5 Hindu temples in goa

 6 Hindu temples in goa(popular temples) 

1. Mangeshi Temple

One of the oldest and most-visited temples of Goa, Mangeshi Temple is dedicated to Lord Mangesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is worshipped in the form of a shiva lingam which was brought to Goa by the Saraswat Brahmins. In 1560, the Christianisation of Salsette Taluka led to the transfer of the deity to the present-day Priol in Atrunja Talika. The key highlight of the temple is the seven-storey deepstambha which is a sight to behold when lit with earthen lamps at night.

Location : Priol, Ponda, North Goa

2. Mahalasa Temple

Earning a place in the list of unique temples of India, Mahalasa Narayani Temple is a must-visit religious place in Goa. Dedicated to Mahalasa or Mohini, a female incarnation of Lord Vishnu, this temple is unique as it worships Lord Vishnu both in male and female form. The temple houses a large brass oil lamp and a large brass bell which was used as a tool to testify someone’s crime. According to the local lores, whoever lied while the bell was being rung died within three days. The temple’s origin is dated back to the 17th century.

Location : Mardol, Ponda Taluka, Goa

3. Shri Shantadurga Temple

This temple stands for peace and harmony among people. Dedicated to Goddess Shantadurga, an incarnation of Goddess Durga who acts as a messenger between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Initially, the temple was a small mud hut that was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 18th century. Now, one of the largest temple complexes in Goa, Shantadurga Temple provides lodging to devotees as well. The temple is built in the Indo-Portuguese style of architecture with a deepstambha and a big lake.

Location : Kavalem Village, Ponda

4. Brahma Temple

Brahma Karmali Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe as per Hindu mythology. Many people do not know of its existence as Pushkar is known to house the only Brahma Temple in the world. A simply designed architecture, the main sanctum of the temple houses an intricately carved idol of Lord Brahma along with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Dating back to the 12th century, this temple was an important centre of freedom struggle where Mr P.P. Shirodkar of the National Congress took many sessions.

Location : Valpoi, Satari District, Goa

5. Mahalaxmi Temple

As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, the Indian goddess of wealth and strength. Originally, the main idol was made of black granite stone which was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1557 to eradicate Hinduism from Goa. The present-day idol is made from Panchloha which was carried by two non-brahmins, Sapta and Phato in 1557 itself. The key highlight of the temple is the 24 wooden panels that display scenes from the Bhagwat Gita. Mahalaxmi Temple is the most-visited Hindu temple of Goa.

Location : Yashwant Nagar, Bandivade, North Goa

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6. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple

Known for its magnificent architecture, Saptakoteshwar Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Goa. The temple’s dome is made in the Mughal style while the deepstambha is unlike any other in the temples of Goa. One can reach the temple by taking a ferry ride from the island of Divar. The origin of the temple dates back to the 12th century. According to the legend, seven sages prayed to Lord Shiva for seven crore years after which Lord Shiva agreed to their request of staying at the place in the form of a lingam.

Location : Narve, Bicholim, South Goa