Temples of North Goa
Shree Bhagavati :
28 kms. from Panaji in Pernem Taluka. The temple, situated by the side of the
main road, is said to be more than 500 years old. Two life size images of elephants
in standing position, made of black stone on either side at the entrance, welcome
the visitors. The Goddess Bhagavati Asthbhuja in a standing position on a high
pedestal is very imposing. Dussehra is celebrated with gaiety from Ashwin Shuddha
Pratipada to Poornima, when over 25 thusand devotees assemble at the temple.
Shree Bhagavati Temple at Parshem : Situated at a distance of 7 kms from
Pernem in Pernem Taluka, the complex has five temples, main temples being of
Shri Bhagavati, and other temples are of Shri Sateri, Shri Dev Ravalnath, Shri
Dev Bhivangi Panchakshari & Brahma (Shri Vishnu, Shri Ganapati, Shri Shankar).
Devi Bhagavati temple has two Deepstambhas unique of its kind. Main festivals
are Dassehra and annual Zatra.
Shri Brahma Temple : 7 kms. from Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim.
This shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated
to Lord Brahma found in India.
Shree Chandranath : 45 kms. It is situated on the top of 350 metres
high hill of Chandranath, at Paroda, Quepem. Chandreshwar was the titular deity
of Bhoja kings who ruled South Goa before the Christian till the middle of 8th
century. They had named their capital Chandrapur after the deity. Shivalinga
is carved out from the rock which oozes whenever rays of full moon fall on it.
The temple is so designed tht Linga receives moonlight on every full moon. The
temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting. The temple’s
ancient chariot is well known for its wood carvings.
Shree Mahalsa : At Mardol. 1 km from Shri Mangueshi temple. The deity worshipped
is an attribute of Vishnu (Mohini during the fight between Devas and Asuras).
Main festivals: Zatra (February) and Navaratra.
Shree Damodar : 22 kms. from Margao at Zambaulim-Sanguem, situated
in picturesque surroundings on the banks of river Kushavati, popularly known
as Panti. Near the temple, the river is regarded particularly holy and is said
to have medicinal properties. The deity is worshipped by the Hindus and Christians
alike. A week long celebration of Shigmo is packed with programmes which includes
a colourful fair, exchange of gulal, collective meals and presentation of shows
on popular legends and folk culture. The deity was originally in Margao.
Shree Datta Mandir : 37 kms. At Dattawadi, Sanquelim and 40 kms. from Margao.
The century old temple of trimurthy (Hindu) has a back drop of a beautiful hillock
covered with dense groves of areca palms. The most important festival, which
is attended by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta Jayanti which falls in the
month of December. The deity is believed to have cured many people of unsound
mind. The entire interiro consist of white marble.
Shree Devi Sharvani : Vithal Maharudra Panchayatan the complex comprises
of temples of Jagrut Swayambhu Goddess Sharvani, Mahadev and vetal with his
life-size image of stone and other deities. It is situated in scenic surroundings
at Advolpal in North Goa, 2.5 kms. from Assonora on Pirna main road. Goddess
is known for fulfilling the vows of her devotees through Kaul Prasad who also
perform Tulbhar to propitiate her. Thousands of devotees throng on vardhapan
day. Divja Zatra day and annual Zatra day in November/December when procession
of Goddess is taken out in decorated chariot.
Shree Manguesh : 22 kms from Panaji (26 kms from Margao) at Priol-Ponda
Taluka. It is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills. Though small
it has an air of distinctive elegance. Its lofty white tower at the entrance
is a landmark of the country-side. This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
MORE TEMPLES....
