Famous Temples in Goa

Famous Temples in Goa

Goa is a state which is blend with both Hindu and Christian religion. This popular state of Goa is a very exclusive holiday beach destination and dominated with many hotels with the influence of Portuguese rule over centuries. During Portuguese rule in order to expand Christianity in Goa state as it is a predominantly a Christian state Portuguese have destroyed many of the Hindu Temples.

But later when they left the country Hindu devotees built many Exquisite temples that show rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty. The Goa temples architecture is not typically Hindu but rather a mix of Portugal and Maratha influence. Hence there are many Hindu temples bestowed in Goa that have a modern architecture as compared to the rest of India. The temples of Goa are known for their distinctive structural design, spaciousness and peaceful atmosphere that are unique from other Indian temples. Some of the famous Goa temples are:

Mahalaxmi Temple
Ramnath Temple
Mangueshi Temple
Naguesh Temple
Mallikarjun Temple
Saptakoteshwar Temple
MahalsaTemple
Sri Devaki Krishna Temple
Shri Damodar Temple
Shri Mahadev Temple 
Shri Shantadurga Temple
Sri Datta Mandir 
Shri Chandreshwar Temple 
Sri Morjee Temple 
Sri Kalika Temple
Sri Devaki Krishna Temple
Sri Vithal Temple
Sri Ananta Temple
Sri Bhagawati Temple

Mallikarjun Temple :

Most famous temple of Goa Mallikarjun Temple is a 16th century temple built by Kshatriya Samaj that enshrines with 60 deities surrounding the temple. The Mallikarjun Temple has beautifully carved pillars and is located at amidst an enchanting landscape teeming with lush greenery.

MahalsaTemple :

Mahalsa temple in Goa is one of the rich and famous temples. The MahalsaTemple enshrines GoddessMahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Since Lord Vishnu has another Narayan the temple is also famous with its name Mahalsa Narayani temple.

Shri Shantadurga Temple :

Shri Shantadurga Temple has got its name through Sanskrit language in which Shanta means peace combined along with Goddess Durga enshrined deity Goddess Parvati in this Shantadurga Temple. This Shantadurga Temple was built by king Shahu of Satara in 1738. This is the largest temple and most famous in hotels in Goa.

It is believed that once there happened a quarrel between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu then goddessParvati appeared in the form of Durga and helped to resolve the fight.

Mahalaxmi Temple :

This Mahalaxmi Temple is situated at the heart of the Panaji city in Goa. This sacred shrine of Hindu devotees Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity the Goddess of wealth Mahalaxmi. This  Mahalaxmi temple is the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese attacked by Alfonse de Albuquerque.

Shri Damodar Temple :

Shri Damodar Temple enshrines deity lord Shiva. In Goa this Shri Damodar Temple is one of the most tranquil temples in Goa hotels located on the banks of river Kushavati. This Shri Damodar Temple has  medicinal properties.

Earlier, during Portuguese rule they destroyed this temple and built the Church of the Holy Spirit in its place, but later when they left again the temple was constructed with modern architecture The main festival celebrated at this temple is Holi or Gulal. Loads of devotees from all over hotels in Goa join in the celebrations.

Shri Mahadev Temple :

Shri Mahadev Temple enshrines with deity Lord Shiva. The temple of Shri Mahadev faces the east so that the sunrays at dawn fall directly on the deity. This is the temple that belongs to the Kadamba architecture that was built in 13th century. The Shri Mahadev Temple was built with black basalt, which was probably brought from across the borders, as this rock is not found in Goa.

At the centre of Goa hotels Shri Mahadev Temple has a statue of the Nandi bull a Lord Shiva’s vehicle. But due to some attacks on the temple the head of the bull no longer exists.

Mangueshi Temple :

The Mangueshi temple is located about 21 km from Panaji in Goa. This Mangueshi temple stands tall amidst the scores of Hindu temple that dot the Goan landscape. This temple is one of the survivors of the destruction unleashed by the Portuguese.