PONDA
Geographically at the heart of Goa, Fonda is surrounded by
scenic green villages, filled with grand temples, father
different from the more crowded coast. Called Phonda in Konkani,
it Is 28 km southeast of Panjim and 17 km northeast of Margao.
Ponda is the gateway to Belgaum, Hubli and other cities to the
east of Goa. Ponda lies in the so-called 'New Conquests'. During
the height of Portuguese religious intolerance centuries ago,
Ponda was a haven for Hindus fleeing Portuguese persecution. In
those days it was ruled by local feudatories of the Vijaynagar
kingdom or the Bijapur sultanate. This accounts for the large
number of temples relocated from Salcete and elsewhere to Ponda
and surrounding areas.
Mangueshi Temple
The temple is located at Mangueshim in Priol, a kilometre from
Mardol, close to Nagueshi. It is dedicated to Lord Manguesh,
considered an incarnation of Shiva. He is a kuldevta (family
deity) of many Hindus in Goa. The temple also has a magnificent
water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple. This
temple actually had its origins in Cortalim.
Mangueshi Temple, Mangueshim, Priol, Ponda
Ramnathi Temple
The temple of Ramnathi is located in Ramnathi in Bandora near
Ponda. Ramnath is believed to be the form of Lord Shiva that
Lord Rama prayed to before he crossed the ocean to Lanka to
bring back his wife Sita. Ramnathi Temple, Bandora, Ponda
Shantadurga Temple
Set in a large complex, the temple is at the foothill of Kavalem
in Ponda taluka and is dedicated to Shantadurga, the Goddess who
mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The deity is also called
Santeri colloquially. The original temple was at Cavelossim (Quelshim).
This current temple is believed to have been constructed during
the reign of Miaratha ruler Chatrapati Shahu Raje of Satara in
about 1738 ad. Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem, Ponda
Mahalsa Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa, a female incarnation of Lord
Vishnu, the opulent Mahalsa Temple is one of the most famous
temples in Goa. Originally located in Salcete, the temple has a
simple but elegant structure: a beautiful 40-feet-high
deepstambha (lamp tower) stands in its courtyard. The inner hall
is decorated with carvings of incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Mardol zatra is the annual temple fair held in February. Mahalsa
Temple, Mardol, Ponda
Naguesh Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is situated in the village of
Bandora, about 4 km to the east of Ponda. The temple has a
gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimens of
intricate wood carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana,
among other things. Naguesh Temple, Bandora, Ponda
Safa Masjid
Safa Masjid, a mosque built in 1560 by the Bijapuri ruler
Ibrahim Adil Shah, is one of the two Islamic shrines that
survived in Goa over a long period. Safa Masjid, near Ponda Bus
Stand.
