Goa has long been a popular destination for travelers in India, with its thriving tourism industry ranking it as one of the top places to visit. Goa state is home to a variety of renowned temples that cater to a range of interests, from devotees to photography enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventure seekers.
To help make your Goa trip stress-free, we’ve compiled a list of famous Temples Of Goa that promise a captivating experience with their serene and peaceful surroundings. These landmarks offer an awe-inspiring ambiance that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart.
1. Shri Mangesh Temple – Most famous temple of Goa
The Shri Mangesh temple, situated in Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda taluka, Goa, is a popular and significant temple in the region. It is located 1 km from Mardol, close to Nagueshi, 21 km from the capital city of Panaji, and 26 km from Margao. The temple is revered as the Kuldeva (family deity) of Goud Saraswat Brahman, and its spiritual leader is Shrimad Swamiji of Shri Kavale Math.
The temple is one of the largest and most frequently visited temples in Goa, attracting many devotees and visitors each year. In 2011, the temple, along with others in the area, implemented a dress code for visitors to maintain the sanctity of the temple premises.
2. Shri Mahalasa Temple, Mardol and Verna - Goa
Situated in the village of Mardol in Ponda, the Shri Mahalasa Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mahalasa, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its colorful annual festival, which is held in February or March.
The original temple of Mahalsa in Old Mardol or Velham or Verna, Salcette, was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567, but the icon of Mahalasa was rescued and brought to this current location to avoid destruction during the forcible Christianization of Salcette.
The current temple in Mardol was built in the 17th century outside of Portuguese control, and the icon was reconsecrated here. The history of the icon before Verna is unclear, but some believe that the main temple of Mahalasa was initially located in Nepal and was then moved to Aurangabad in Maharashtra. During the Mughal domination, Aurangabad fell under Muslim rule, and the icon was moved to a secret location in Goa before a small temple was built at Verna.
This new temple has been recently built at the original site of the temple. This newly built temple is one of the most visited amongst the temples of Goa by locals as well as tourists.
3. Shri Lairai Temple, Shirgao - Bicholim, Goa
The Shri Lairai Temple is located in Sirigao, a village in the Bicholim taluka of North Goa. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Lairai, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple has a unique tradition of worship, where the priests of the temple perform a ritual dance called ‘Fatiar’ in which they invite the Goddess to enter their bodies and dance. It is believed that during this ritual, the Goddess grants blessings and bestows good luck to the devotees.
The temple is also famous for its annual zatra or festival, which is held during the month of April or May every year. During the festival, the deity of the temple is taken out in a procession around the village, and various cultural and religious programs are organized.
The Shri Lairai Temple is a popular pilgrimage site, and many devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess. The temple also has a serene and peaceful ambiance, which makes it a perfect place to meditate and connect with the divine.
4. Shri Nagesh Temple, Ponda, Goa
The Nagesh temple, located in Bandode village, Ponda district, North Goa, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is worshipped by Konkani Hindus in India. The temple is situated in a picturesque and lush green surrounding and is one of the few Hindu temples in Goa that has not been relocated from its original location in Velha Conquistas. Although the temple has undergone several renovations, it still retains its original charm and spiritual significance.
In recent times, the temple authorities have implemented a ban on the entry of foreigners, citing inappropriate dressing and conduct as the reason. This move was aimed at preserving the sanctity of the temple premises and maintaining the cultural ethos of the place.
The Nagueshi temple is a revered and popular pilgrimage site in Goa, attracting a large number of devotees and visitors from across the country. The temple’s peaceful ambiance, combined with its rich cultural and historical significance, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment.
5. Shri Kamakshi Temple Shiroda, Kamaxi Temple, Siroda, Goa
Goddess Parvati has taken many incarnations, which depict the many moods of woman, with aspects such as the benign, though evil-destroying Durga, her even more peaceful form as Shantadurga, and all the way through to her terrifying form of Kali. Goddess Kamakshi is another form of the Tripura Sundari or Parvati or the universal Mother Goddess.
The temple of Shri Kamakshi is located amidst hills in the picturesque village of Shiroda and was built in the late 16th century. A beautiful temple situated in South Goa, 12 Kms from Ponda town and 22 Kms from the city of Margao. In the village of Shiroda, a huge Mahadwar or temple gate leads to the Kamakshi temple complex known as ‘Sthal’ or more commonly called ‘Thal’. After passing underthe Mahadwar, as one descends the flight of stairs, the temple crowned by an octagonal, two-storied tower, with a golden Kalash perched on its Shikhar or peak, can be seen prominently.
Suggested Read: Folk Dances of Goa, Goan Dance Culture
The idol of Shri Kamakshi at Shiroda is believed to have come from Guwahati in Assam, where she is known as Kamakhya and which is her original abode. The original Shri Kamakshi temple was located in Raia village in the Salcete taluka. The deity however, was shifted to Shiroda village in Ponda Taluka between 1564 and 1568, as Captain of Rachol, Diogo Rodrigues, the then representative of the Colonial Portuguese regime in Goa, destroyed the Raia temple as a part of the ongoing inquisition. It is believed that a potter from the Raia village, accompanied by some worshippers of the deity smuggled the idol of Goddess Kamakshi across River Kushavati to safety in the Shiroda village.
6. Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Panaji, Goa
This Temple is located in the city of Panaji, at the Altinho foothill. It was the first Hindu temple allowed to be built by the Portuguese in Goa after 300 years after bitter opposition. It was approved by the Portuguese authorities in 1818 after a long delay and built subsequently on contrubutions made by the devotees. It was most recently renovated in 1983. The deity of the temple originally came from the village of Taleigao and was moved to Bicholim in the 16th century to escape Portuguese destruction.
The deity is Goddess Mahalakshmi (the Hindu Goddess of Wealth), made of black stone, with four hands and is placed in a silver canopy. This is the peaceful or Satvik form of Devi. According to the Shakti cult (worship of power), Mahalakshmi is the original Goddess who takes forms according to three aspects or gunas viz. Brahma (peaceful, calm form or satva), Vishnu (creative action or rajas) and Shiva (destruction or tamas). The deity originally from Mayem in Bicholim taluka was transferred to the present site.
7. Shri Saptakoteshwar Temple at Narve, Bicholim, Goa
The Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve in Goa, India, is considered to be one of the six great sites of temples of Shiva in the Konkan area. Saptakoteshwar, a form of Shiva, was one of the chief deities of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century.
The Saptakoteshwar temple is an ancient temple that was once the deity of the Kings of the Kadamba dynasty around the twelfth century. Historical coins from this era have been found that mention the name of the deity along with that of the King Jayakeshi.
During the years of the Inquisition, after the Portuguese conquest in 1540, the linga at the temple was removed. However, a local named Narayan Shenvi Suryarao smuggled it away and took it to a place called Latambarsem where it remained for three years. In 1543, it was installed in a temple near the island of Divar.
Later, the Maratha King Shivaji conquered the area in 1664 and during one of his expeditions to Goa against the Portuguese in 1668, he gave the order for the Saptakoteshwar temple at Narve to be rebuilt and the linga installed in its proper place. A stone plaque mentioning this order can still be seen near the temple entrance today.
8. Morjai Temple, Goa, Morajaee Temple, Morjim, Goa
The Shri Morjai temple is situated in Morjim amidst natural surroundings in the Pemem taluka. This ancient historical temple is dedicated to Goddess, Shri Morjai who is known to be one of the seven sisters who came and resided in different parts of Goa along with their brother, Shri Khetoba
This beautiful temple is recently renovated and is one of the most visited tourist attraction in North Goa. Since it is located very near to the famous Morjim beach and Ashvem beach, it is a must visit temple for all the Indians visiting this place.
9. Shri Chandreshwar Temple – Hill Top Temple of Goa
The ancient Shri Chandreshwar Temple, located on top of Chandranath Hill, has a rich history dating back to the pre-Christian era when the region was known as Chandrapur, the capital of Boja. Visitors can witness the magical illumination of the famous Shiva Linga by moonlight on the night of the full moon, which is believed to bathe the linga in mystical water. The temple’s location offers a breathtaking view of the lush green valley below and is dedicated to Sri Chandreshwar, the God of the Moon.
Accessing the temple is best done from the northerly side, where a road leads almost to the top of the hill. Visitors can ascend by scooter rickshaw for a convenient and hassle-free experience. While it’s possible to climb up from the southerly side near Veroda, the path is steep and can be difficult to locate.
10. Shri Shantadurga Temple, Fatorpa, South Goa
There is another Shri Shantadurga Temple located in the village of Fatorpa in Quepem. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Shantadurga, who is believed to be a form of the goddess Parvati. Originally from Cuncolim village in Salcete Taluka, the Goddess was removed to Fatorpa in 16th Century during religious persecution by the Portuguese. Hence the temple is called as Shantadurga Kunkolkarin. During the reign of Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shahu, the temple was reconstructed which was previously destroyed by Portuguese invasion.
There is one more temple nearby this premises of Goddess Shantadurga Fatorpekarin which is another example of beautiful Goan temple architecture.
11. Shri Shantadurga Temple, Kavalem, Ponda, Goa
The temple of Shree Shantadurga devi was originally at Keloshi. In Keloshi Shree Shantadurga Devi was known as Santeri devi and was worshipped by that name. Amidst the arrival of the Portuguese in Goa and their growing missionary activities, the community became apprehensive about the safety of their temples and idols.
Consequently, the families who worshipped Shree Shantadurga and Shree Mangesh decided to leave their homes and belongings behind on a moonless night. With the images (murti) of their deities and linga atop their heads, they crossed over the Juari river, also known as Aghashashini or Agashi river. They migrated to the region governed by Muslim king Adilshaha. They reached the village of Kavalem in Antruj and selected a location with scenic beauty to establish the image of Shree Shantadurga.
Remarkably, the devotees were able to find a new place for the installation of Shree Shantadurga with the same picturesque surroundings as those in Keloshi. The patron deity Shree Mangesh was installed in Priyol, Ponda Taluka, which is now referred to as Mangeshi.
