Shantadurga Temple is a large temple complex 33 km (21 mi)
from Panaji at the foothill of Kavalem village in Ponda Taluka, Goa, India. A
small laterite mud shrine was built and the deity was installed here. The
mud-shrine was converted into a beautiful temple whose foundation stone was
laid in 1730 and the temple was completed in 1738 and renovated in 1966.
The temple is dedicated to Shantadurga, the goddess who
mediates between Vishnu and Shiva. The deity is also called 'Santeri'
colloquially. This avatar of Shree Jagdamba Devi which had come to make peace
(Shanti) between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva, came to be known as Shree
Shantadurga Devi.
Shri Shantadurga Temple's walls are one of the attractions
to be seen, since it is an ancient temple. All the three directions i.e the
north, south and the east walls were completed recently.
The Shantadurga Temple is east facing. On either side of the
temple building are the big buildings of Agarshala (guest House). There is a
big lake beyond the compound wall in front of the temple.
Some of the important festivals that are celebrated at the
temple are Lalkhi Utsav, Muktabharani Utsav, Tulsi Vivah [marriage] and Kala
Utsav, Jatra Utsav.
The temple is well-equipped with Agrashalas and accommodated
with modern amenities and many halls. In front of the 'Nayanmanohar
Deepstambho' (the tall structures alcoves built in for placing oil lamps.) is a
lake which fascinates many people.A distinctive six-storeyed deepstambha and
ratha (chariot) with some gilt work adorn the temple grounds
Shantadurga is the Kuldevi (family deity) of many Konkani
Saraswats, Karhade Brahmins, Maharishi Saraswatis (Mahe Gotra), Vishyawani from
(Kokan region of Maharastra and Goa) and Bhandaris.
It is interesting to note that amongst some other features
of the temple, the dome. The dome of the temple is one of its kinds and is
listed in one of the best among the other temples.
At the entrance of the temple there is 'Nagarkhana' which is
generally used for instrumental purpose (light music), which makes the
atmosphere in the temple nostalgic.
Shree Shantadurga
Temple,Goa
The temple is engulfed with extraordinary scenic beauty.
This land is very productive in terms of vegetation. The atmosphere and the
climate is very beautiful.
How to Reach
By Train
Road Distance or driving distance from Madgaon Railway
Station to santhadurga Temple is 40 kms. Bus service is seldom available to
Shantadurga Temple.
By Air
Approximate distance from dabolim airport to Shantadurga
Temple. is 14 kms
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