Shri Mangeshi Temple,Goa

The Shri Mangeshi Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be the most important temple in Goa, it belongs to the typical Goan Hindu temple style of architecture. It is very distinctive with its white towers, welcoming at the entrance even though it is small and exquisite. It is located on a Hillock at Proil which is in the Ponda Taluka, surrounded with lush greenery which creates a separate place in the hearts of the onlookers. It is 22 kms from Panjim and 26 kms from Margao. It is one of the largest, wealthiest and most frequently visited temples in Goa.

The Mangeshi Devasthan in Goa is a crown jewel of Konkani Temples. The Shiva Linga representing Mangesh, was originally in the ancient temple of Kushastali (Cortalim, Salcete Taluka). When the Portuguese destroyed the original temple in 1561, the linga was relocated across the Zuari River near other konkani temples. The current temple was constructed on land donated by a devotee in the mid- 1800's and has been renovated several times.

                                                           Entrance towards Shri Mangeshi Temple

Most of the Goan temples are noted for their chiseled architecture and their distinctive style. A beautiful seven-storey deepstambha (lamp tower), typical of Goan temple architecture, stands at the gates in the temple complex., set against a sylvan backdrop of woodlands and rolling green hills that is both pleasing to the eye and satisfying to the soul.
                                                                        Lord Shri Mangesh

The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure.

                      The deepastambha (tower of lamps) is a characteristic feature of Goan temples.

The temple has been rebuilt and renovated twice during the reign of the Marathas and yet another time in the year 1890. The final renovation occurred in the year 1973 when a golden kalasha (holy vessel) was fitted atop the tallest dome of the temple.

It is the biggest temple of Goa and has a golden statue of Lord Shiva. It has got Portuguese styled architecture. The temple’s premise was huge with a water pond on one side. I offered my prayers during my visit to temple. The place was peaceful with positive vibes flowing all around. It was really a great place with holy atmosphere away from noisy city life.

Annual festivals

The Annual festivals that take place here are Ramanavami, Akshaya Tritiya, Anant Vritotsava, Dussera, and Diwali. The main annual festival of this Temple falls on the day of “Magh Pournima” in February (it begins on Magha Shukla Saptami and ends of Magha Poornima). The three day zatra of Shri Mangesh takes place in the lavish temple in the Ponda district which draws huge and colorful crowds. Navaratri and Shivaratri are observed grandly with Makharotsava. And during the time of March the festivals of Holi or Shigmo take place here.

Getting There -

Shri Mangeshi temple is located at Mangeshi Village in Priol, Ponda taluk, Goa. It is at a distance of 1 km from Mardol close to Nagueshi, 22 km from Panaji the capital of Goa and 26 km from Margao. This temple is one of the largest and most frequently visited temples in Goa.

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