draw large crowds.
Shri Manguesh : 22kms. (6kms. from Margoa) at Priol - Ponda Taluka. It is a
located on a hillock surrounded by rolling green hills. Though small it has it
has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a
landmark of the country side. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Shri Naguesh : Dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in the village of Bandode
about 4kms. to the east of Ponda. The temple Sabhamandap has a gallery on both
sides that contain exquisite specimen of the intricate wood carvings of the
event of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva.
Shri Ramnath : 33kms. in Ponda Taluka. Besides the shrine of the main Ramnath
deity it has four small temples for Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Shantadurga (Sateri), Shri
Betal and Shri Sidhanath. The five together, constitute Shri Ramnath Panchayatan.
The legend in mythology says Rameshwar is the original code abode of Lord
Ramnath.
Shri Saptakoteshwar : 37kms. at Narve- Bicholim, was a favored deity if
Kadamba Kings. Its original temple was situated in the island of Diwadi. It was destroyed
by the Portuguese and Idol was shifted to its present side at Narve (Bicholim).
Many yeas afterwards in 1668 A.D. Chatrapati Shivaji ordered renovation of this
temple at the present site during one of his campaigns to oust the
Portuguese. The linga worshipped in the temple is faceted and is known as 'Dharalinga'.
Sapteshwar- Bhagavati Temple at Mandrem : Situated 20kms. from Mapusa in
pernem taluka, the complex has five temples, main temples being of Shri
Sapteshwar and Bhagwati. Other temples, are Narayan, Ravalnath and
Satpurush-Rampurush, Dusshera, Zatra, Bhajani Saptah are the main festivals. The temples were
renovated four years ago.
Shri Shantadurga : 33kms. Sumptuously built at Kavem, is dedicated to
Santadurga, the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. Has rich and
beautiful Gharbhakada or the holy of holies were the deity is kept. The deity
was shifted from Keisi. Agrashalas provide lodging faculties to devotees.
Shri
Shantadurga :
14kms. from Mapusa at Dhargal, pernem, Circa 1500 A.D.
when all temples in Bardez were destroyed by the Portuguese inquisition in Goa
Therefore, in Circa 1550A.D. this Goddess was removed at Sanquelim. It was the
time of the notorious. Therefore in Circa 1550 A.D. this Goddess was taken
to Dhargal in Pernem Taluka which also formed part of Sawantwadi principality.
The was 'Zatre' of this Goddess is held in the month of December. The temple has
beautiful surroundings.
Shri Shantadurga (Kunkalikarin) : 18kms, from Margoa, at Fatorpa (Quepem)
Originally from Cuncolim Village in Salcete taluka, the Goddess was remove to
Fatorpa in 16th century during religious persecution by the Portuguese. The
annual zatra, which falls in the months of Pausha Shudda Navami, attracts
thousands of devotees from all over Goa.
Shri Vithal Mandir : 41kms, situated at Vitthalwadi, Sanquelim. Shri Vithal is
the ancestral Goa of 'Ranes' who had put up prolonged memorable resistance to
Portuguese rule. The main festival is Chaitra (April). Its celebrated is a
lavish affair for the people of miles around.
Shri Saunsthan Goudpadacharaya Kavale Math : This Math is a brilliant heritage of
the Goud Saraswat Community with branches all over India. This Math situated at
Kavalem, in Ponda Talkua, is named after the Srimad Gaudapadacharya the
first amongst the eminent Acharyas; the first historic seer and exponent of the
Adwaite system of Vedanta. The Math was shifted from Cortalim in the year 1630
during the inquisition period and re-establishment by Srimad Satchidanand
Saraswati Swamji.
Shri Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevotam Math : Located at Partagali
Village on the banks of the scared rivulet Kushavati, this Math established by
Shreemad Narayanateertha Swamiji in the year 1475 A.D. has an uninterrupted
tradition of 23 Swamijis. This is an ancient Math of the Goud Saraswat Bhramin
Vaishnav Community which maintained contact with scattered members of the
community. The symbol representing the spiritual movement carried on by the Math
for over 500 years is one of the few huge ancient 'Vatavriksha' (Banyan
tree) which is about 200 meters to the north of the Math with 220 aerial roots
and total area admeasuring 235feets * 225feets and is considered a Tapasya
Kshetra for over a thousand years. Vatavriksha and the Ishwar linga in front of
it are worshipped by the people of Partagali and adjoining area. This place is
popularly known as Bramhasthan. Partagali is being developed into a centre of
culture and learning without in any way tempering with its glorious traditions.
The
Temple of Maruti in Mapusa
Between
the years of 1589 and 1812 there was no temple in Mapusa as they
had all been destroyed. SAKHARAM KHADILAR known as 'Ramdasibuva' roamed the
country side singing praises to Lord Rama and spreading his teachings. He lodged
at a rest house in Mapusa and would conduct the chanting of Holy songs called 'Bhajans'
with pooja to the all powerful Lord Maruti, to all powerful Lord Maruti,
son of the god of Wind whose picture he would adore. he soon had followers from
among the Jains who lived in the area. The picture of Lord Maruti was then
kept at a shop of fireworks belonging to one Ladko Pokle while While Ramdasibuva
returned to his own home. The following year he came back with a silver idol of
Maruti which replaced the picture at Pokle's shop on the 11th of Apirl 1843. By
now the place teeming with devotees. Pokle's shop's was acquire the temple built
and idol placed. by coincidence it faced the South. The Goa no temple or house
faces south as it is believed that evil sprits enter from this direction .
The south facing Lord Maruti is supposed to fight evil forces and protect his
devotees from bad lack that could last up to seven years. when prayed to,
he answers prayers and is to of strict nature. The rituals are followed in same
manner. The temple has an entrance facing the north. It was built in stages with
the sponsorship of the rich and the business community of Mapusa. It has a
richly carved silver doorway made by local artisan. The floor is marble and on
the north side is carved teak wood Palanquin that is used to carry the
deity in procession on the day of its feast.
|