Are you a soul seeker and willing to explore the pristine beaches as well as the undiscovered mysteries and tales of Goa? This guide will prove to be another milestone for you with this virtual tour of must-visit temples in Goa.
Although some of the temples are famous, the extensive and varied history of these religious institutions is still unknown. Even if architecture and history are not your thing, Goa’s temples are known to host some of the vibrant and unique local festivals in Goa. They present a different story to the previously undifferentiated portrayal of Goa.
So, let your soul dive into the peaceful courtyard of these temples.
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Let’s have a look!
List of most famous temples in Goa in 2024
The famous temples of Goa’s architecture are described as follows:
1. Shri Mahadeva Temple
The Shri Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest temples in Goa. The construction of this temple is believed to have been supervised by Hemadri, a minister of King Ramachandra of the Yadava dynasty, although it also shows architectural influences from the time of the Kadamba dynasty when Goa was under their rule. The craftsmen of that time skillfully carved beautiful designs on basalt rocks obtained from the Deccan plateau to create the monument.
Address: Near Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Surla, Goa 403406
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Maruti Temple
The magnificent Maruti Temple built on the Altinho Hill was built after the fall of Portuguese rule. There is a river of the same name next to the temple, which provides a soothing and refreshing environment. During the Portuguese destruction of Hindu temples in Goa, the idol of Lord Hanuman was hidden to spread Christianity. Till the end of Portuguese rule, devotees used to offer their prayers secretly at this site.
Address: Nanu Tarkar Pednekar Rd., Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
Timings: 05:00 AM – 08:00 PM
3. Mahalasa Temple
The Shri Mahalasa Temple, located in Mardol, North Goa, has been dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa for over 50 years. The temple is dedicated to Shri Mahalasa Narayani, also known as Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Built in classic Hindu temple architecture, featuring an impressive copper roof, a granite mandap, and a historic bell; visitors are encouraged to experience the calm and peaceful atmosphere of this temple.
Address: Mardol, Ponda, Goa 403404
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
4. Shri Mahalaxmi Temple
Shri Mahalaxmi Temple in Bandora is devoted to Goddess Mahalakshmi and has a distinct feature: a Linga on top of the deity’s head. The Silahara rulers and the Kadamba Kings worshipped the divine being. This temple, built in 1866 to replace the original shrine destroyed by the Portuguese, showcases the beautiful Konkani Temple architecture.
Address: Shree Mahalaxmi Sausthan Bandiwade Bandora, Ponda, Goa 403401
Timings: 7.00 AM – 9.00 PM
5. Mangeshi Temple
Shri Mangeshi Temple is a well-known temple in Goa and was constructed to pay tribute to Bhagwan Mangesh, who is the Kuldevata of Gaud Saraswat Brahmins. It is believed that the god is a form of Lord Shiva, named after “Mam Girisha” by Goddess Parvati when Shiva scared her as a tiger.
Address: Dinanath Mangeshkar Rd., Mangeshi village, Mardol, Goa 403401
Timings: 6:30 AM –11 AM, 3:00 PM –6:00 PM
Read Also: Famous Historical Places of North Goa
6. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple
Established in the 20th century during the reign of the King of the Kadamba dynasty, this temple was constructed for the devout wife of the king, and dedicated to Saptakoteshwar, a different manifestation of Shiva. Located in Maem village in Goa, one of the standout features of this temple is its distinctive architecture with a Moghal dome resting on octagonal tiled roofs, a tall lamp tower, an assembly hall, and a Mandapa designed in European style.
Address: Temple Road, Narve, Maem, Goa 403403
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
7. Shri Shantadurga Temple
The Shri Shantadurga Temple in Goa is among the biggest temple compounds in the state. It is devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga, who is a favored deity of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins. The temple was constructed in approximately 1715 AD. It was moved from Keloshi once the Portuguese took over the state. The stunning Indo-Portuguese design of the temple and the impressive deity statue are a visual delight and are well-known as a popular tourist spot.
Address: Kapileswari – Kavlem Rd, Donshiwado, Ponda, Goa 403401
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
8. Shri Kamakshi Temple
Built-in the late 1500s, Shri Kamakshi temple is situated in the beautiful village of Shiroda in Goa. The grand temple is devoted to Goddess Kamakshi, identified as Lord Shiva’s companion and another manifestation of Parvati, and also contains sanctuaries for other gods like Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu, among others. Thousands of devotees visit this temple daily, with the numbers rising during annual events such as Dusherra, Navratri, and Jatra.
Address: Shiroda, Goa 403103
Timings: 5:30 AM – 8:30 PM
9. Shri Damodar Temple
Located in Zambaulim village, along the banks of the Kushavati River in Goa, Shri Damodar temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Damodar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. This temple is admired in the city for its stunning architecture and is also famous for organizing large events for various festivals like the popular Shigmo festival, Mahashivratri, and Kartik Poornima, among others.
Address: Zambaulim, Quepem, Goa 403705
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:30 PM
10. Brahma Temple
Built-in the 5th century AD, Brahma Temple is an ancient pilgrimage site for Hindus located in the beautiful Carambolim village of Goa. The only temple in the city dedicated to Lord Brahma has a stunning black stone image of Brahma dating back to the 12th century, making it a unique and important attraction of this holy place.
Address: Taluka, Satari, Goa
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Conclusion
That is all!
These are some of the magnificent temples that add to the beauty of Goa. It will enable you to explore the profound history and stunning architecture of the region.
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