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 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.

Shri Bhagvati Temple,Pernem - At the entrance of this temple are two elephants who await your welcome. This temple is over 500 years old. The presiding deity of temple is Goddess Bhagavati in Ashtabhuja (eight hand) form. Bhagavati is said to be one of the incarnation of Parvati and is related to Goddess Durga.

Brahma Temple, Carambolim Brahma, Satari - Very few temples are dedicated to Lord Brahma and one of these temples is the Brahma temple in Satari. This temple is supposed to have been built in the 5th century.

Shri Chandranath, Paroda, Quepem - The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Chandranath or Lord Shiva who is also the Titular deity of Bhoja Kings. The temple is built on a 350m high hill, Chandranath Hill. The main attraction of this temple are the rock carved Shivlings from which water oozes on a full moon day. The ancient wooden chariot in the temple has some very beautiful carvings on it.

Shri Damodar, Zambaulim, Sanguem - This temple is situated on the Kushavati river and is considered sacred by both the Hindus and the Christians.

Shri Datta Mandir, Sanquelim, Bicholim - Datta Mandir is located in a beautiful surrounding and is the venue for an important Goan festival. The Datta Jayanti is celebrated in December / January. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya.

Shri Gopal Ganapati, Farmagudi, Ponda - This temple is an excellent specimen of modern and ancient temple architecture which blend here.

Shri Kalikadevi, Kansarpal, Bicholim - This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is very old temple almost 800 years old.

Shri Mahalakshmi, Bandode, Ponda - The special feature of this temple is that there are 18 wooden images of Lord Vishnu. But the temple is dedicated to Shakti or various forms of Durga. The presiding deity is Mahalakshmi who strangely wears a Lingam on her head.

Shri Manguesh, Priol, Ponda - This important temple of Goa is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Shri Saptakoteswar, Narve, Bicholim - This temple was renovated on orders of Shiva ji in 1668. The temple is again dedicated to Lord Shiva who is the presiding as the 'Dharalingam'.

Shri Naguesh, Bandode, Ponda - Though the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple is full of pictures which have derived scenes from the Ramayana.

Shri Mallikarjuna, Canacona - This 16th century has 60 deities surrounding the temple which has some tastefully carved pillars.

Shri Mahadeva, Tambdi Surla, Sangeum - This the only surviving example of the Kadamba-Yadava architecture. The 13th century temple is built in basalt rock.

Shri Shantadurga, Kavlem, Ponda - This temple was built in 1550 and is located in a very beautiful natural surroundings. It is among the few important temples in Goa.

Shri Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevotam Math, Partagali, Canacona - A huge banyan tree is the most famous symbol of this 15th century Vaishnavite center. The tree covers an area of 235ft X 225ft. The Math was established in 1475.

Jama Masjid, Sanguem - An elegant mosque of harmonious proportions and simplicity.

Safa Masjid, Ponda - It was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. The masonry tank nearby has beautiful 'maharab' designs. The mosque once was equal in size and proportion to any other mosque in Bijapur but it decayed during the Portuguese and only ruins remains today.