There is a misinterpretation by the many people that Goan people are largely Christian. Goa has large number of hindu people, approximately 65% of the total population of Goa. It is very diversified in the various parts of the region. Ponda region is known as the Temple Heartland. There are beautiful and sacred temples located in the middle of the dense woodland and areca groves. These temples are worth visiting site in Goa despite these are located very far away from the coastal resorts. There were orders issued to destroy and demolish the temples and the deities during the investigation. Many of the deities were smuggled out to the far-off villages during this time besides the borders of Protuguese rule. This is the only reason that most of the temples are located in the interiors of the Ponda taluka. The decoration and architecture revealed the influence of Christian and muslim architectural style of building and stands it out and make it a unique Goan blend. The octagonal drums are crowned by tapering copper domes in the temples gave us an insight into the style of building of St. Cajetan Church. The artisans and craftsmen applied various styles and developed a unique style of Indo-Christian temples.
Sri Mangueshi Temple
Sri Mangueshi Temple is devoted to Lord Manguesh, the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is worshipped only in Goa. This temple was located on the south of Zuari river before Portuguese seized the state. After the invasion of the Portuguese, the idol image was brought to Priol and the temple was again constructed at new place. Now this temple is located on a hillock surrounded by hills so exhilarating and alive till yet. This temple is a perfect illustration of the mixed interior style which are partly influenced by the Christians and Muslims. Its octagonal tower, the façade and the balustrade design of the roof are influened greatly by the Christians architecture. The roofs are domed gives us a sight of perfect imfluence of Muslim architecture. There is a dazzling elephant situated at the entrance to welcome you. Premises of the temple is extended in the middle of the 18th century. The temple festival is celebrated during the last week of January or the first week of February and the deities are taken out in chariot during these festivals. This chariot is kept on the right side of the temple and is worth seeing. It is located 22 km from Panaji in Priol.
Sri Mahalsa Temple
Sri Mahalsa Temple is located in the Mardol Village. This temple is devoted to the deity of Mohini, the female form of Vishnu. Earlier, this deity was kept in the ancient shrine in the Salcatte taluka at the Verna village. This building was so much beautiful and that’s why the Portuguese priest who was responsible to oversee the task of destruction, requested to preserve and conserve it into a church. But this request was overruled and the deity was smuggled to a safe place. There is no evidence about the authenticity of the details. The temple site is quite pleasant and peaceful. The doorway is surrounded by the ornamented silver frame. Hugh impressive wooden pillars are worth watching. The world largest 12.5 metre high brass oil lamp is also situated here. It looks so beautiful when lit during the festivals. It is located in the Mardol, just 11 km from the Mangueshi Temple.
Shri Laxmi Narasimha
Shri Laxmi Narasimha temple is located in Ponda. It is devoted to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Goddess Laxmi. This temple was built in the 18th century. Its beautiful surrounding landscape increases the impressive rapport of the temple. The paintings and carvings of the Lord Narasimha is an add to its architectural beauty. A tank is located in the compound of the temple bordered with coconut palms is worth watching here. The temple entry is restricted to believers and devotees only but still sometimes the priest allows the non-believers to take a darshan. Every Shukla Chaturdashi, palkhi of Sri Laxmi Narasimha can be seen. It is located at Nagueshi in Velinga.
Shantadurga Temple
Shantadurga Temple is devoted to the Goddess Parvati, the idol of peace. It was built in 1738 during the reign of shahu Maharaja of Satara. The temple is located in Kavlem and is also known as Santeri Temple among Goans. There are many temple devoted to the Sri Shantadurga in Goa and worshipped all over Goa. There is a legend which says that Sri Shantadurga is the combination of two forms of Parvati – Shanta and Durga. Shanta is the peaceful form of the deity and the Durga is the violent form of the deity. This well decorated temple has the image of Goddess Shantadurga in the main shrine. Goddess Shantadurga is bounded by the Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in the image. The roof of the temple is made of stone slabs with a five-storey lamp in the temple. There is a huge tank, a Dipa Stambha and Agrashalas. You have to take the route along the NH4A from Velinga to Farmagudi and then take a right turn till a T-point and then take left to reach at the temple in Kavlem.
Sri Naguesh Temple
Sri Naguesh Temple is located in the village of Bandora, 4 km east of Ponda. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. Naguesh is the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in 1413 and renovated by King Shahu, the grandson of Shivaji. It is among one of the temples which are still placed in their original place in Goa. It is quite similar to the Shantadurga Temple. Gallery of the main hall is carved with the scenes of Ramayana. Five storey lamp with snakes in the temple looks quite beautiful. The lower part of the building has brightly painted deities. There is also a century old water tank bounded by palm and weathered stones. There is a symbol of the Lord Shiva, a lingam, is in the inner shrine. On the façade, there is a image of Nandi, the bull, carved in black stone in the shrine. A festival, Anguish Starap, is celebrated in November.
Ramnath Temple
Ramnath Temple is located at a small distance from the Shantadurga Temple. This temple is devoted to Ramnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Deities of Goddess Laxmi Narayan, Santeri, Kamaxi, Siddhanath, Betal and Kal Bhairav. All these shrines together called as Sri Ramnath Panchyatan. Lingam and the temple deity came from the village Loutolim in the Salcette taluka in 1566. The devotees worship on their kneels in front of the lingam. One of the major attraction of the temple is a silver screen carved with animals and motifs. It is located 33 km from Panaji in Ponda. It is 14 km from Mapusa near the Shantadurga Temple.
Mahadev Temple
Mahadev Temple is located in the far east of Goa and built in the 13th century. It is situated in Sanguem taluka. The elaborate carvings on the pillars and walls are striking. There is a tower with the image of the Hindu trinity – Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma - carved on it. The façade of the temple is east side so that sun rays fell directly on the deity with the sunrise. There is a statue of the Nandi in the middle of the temple. The Surla river flows near the temple and worshippers used to take a dip in the sacred water of the river before entering in the temple to start rituals. Ten pillars in the entrance and the ceiling is decorated with flower motifs. It is located near Mollem National Park in Sanguem. It is located 73 km from Panaji and 40 km from Ponda.
