Temples in Goa

The Saraswat Temples, Goa

The Saraswat Hindu Temples in Goa had managed to survive the attack of the Portugal regime. The temples were moved from one place to another in order to protect them from the Portuguese. The presiding deities of these temples were at times preserved and worshipped even in the houses of the pujaris, till they were finally settled in their present day dwellings. Some of the old temples of Goa were noted for their natural beauty and simple architecture. The have certain common features like being surrounded by betel nut trees, coconut groves and lakes of pure water.
Among the oldest Saraswat Temples in Goa are the Mangesh Samsthan of Priol, the Shanthadurga Samsthan at Kavlem, the Ganapati Samsthan at Khandole, the Mahalakshmi Samsthan at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan at Bandora. The Sri Nagesh Maharudra temple did not move from Bandora (Bandewade) even during the period of the Portuguese inquisition unlike other temples. Atrunja Taluka is a place, which is now called Ponda. It is a land with valleys and mountains and an ideal place for the Gods amidst coconut and areca nut groves. Ponda has several Hindu temples. A special characteristic of the Saraswat temples is that it gives priority to the local Christian devotees.

Sri Ramnath Samsthan, Ramnathim (Ponda)

The Sri Ramnath Samsthan was originally located at Lotulim in Salcette taluka and was shifted to its present location in Bandivadem in the16th century. Other deities worshipped in the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayan, Sri Shanteri, Sri Kamakshi, Sri Siddhinath, Betal and Kalabhairava.

Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan, Bandivadem, Bandora (Ponda)

Sri Nagesh Maharudra Samsthan is one of the few temples, which was not affected by Portuguese ill treatment and remains at its original place. The temple was constructed in 1780 AD. The affiliated deities of the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayan, Sri Ganapati, Ravalnath and Betal. Other temples associated with the Samsthan are Goddess Karado and Purvachari. The annual jatra of the temple is held in the month of Chaitra during Ramanavami. Shivaratri is also celebrated with Rathotsava on Magha Amavasya (next day). The temple has Agrashalas with well-equipped rooms and halls for wedding purposes. The Talai or the water tank is famous in Goa for its crystal clear water throughout the year.

Sri Navadurga Samsthan, Kundaim (Ponda)

The deity of Sri Navadurga Samsthan is from Gaucim in Tiswadi taluk. The associate deities are Adinarayana Gramapurusha, Mahadeva, Ganesh, Betala, Ravalnath and Malikarjuna. The Laxmi Narayan temple, situated early, was shifted from Azossim in Tiswadi Taluk during Portuguese persecution in 16th century AD.

Sri Navadurga Samsthan, Madkai, Mardol

Sri Navadurga Samsthan was originally situated at Gancim in Tiswadi. The associate deities worshipped in the temple are the Gramapurusha, Narayana, Betala, Ravalnath and Ganapati. The palaki or the palanquin of Sri is taken out on the Shukla Navami every month. The annual Jatra is held in the month of Kartika from Vadya Chaturthi to Dashami. The Navaratri is also celebrated here.

Sri Devakikrishna Ravalnath Samsthan, Marcel (Ponda)

Sri Devakikrishna Ravalnath Samsthan is probably the only temple in India where lord Krishna is worshipped along with Devaki as Devakikrishna. The main deity Devakikrishna and its associated deities of Bhumika Devi, Laxmi Ravalnath, Mallinath, Katyayani, Chodaneshwar and Dhada Shankar were originally placed at Choodamani Island. They were taken to Mayemwadem in Bicholim and then moved to its present location at Marcel.

Sri Mangesh Samsthan, Mangeshim, Priol

Sri Mangesh Samsthan was originally built at Kushastali (Cortalim) on the banks of the river Aghanashini. It was to its present location in 1560 A.D. the affiliated deities of the temple are Sri Laxmi Narayan, Sri Sri Surya Narayana and Sri Veerabhadra. Navaratri and Shivaratri are observed by celebrating the Makharotsava.

Sri Vijayadurga Samsthan, Kerim (Ponda)

Sri Vijayadurga Samsthan was originally situated at Sankhavali along with Sri Shanthadurga and Sri Laxmi Narshima. Annual jatra is held in the month of Magha up to Shivaratri and also on Navaratri.

Sri Shanthadurga Samsthan, Kavlem (Ponda)

The deity of Sri Shanthadurga was shifted from Kadalivana (Quelossim) to Kavlem in the 16th century AD. Sri Laxmi Narayana is the affiliated deity worshipped in the temple. The annual jatra is celebrated from Magha Suddha prathipada to Shukla panchami. Navaratri is also celebrated with organization of the Makharotsava. The temple is well equipped with Agrashalas and many halls with modern amenities.

Sri Shanthadurga Samsthan, Gothana-Veling (Ponda)

The deity of Sri Shanthadurga was also shifted from Sandoval in Salcette Taluka. The affiliate deities are Kshetrapal, Sri Dandapani, Gramapurusha and Purushas. The deity of the temple is established on a Varula or the snake hill. The annual Jatra is held from Ashwina Pratipada to Vijayadashmi in Navaratri.

Sri Damodar Samsthan, Zambaulim, Quepem Post

Sri Damodar Samsthan was originally situated in Mathagrama (Madgaum) and was shifted to Panchamahal, which was under the King of Sunda. The affiliated deities of the temple are Sri Ramnath, Sri Chamundeshwari, Sri Mahakali and Sri Mahesha. The annual Jatra is held from Ashwin Poornima to Vadya Chaturthi. The Shigmotsava and Gulal of Zambaulim are famous in Goa and all the people participate in it irrespective of caste and religion. The temple was renovated.

Top