#TemplesInGoa

[privebywhiteflower]

Explore the must-visit temples in Goa, a state known for its rich cultural heritage. See iconic temples like Shri Mangueshi, Shantadurga, and Mahadev, each reflecting unique Goan architecture and spiritual significance. These holy places offer a peaceful vacation in Goa’s natural beauty and vibrant traditions.

[swiggywala]

Originally built in the 16th century, the temple of Shri Kamakshi is located amidst hills in the picturesque village of Shiroda, 12km from Ponda and 22km from Margao in south Goa. On arriving at the village, look out for the huge temple gates (Mahadwar) that leads to the temple complex known as a “Sthal”, or more commonly called “Thal”. Once through the gate you descend a flight of stairs and the temple complex opens up before you. The view is dominated by an octagonal two-storied tower, painted in deep yellow and white as much of the rest of the temple is. The curvature of the roofs gave a very subtle hint of influences perhaps from China, although that just might be down to my ignorance of the architectural styles of Goan temples. The temple faces eastwards and has a large traditional open entrance hall. At the far end there’s a tall deepasthambh (lamp tower), and further beyond a water tank. The far end I think is the original front of the temple as ritual bathing would be done before entering the temple. An annual festival is held at the temple during the Navratri/Dussehra period in spring, where countless married women walk around the temple in the evening holding Divja or clay lamps. That must be quite an amazing sight, and a far cry from the deserted temple I found as the sun started to fade in the late monsoon afternoon. #swiggywala #localguides @googlemaps #goa #goatourism #templesofindia #templesingoa #goaphotography #goadiaries #travelrealindia #incredibleindia #shrikamakshitemple #kamakshi #shrikamakshitemple #shiroda https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb7yPwdv3qy/?utm_medium=tumblr

[swiggywala]

The seven story deepstambha (lamp tower) of Shri Mangeshi Temple, Goa. The Shri Mangeshi Temple is located in the village of Priol, about 22km from Panaji and 11km north-west of Ponda, Goa. It is one of the largest and most frequently visited temples in Goa, and is beautiful. This temple has its origins in Kushasthali, now known as Cortalim, a village in Salcete. Salcete fell into Portuguese rule in 1543, but the temple there survived until the arrival of the Inquisition from Europe in 1567 when it was vandalised and demolished. Prior to that in 1560 the Portuguese started Christian conversions in the region, and the Mangesh Linga deity was removed to Mangeshim in Priol, which at the time was ruled by the Hindu kings of Sonde. After remaining in the house of a temple priest for some time, the Shri Mangesh deity was finally installed at the present site. Ironically just a few years later in 1764 this region also fell to the Portuguese, by which time they had thankfully become more tolerant of other religions. The original temple was a very simple structure and has been rebuilt and renovated twice during the reign of the Marathas and yet another time in 1890. #swiggywala #localguides @googlemaps #goa #mangeshitemple #goatourism #templesofindia #templesingoa #goaphotography #goadiaries #travelrealindia #incredibleindia https://www.instagram.com/p/CbxROylv6c6/?utm_medium=tumblr