12. Shree Brahma Temple, Brahmakarmali, Goa
It is said that Brahma, the creator of the Hindu holy trinity, was originally meant to have only one temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan. However, there is another Brahma temple located in the remote village of Nagargao in Valpoi, Goa, which is not well known to many.
The Brahma statue in this temple is magnificent, with an elegant and tall figure that blesses all those who come to see it. The sculpture of Brahma is believed to date back to the Kadamba period in the 12th century and is made of black stone. The significance of this temple lies in the fact that it is home to the original sculpture of Brahma.
Inside the temple, the idol of Lord Brahma is positioned at the center and is depicted in the Trimurti form, which represents the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. However, historians in Goa reveal that the temple faced the threat of destruction during the Portuguese conquest of the island of Tiswadi in the 16th century.
In 1541, the devotees of Brahma took the deity out of Karmali village in Old Goa and transported it to the Sattari taluka area, which was not yet under Portuguese rule. The idol was then moved to Valpoi village. Eventually to a small shrine on the banks of a stream in Nagargaon, where it remains to this day. The village was named Brahma Karmali after the deity and its origin in Karmali, Tiswadi taluka.
13. Sri Mahadeva Temple, Tambdisurla, Goa
Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla is a 12th-century Shiva temple in the Kadamba style dedicated to Lord Shiva and an active place of Hindu worship. It is an ASI protected Monument of National Importance in Goa. This temple is known as one of a kind amongst the temples of Goa.
The Sri Mahadeva Temple is renowned for its annual Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and fervor by the locals. During this festival, thousands of devotees from Goa and neighboring states come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple also attracts a large number of tourists who come to admire its architecture and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
Visitors to the temple are required to follow certain rules and regulations, such as removing their footwear before entering the temple premises and dressing modestly. Photography is also not allowed inside the temple.
Overall, the Sri Mahadeva Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hindu mythology, history, and architecture, and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
14. Shri Mallikarjuna Temple, Sristhal, Canacona, Goa
The ancient Shri Mallikarjuna temple is devoted to Lord Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This temple is located in Sristhal village, 7 km northeast of Chaudi in Canacona taluka in South Goa, India. Nestled in a valley entirely encircled by mountains, the shrine is renowned for its exquisite natural setting. It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Goa. It is said to have been constructed in the mid-16th century by the forefathers of the Kshatriya samaj, as indicated by the inscription on a plaque near the temple dome. Later, the temple was renovated in 1778.
15. Shri Damodar Temple, Zambaulim, Goa
The Shri Damodar Temple Zambaulim, also known as the Shri Damodara Sansthaan, is a revered Hindu temple situated by the Kushawati River near the village of Zambaulim in Goa. It is located approximately 22 km away from Margao and borders the Quepem region (Quepem taluka) in the southern part of Goa. The temple is renowned for its murti, or image, of Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Damodar.
Originally, this deity was worshipped in a temple in Mathagam, which is now known as Madgaon or Margao. However, during the Portuguese campaign to destroy temples in Sasashti Taluka in 1567, the Mahajans from Madgaon relocated the local deities, including Shree Ramnath, Damodar, Laxmi-Narayan, Chamundeshwari, Mahakali, Mahesh, among others, to Zambaulim. The Desais of Rivona assisted the Mahajans in this endeavor by providing them with land to construct temples and Vatan, which is still being paid to this day.
Maruti Temple - Panjim
At a distance of 3.3 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 28 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 17 km from Mapusa, Shri Marutirai Temple is situated in North Goa. The Maruti Temple is situated on top of the Altinho hill overlooking the Fontainhas in Panaji.
The Maruthi Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Panjim, It is said that the idol of Maruthi in the main temple can be seen even from the main road, through an opening in the basement wall of the temple. One can see the beautiful octagonal Deepastambha or Lamp Tower at this Temple.
Shri Maruti Sansthan is an example of beautiful architecture, bright orange structure against a green backdrop, and wide steps that begin from the foothill in Mala where an ancient natural fresh water spring, once a lifeline of the area still quenches the thirst of the locals. This spring has three tanks where water collects from the mountain before flowing into a reservoir.
The major festival is the 10 day long annual festival celebrated at this temple in the month of February. This temple attracts huge number of devotees on this special occasion.
Suggested Read: Tribes of Goa, Tribal Life in Goa
Goa, for long has been known as the land of Gods and Goddesses. A land of faith, to put it more precisely! The region is still identified with its villages, and the deities linked to these villages form an important part of the worship. Starting from North to South, these are few amazing temples of Goa.
We are here to simplify your Goa’s spiritual trip at Hinterscapes. Book our specialized temple tours in most affordable rates and let us give you a comfortable journey to all these divine temples of Goa. So contact us and then we can assist you.
North Goa Package 1
You will visit some of the Unseen & Unexplored Temples of North Goa
North Goa Package 2
Visit the world-famous temples of Ponda along with a visit to Dev Katamgal Dada, known as protector of village.
South Goa Package 1
We take you to the border of Goa-Karnataka to visit the most famous temples of Goa on the way.
South Goa Package 2
Unique tour of selected South Goa temples along with beautiful moments in Goan nature.
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